Montego Bay – Organizers announced that despite the effects of hurricane Katrina, the first annual Jamaica/New Orleans Music and Food fest will go on as planned.
“After discussions with the New Orleans co producers, we decided that now more than ever this event must happen”, stated Horace Peterkin, co executive producer of the event. In addition to the Aids Hospice of Montego Bay part proceeds will now go towards supporting Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s rebuild New Orleans fund with the funds specifically targeted to the musicians who were affected.
The activities will run from November 3-6, 2005 and has been billed “Rhythm and Spice Fest” Jamaica/New Orleans food and music festival. There will be a combination of civic, business and entertainment events starting with the” twinning” of the cities ceremony that will be held at the Montego Bay civic center on the Thursday afternoon.
A trade forum is planned for Friday morning which then leads to the world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach that evening for the Battle of the Chefs event featuring three top Jamaican chefs squaring off against three of New Orleans’ best. Entertainment for the night will be topped off by a fashion show and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
The late night crowd can then enjoy the sounds of visiting DJs spinning at Margaritaville. A Music Fest featuring six acts from Jamaica and six from New Orleans will be the highlight for Saturday. The venue for this event will be the Montego Bay cruise ship pier and will run from 4pm to 1am. The wrap party is planned for Sunday evening at Coral Cliff’s Rum jungle. Margaritaville, Blue Beat and Rum Jungle will feature different New Orleans bands throughout the weekend. Schedule updates will follow.
This event is planned as and annual event to showcase the similarities between Jamaican and New Orleans culture so that both regions can take advantage of these synergies to promote travel, trade and commerce. It is produced by Jamaica/New Orleans Fest Inc., in association Richard Lue (FullaIDEAS llc.) event coordinator and Walter Elmore (Turnkey Productions) with the assistance of JAMPRO, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, The Office of the Mayor of Montego Bay and the Department of Economic Development of the City of New Orleans.
