Photos By Cindy Palmer Photography

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Well I'm always up for a good Reggae show, and this was my first time attending the annual Irie Jamboree concert. I was hyped, and with a line up of artists such as Yellowman, Beenie Man, Assassin, Sizzla Kolanji, Prestige, Alison Hinds, Tarrus Riley, Asante Amen, Bugle, Serani, Demarco, Elephant Man, Coco Tea, Mavado and Tanya Mullings just name a few ... who wouldn't be excited??!!

Now I was running a little late because I was coming from the Basic Sundaze J'ouvert Boatride and made a pit stop to catch a couple hours of ZZzzz, but you know when ya head hit that bed, after a good fete, ya gone ... well I should say I gone! Finally, we made it over to Roy Wilkens Park out in Queens, and checking in was a breeze. Thanks Maxine! I decided to check out the scene backstage first. Walking around I met up with Livalect, this group blazing some real great chuneees ... big up!

By now, my stomach calling for food, and what better place to get some yummy Caribbean food than at Irie Jamboree 2008! Talk bout food ... so many stalls, I couldn't choose one.  I could do with some good Jerk Chicken, Peas & Rice ... and what you know, ah find a nice spot for one, thanks to Clippers Cuisine!

Okay belly full, so time for some good Reggae with a little Soca in the mix. Wow! The Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, made a special appearance which seem to amp up the Irie Jamboree crowd. She approached da stage, and all ya hear was a roar from da people! They love de Soca as much as de Reggae, and let me tell ya (if you didn't already know) ... Ms. Hinds could rhel wine.... ohh gosh talk bout "Rooollll, roll it gyal, roll it gyal, rooolll ... control it gyal, roll it gyal!" ("Roll It") Being a veteran on de soca scene, she definitely knows how to work da crowd!

Now straight out of NYC's Hot 97 studios was Jabba who started to bring the show stoppers on .... wha do you know, the crowds starts to get thick! Where all these people coming from?? Ya can't even move!! There were a handful of surprise appearances including one from Kiprich.

At sunset Sizzla Kolanji gets on stage and he always knows how to hype up a crowd! Moving on ...  Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley and Demarco were definitely welcomed with a great enthusiasm from this audience. Mavado was up next, for his first performance in 2008 in New York. It seemed that he's been M.I.A on the US music scene, and boy have this crowd missed him.... "Anywayyyyyy" and da crowd went wild!!! It felt like he came in, did his thing, and was out again ... like a gust of wind! "I'm on da go.....I'm on da go.... I'm so Special"

Towards the end the show, the one and only Elephant Man, known for his unique hair styles and outfits, did not let this crowd down what so ever. His ensemble was made up of a Jamaican Flag on one side and an American flag on the other .. it was a nice fit to his diverse personality. His performance, which included him climbing up a pole on a stage, was explosive. Since coming on to the Reggae/Dancehall scene, Ele has always put on a great show.

Overall, it was a great night for both entertainers and audience. As for this TJJ member, I will definitely be here next year ... as for my first time,  it was a great experience AND a show that I will not soon forget! A special big up to Taz, Spreadlove Bobby and Cali B, who always give Trini Jungle Juice much love!

One Luv,
Picture Dis Juice