The Sixth Annual Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival (JAMS), the largest two-day
outdoor celebration in Queens, will feature a free evening concert with top Latin, Jazz
and R&B groups on Friday, Aug….
Weekend of Fun, Free Events, Favors and Festivities
The Sixth Annual Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival (JAMS), the largest two-day
outdoor celebration in Queens, will feature a free evening concert with top Latin, Jazz
and R&B groups on Friday, Aug. 2nd, and a tantalizing all-day street extravaganza
with attractions for the entire family to enjoy on Saturday, Aug. 3, right in downtown
Jamaica. JAMS, which last year brought more than 60,000 people to Jamaica Center,
attracts people from all parts of the city.
The JAMS Under the Stars concert takes place on Friday in King Park, Jamaica Avenue
at 153rd Street, from 7p.m. – 10p.m. People should bring blankets or chairs. This kick-off
performance will present:
• Bobby Matos & The Latin Jazz All-Stars with Larry Harlow
• The Marvelettes, the popular female R&B group of the 60s
• SLAVE, a swinging and well known Funk Band of the 80s
On Saturday, from 11 a.m. -7 p.m., the JAMS Festival will electrify the section of the Jamaica Business Improvement District along “The Avenue” from Parsons Blvd. to 169th St., with stimulating sales, activities and amusements that will punctuate the 10-block
festival. Offerings from colorful merchants and event vendors, two stages of live music and
other entertainment, food and fun interspersed with multi-cultural services, health
screenings, and exhibitions are sure to titillate and please the senses of each family
member.
The Kids Block, with its free rides, shows and workshops, will be astir with the glee and
buoyancy of youngsters, while Memory Lane, an exhibition and oral renderings of “How
Jamaica Used To Be” will enlighten and thrill the older adults, as will the display of
antique cars, sightseeing, or a tour, with gospel song, of the historic Tabernacle of
Prayer.
There will be something for everyone among the syncopated rhythms and music
expected to fill the air from the Kadar Khan Kalavant Tabla Drummers, Steve Kroon,
Lesette Wilson, GQ or Coco Sukali—just to name a few of the performing artists. The
coup de grace, culminating the festival, will be The Weldon Irvine Memorial Funkfest,
lead by Don Blackman & The Family Tradition, with participating special guest artists.
So much to see and so much to do! That's JAMS! Thanks to the JAMS Planning
Committee, which includes Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall’s Office,
Cultural Collaborative Jamaica, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, the Jamaica
Business Improvement District, and a host of corporations, community groups and
organizations. A list of members and sponsors is provided.
Jamaica Center is easily accessible by public transportation with many bus lines, the
LIRR, and the E, J and Z subway lines coming directly or within close proximity to the
Festival area. Parking is limited and the use of public transportation is encouraged.
For additional information call 718.526.3217.
