Two staple reggae events return Memorial Day weekend, giving music lovers choices to hear old-school reggae or a mix of contemporary and classic tunes.
The 11th Annual Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival finds a new home at the South Florida Fair Grounds, providing access to more breathing room and parking, organizers say. And the 8th Annual Best of the Best Music Fest in Miami says it has returned to its all Caribbean artists’ roots.
The Best of the Best is all about the music. Artist after artist hit the stage bringing their flavor and performance to event-goers, which sometimes tops out at 25,000. On Sunday, May 25 at Bayfront Park, expect to hear from Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Cocoa Tea, Etana, Tarus Riley and Elephant Man among others. Gates open at 2 p.m.
For a few years, Best of the Best expanded the show to include hip-hop artists, who were in town to participate in Urban Beach weekend activities, which also happen Memorial Day weekend.
This year, organizers say “they are bringing Caribbean culture to South Florida … with a 100 percent Caribbean lineup.”
Recover from Best of the Best and head north the next day to get another dose of reggae invasion.
“Queen of Reggae” Marcia Griffiths headlines the Palm Beach show on Memorial Day, May 26, along with international reggae icon Frankie Paul, dance hall superstars Mr. Vegas and Josey Wales, and lover’s rock neophyte Romain Virgo.
As the jerk festival name suggests, this event is about the food as well as the music. Billed as a family event, organizers say event-goers will have access to bounce houses, face painting, jerk cook-off contests and local vendors.
The festival, at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd, in West Palm Beach, opens at 2 p.m.
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