Freddy McGregor, Agent Sasco (Assasin), Ity & Fancy Cat To Headline Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, July 24, 2011, New York

Reggae stalwarts Freddy McGregor, who was recently honored at the Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in Kingston, Jamaica for 49 year of outstanding and dedicated contribution, to the growth and the development of reggae music globally is not resting on his laurels. The veteran singer will join Agent Sasco and the comedic duo of Ity & Fancy Cat as headliners of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival – New York. The event is set to take place on Sunday July 24 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, where thousands are expected to flock to the park for a taste of jerk cuisine, cultural offerings and a variety of activities making for an enjoyable fun-filled family day.

The producers of the successful and popular Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Florida partnered with VP Records and Grace Kennedy USA, Inc. to stage the inaugural Jerk Festival in NY. The event, billed as a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms, includes a variety of vendors offering an array of tasty jerk foods. A hotly contested Jerk Cook-Off offers professionals, aspiring chefs and casual cooks an opportunity to win $500 as well as bragging rights and the Dutch Pot Trophy.

A Cultural Stage will showcase a number of artistic and literary performances celebrating Jamaica’s folk traditions and will feature the Brawta Folk Singers, Something Positive and Mario Evon among others. Activities on the cultural stage will take place from 1:00 pm until the main stage gets going late afternoon where McGregor, Agent Sasco (Assasin) and Ity & Fancy Cat will hold court.

A Kidz Fun Zone will feature several rides, bounce house and other activities to keep the young ones busy. A video arcade will also be on hand to appeal to teens and a special children’s menu will be available offering jerk burgers, hot dogs as well as treats such as ice cream, cotton candy and other goodies.

Domino enthusiasts will square-off for enticing cash prizes and a chance to “drop a six love” and walk away Jerk Domino Champion of New York. This contest will pit rival teams against each other and promises to be an exciting competition.

Advance tickets are $20 and available online and at selected outlets including VP Retail store. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Day of event tickets will be $30. Gates open at 12:00 PM and the fun and gastronomic experiences continue until 8:00 PM. So come early and bring the entire family for a boonoonoonoos Caribbean experience!

The Festival is presented by Digicel and sponsored by VP Records, Western Union, Irie Jam Media, WBLS, WLIB, Caribbean Life and Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc.