Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival celebrates 20th anniversary

Over the weekend, Jamaica Avenue’s commercial strip, from Parsons Boulevard to 170th Street, came alive once again as Cultural Collaborative Jamaica celebrated the 20th annual Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival.

The two-day event, hosted by the JAMS Festival Committee, kicked off with JAMS Under the Stars, Friday, Aug. 5 at Rufus King Park. “We did it, Jamaica!” shouted Tyra Emerson, JAMS Festival founder. “Thanks to your support, we are 20 years strong and going.”

The celebratory event featured live performances from numerous local acts, including Arabic Sole Belly Dancers and the neosoulful sounds of Prscilya Marie. The festive affair also included a bounty of young talent, such as singers Jahlonte Poindexter and 8-year-old Julie Winters.

St. Albans saxophonist Ashley Chambers brought the house down with her melodic rendition of “Amazing Grace” and Sade’s classic, “Your Love Is King.” “Hello Jamaica!” the Columbia School graduate said. “I apologize for not being able to speak. I’ve just gotten over a cold. But regardless of my condition, through music I’m still able to communicate with you through this instrument.” Chambers ended her set with a rhythmic rendition of Rapper Dre’s popular “Hotline Bling.” The evening ended with some amazing moves by Nubian Gents, featuring Feminine Fire step teams, a funk session, featuring the John Smith Quartet and a soulful performance by Jazz artist Barbara King.

Saturday, Aug.. 6 JAMS Festival kicked into high gear with a plethora of activities. More than 75,000 tourists, residents and cultural enthusiasts descended upon the fresh air festival. Activities included live entertainment featuring a variety of cultural performances, including gospel singer Kim Harley, balladeer Veronica Daeh, Steel band performance from Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Youth Movement and many others.

In honor of JAMS Festival’s 20th anniversary, CCJ has been celebrating throughout the year, providing opportunities for local residents to join in. Activities have included JAMS Food Festival, where patrons were able to sample various cultural dishes, and JAMS Jamaica Fit Challenge, where local residents have been exercising, dieting and adopting healthier lifestyles leading up to JAMS. In honor of JAMS Fit, Jamaica YMCA provided Zumba, karate and personal training demonstrations and classes. Participants were rewarded special prizes, including a six-month membership in the Jamaica YMCA, gym bags and water bottles for Emblem Health and additional prizes from numerous organizations.

JAMS Festival transformed the landscape into a holistic environment of community, cultural and economic enhancement. Included were a children’s zone featuring fun activities, face painting and more; a health and wellness pavilion; mouthwatering treats from various food vendors; business and numerous service providers’ exhibitions; and exquisite arts and crafts from local artisans. In honor of this landmark occasion, JAMS Festival brought back its Classic Car Showcase, which featured a variety of vintage and restored autos.

Cultural Collaborative Jamaica is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite arts organizations, artists, local businesses, educational leaders and the community in efforts to strengthen community and economic development in Jamaica, Queens. Since its inception, the organization has successfully created and managed a wide range of collaborative programs that support its members and greatly impact community knowledge of and access to local cultural offerings, services and tourism. opportunities.