New York: Caribbean fever will take over the tri-state area on Memorial Day, Monday May 26 with the staging of the inaugural Oracabessa Festival at Roy Wilkins Park in NY. Festival organisers Irie Jam Media Radio and Bobby Clarke Entertainment are gearing up for a fun-filled, family festival that will present phenomenal entertainment.

"We are promising patrons a one of a kind festival experience that will be out of this world" Irie Jam Radio founder Bobby Clarke disclosed.

The year's lineup of performing stars include immortal favorites such as Beenieman, Konshens and Assassin. NBC's the Voice season five winner Tessanne Chin will also perform. And to drive the entertainment to insanely hypnotic levels, organisers have added a 'Muss Buss Star" stage that will feature rising stars from the Diaspora.

A Cultural Stage will feature Andrew Clarke's Braata Folk Singers. A sizzling fashion show (Irie Fashion Rave) featuring local area models and designers will also be presented. Other attractions include The Caribbean Heritage Awards, Domino Championship, 'Ludi' Playoffs, Kids Amusement Area, Business Expo, Health Pavilion, Arts & Craft and a Gospel Band Stage.

Clarke said the need for a festival of this kind was necessary to bridge the cultural divide between Caribbean nationals who migrated to USA over the past 40 years and their first and second generation offspring's who are not very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Caribbean.  

"We feel it is our duty as leaders in the community to putting together this new type of a cultural festival for the Caribbean diaspora. Fact is that our language, food and everyday rituals are all unique cultural expressions that set us apart. We can and must preserve the folk wisdom of our elders by staging events like the Oracabessa Festival that will not only entertain patrons but will educate them about their culture and assist with the long term preservation of our Jamaican/Caribbean heritage" Clarke said.

MC for the festival are Chris Dubb Master, DJ Roy, Raggashanti, Jabba and Felicia Loud.

Concert tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at local area Caribbean outlets and online at www.iriejamradio.com