Braata Productions, a New York based, Jamaican own production company that offers theatrical and educational productions in the tri-state area recently announced the inaugural staging of “Ole Time Christmas Grand Market” that takes place on Saturday, December 14 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. This must see cultural event is being presented under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica New York, Herman LaMont in association with the Queens Council on the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Governor of NY State, Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Legislature and Irie Jam Radio, 93.5 FM, WVIP.

The event will be a continuous merry-go-round of activities designed to attract both adults and children. A choral presentation of popular Christmas songs by the New York-based folk group Braata Singers will be a big attraction. Additionally, the venue will feature Jonkanoo parades, cultural exhibits, films, storytelling, ludo and domino games, bun eating and sorrel drinking contests and an array of art and craft vendors carry holiday gift items for sale. A colorful kiddie’s corner starring Santa doing giveaways will be a magnet for children and the section will also feature face painting alongside other juvenile thrills.

“Those of us who cannot go home to Jamaica for the holidays often get nostalgic, and the Ole Time Grand Market will rekindle those wonderful Christmas memories that take us back across the fourteen parishes to our childhood”, event founder Andrew Clarke said.

Among the talent booked to appear are impersonator and folklorist Mattie Lou, violinist Nadje, comedienne Susan Kennedy, Caribbean folk group Quake USA, reggae singer Nadiva, and former Jamaican radio personality Totlyn Oliver Banks comes in from the Carolinas where she now resides to read from her recently released book Jamaica 101.