jamarchWelcome to the award winning Irie Jamboree, North America‘s premier reggae festival and an event of true international acclaim. The music and culture of the Caribbean region has certainly attained an unprecedented level of international acceptance and because of this we feel a sense of pride, duty and honor to have the opportunity to present Irie Jamboree each year. There is so much to be done but we are cognizant of the opportunities that exist and our mission is to deliver a product of superior quality each year.
One significant change that we instituted this year is moving the festival to the York College Outdoor Complex on Guy R Brewer, located a few miles from Roy Wilkins Park, home of the event for the past six years. York College has many exciting advantages including a municipal parking located in close proximity to the complex. The New York Subway and Long Island Railroad located just minutes away will greatly improve access for many patrons who use mass transit to get to and from the event annually. Our ultimate goal is to make the whole Irie Jamboree experience a memorable one for our patrons, and with this strategic move, we are one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal of creating a flawless entertainment outing for the entire family.
Performances by first class musical acts are an integral part of Irie Jamboree each year. This year’s line-up showcases another stellar and riveting cast including Grammy winner and hit machine Sean Paul who performed at our inaugural festival in 2003. Other top tier reggae/dancehall recorders confirmed to perform are Mr. Vegas, TOK, Assassin, Spice, Chino and Laden who will perform in the ‘Dancehall Hotshots” segment. Pinchers, Daddy Lizard, Shinehead, Flourgon and Lady G will be featured in the “80s/90s Rub A Dub Session;” “The ‘Roots & Culture” segment will feature Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Bushman, Ras Shiloh, Natural Blacks and Gramps Morgan. singers Freddy McGregor, Ken Boothe and Sugar Minnott will perform in the “Vintage” segment while “Canadian Imports” will feature 2009 JUNO reggae winner Humble and Reggae Music Achievement & Canadian Reggae Music Award winners Steele and Tasha T.
This year, veteran reggae crooner Freddy McGregor, Ken Boothe and Sugar Minott, who have collectively blessed the world with some of the biggest reggae classics, will each be honored with lifetime achievement awards for their outstanding contribution to the reggae industry. Gammy award winning DJ Shaggy will be presented with the Irie Jamboree Reggae Ambassador Award for being an international ambassador for our music, while Dancehall King Beenieman will be presented with the Irie Jamboree Reggae Solider Awards for his dedication and commitment to the genre. New York based djs Shinehead and Mikey “Mac Daddy” Jarrett, will also be presented with the ‘Irie Jamboree New York Industry Award’ (IJNYIA) for outstanding contribution to the reggae industry in New York. The awards will be presented at the 7th annual Irie Jamboree on Labor Day Sunday, September 6 2009 at York College Outdoor Complex in Queens, NY.
We could not have achieved this level of success without the help and assistance of our media partners (print and electronic). We are grateful for the love you have shown us over the years. This year in addition to our local media, we have forged partnership with overseas media entities who will help us get the message out to reggae lovers worldwide. Last year over 150 local and international media companies covered the festival. This year, requests for accreditation have stated to come in early from as far away as Asia and Europe, and this early buzz demonstrates just how popular and penetrative the festival is and how it is loved and respected all over.
A big thank you to Etana, Gramps Morgan, Assassin, Barbee and Lushy Banton who performed at our successful launch party on Tuesday at the trend Touch in Manhattan. A big thank you to our sponsors, advertisers, our dedicated staff, MC Irwine Clare, volunteers and many supporters. And most of all, we say thank you to our patrons who have supported us steadfastly over the years. A warm, Irie Jamboree welcome to you! We look forward to your continued support.
Thank you very much and enjoy!
Media Writer
