NEW YORK CITY TO EXPERIENCE AN OLE’ TIME JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS

Braata Productions is at it again with another event in keeping with its total dedication to the promotion of Caribbean culture in New York City. This time, it’s the Education & Outreach arm of Braata that will be staging Ole’ Time Christmas Grand Market at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens. Grand Market is a Jamaican Christmas Tradition that took place after Christmas morning service when the community would be out in their numbers in the town square, or any open area, participating in a variety of games, and competitions for all ages, lots of gift items were on display for sale, and food and drink were in constant supply and demand, and a great time was had by all throughout the day.

Braata will be re creating this setting inside the Jamaica Performing Arts Center for the entire family on Saturday December 14 between 1pm and 7pm. Founder of Braata Andrew Clarke is encouraging all to come out and partake in this very rich Christmas tradition that he holds dear to his heart as it brings back memories of growing up in St James.

“Those of us who cannot go home for the holidays often get nostalgic, and there is no release… the authentic look, feel and characteristics of the music, food and arts that comprise Caribbean culture particularly at Christmas time will be on full display in honor of the way past generations celebrated the festive season, I can’t wait for people to see, and experience it” Clarke said.

Patrons will be treated to various activities during the course of the day. As soon as gates on open at 1pm, adults can enjoy games including ludo and dominoes, a raffle, a food from vendors representing different islands of the Caribbean. The kids can enjoy karate demonstration, face painting and storytelling, while all are welcome to participate in the bun eating & sorrel drinking contests. Jonkanoo parades, cultural exhibits & films, lots of booths with Christmas gift items will also be on sale. To cap off a great day, a grand cultural concert featuring the Braata Folk Singers, Something Positive, Susan Kennedy, Matty Lou and a host of other performers will close out the day’s festivities. Music will provided throughout the day by Dem Dey Soundz and the Coalition for the Preservation of Reggae Music (CPR) will be doing a live online broadcast.

Braata’s Ole Time Grand Market is brought to you on the distinquished patronage of the Consul General of New York Hermon Lamont in association with Irie Jam Media Group and will be held on Saturday December 14 . Gates open at 1pm and the concert starts promptly at 5pm. Tickets are a steal at only $10 general contribution and are available at the following outlets

Golden Krust 2124 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn 718- 421-4914
Golden Krust 9529 Church Ave, Brooklyn 718-566-1557
All Nations Tabernacle 3584 Bronxwood Ave, Bronx 347-375-2037

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace 225 Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead 516-481-6602
The Door Restaurant 163-07 Baisley Blvd, Queens 718-525-1083

Golden Krust 200-08 Linden Boulevard Queens 718-481-8585
Jamaica Performing Arts Centre 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica 718- 658-7400

www.brownpapertickets.com

Sponsors for the event include Irie Jam Radio, Golden Krust, Lasco, Merrick Demmar, Emandee Acres, Caribbean Life, Streethype & Queens Arts Council

This “Ole Time Grand Market” is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support ofGovernor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature