Jerktastick; Celebrating 18 years of Caribbean food, culture and music, Grace Jerk Fest, 2019

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper and MyTCNTV Network will be in attendance at the 2019 Grace Jerk Fest, which is taking place on August 9^th to August 11^th at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Anthony Plummer, the Executive Director of the Grace Jerk Festival is very excited about the 18^th year celebration. “Festival weekend is just around the corner and we can’t wait to bring the flavours and energy of the Caribbean to Toronto.” What is to be appreciated about the Grace Jerk Festival Team is their ability to adjust to the times and to recreate their brand. This year they will be featuring new acts, new food and new experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique flavours of traditional jerk-style cooking while taking in R&B performances, and hip-swaying entertainment.

As invited guests of Grace Jerk Fest, we have exclusive information for our readers to better prepare them for what is rounding out to be one of their most memorable festivals to date. Here is what there is to expect for Jerk Fest 2019:

Meet and greet boat cruise

To kick off the festivities, on Thursday, August 8^th, 2019, there will be a pre-event cruise aboard the River Gambler at Pier 31. Prepare yourself for a night of music and entertainment including live music by Spex Da Boss and a meet and greet with Freddie McGregor, Dexta Daps and Ginuwine. The cruise boards at 7:30 pm EST, so don’t be LATE. Your palette will be tantalized with the tastes of Jamaica’s best in authentic jerk cuisine.

3-night stay in Jamaica experience

Do you hear a vacation calling you? Grace Jerk Fest and Sandals Resorts want to answer that call by giving away one 3-night stay in Jamaica. Want a sample? The festival will welcome Sandals Chef Glenroy Walker, who will be provoking your taste buds with creative Caribbean-inspired dishes.

A Ginuwine experience

You will not want to miss this year’s entertainment line up. The festival has prepared for the community a line-up of talented performers and local talent. On Friday, August 9^th, catch the annual Love and R&B Edition, Men of Soul II, featuring four-time Grammy nominee and platinum-selling artist Jeffrey Osbourne along with multi-platinum artist, Ginuwine. On Saturday, August 10^th, and Sunday, August 11^th, Freddie McGregor and Dexta Daps will hit the stage for a memorable wrap-up to the festival weekend.

Jerk and demo tent

Visitors to the festivals will be in for a novel treat. You will be able to enjoy the tastes of the Caribbean with delicious jerk cuisine, as well as live workshops with Chef Walker and Chef Noel (Master Chef contributor at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper). Bring the Caribbean into your own kitchen with how-to demonstrations each day at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.

Customer appreciation hours (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)

You now will also have an opportunity to give back with Grace Jerk Fest by supporting the food drive for the North York Harvest Food Bank. During their customer appreciation hours (11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday), patrons can enter the park for only $2.00, plus a canned food that will be donated to the food bank. Your donations will also go towards The Caribbean Children Foundation, a Canadian-based charity that brings children from the Caribbean to Canada in order to receive medical treatment. The organization also sends doctors to care for children in the Caribbean. Patrons can donate online, or at the gates on the day of prior to entry.

Now that you are ahead of the game this year, all you need to do is purchase your tickets by visiting jerkfest.ca. It is definitely a weekend you will not want to miss. Follow @JerkFestival on Twitter and @gracejerkfest on Instagram. When you are at the festival, don’t forget to upload your favourite moments and use the hashtags #jerkfest2019 #jerkfestTO, and #GraceJerkFest.