Priest’s musical career began with him singing on the South London reggae soundsystem Saxon Studio International. He released his first major album ‘Maxi Priest’ in 1988. “Close To You” became American Billboard number one in 1990 making him one of only two British reggae acts (along with UB40) to achieve that status. He has worked with Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Shabba Ranks and many other big artists.
Maxi Priest Album Release Party was hosted by Pat McKay famous for her Caribbean program on SiriusXM called “The Joint” and sponsored by reggae music powerhouse VP Records and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
2 hours after scheduled time Maxi Priest finally made his appearance. “I want to give thanks to God and all the West Indians out there,” Priest greeted. “Tonight is a musical experience. We own this culture and we have to bring it together and keep it together,” he said and gave a preview of his latest album, “Easy To Love.” He revealed the new album features music legends Sly and Robbie and a duet with Beres Hammond.
Later in the event singer/actor Leon came by interacting with Priest before posing for pictures with guests.
Easy to Love will be released in early June and Priest will schedule to perform at BB King’s Club in Manhattan on Wednesday, June 11 and will make a guest appearance at Jamaican Jerk Festival in Roy Wilkins Park, Queens on Sunday, July 20
Jerk Festival To Celebrate Jamaica’s 50 and Grace’s 90 Jamaican Jerk Festival 2012
This year, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival will celebrate both the anniversaries of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence and Grace Foods 90th. Festival organizers are promising patrons lots of excitement, in a series of promotions leading up to the event. The one-day family-friendly food festival is scheduled for Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York.
Title sponsor, Grace Foods, the leading Caribbean food manufacturer and distributor, will again add spice with an exciting series of in-store promotions at several leading retails outlets beginning in May right up to festival day.
The entertainment on the Main Stage will feature singing sensation Tarrus Riley, Fab 5 Band among others as well as a Gospel segment featuring local gospel groups.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented in association with Digicel and VP Records, the festival is sponsored by Western Union, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Jet Blue Airways, Bigga, Irie Jam Media, and VitaMalt. The event is produced by VP Records & Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc.
Advance tickets are $25.
For more information email info@jerkfestivalny.com or log on to
Media and community leaders will be advised of plans for the upcoming Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, scheduled for Sunday, July 22 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. 2012 is a very significant year. Jamaica celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, Grace Foods celebrates their 90th Anniversary and there is much anticipation to see our athletes shine at the 2012 London Olympics.
Get first hand information from top executives from Grace Foods, VP Music Group and Jamaican Jerk Festival USA as well as community and government representatives.
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