Promoters of the annual Groovin’ In The Park concert in Queens, New York say their decision to present a diverse cast of acts has paid off.
According to Chris Roberts of organisers Groovin’ Inc, the menu of rock steady, reggae, dancehall and R&B appeals to different generations.
“The combination is a natural fit that is always highly anticipated and enjoyed by the audience here in the Diaspora. The attendance has grown approximately 25 per cent annually and based on feedback about the line-up from fans and early ticket sales, we anticipate a larger growth this year,” Roberts told the OBSERVER ONLINE.
The fourth staging of Groovin’ In The Park takes place June 29 at Roy Wilkins Park. The line-up has singer Marcia Griffiths as headliner along with roots-reggae sensation Chronixx.
Rock steady great John Holt, harmony group LUST and pop stalwarts Air Supply are also on the bill.
Griffiths, who started her recording career at producer Clement Dodd’s fabled Studio One in the early 1960s, is celebrating her 50th anniversary in the music business.
During her set, she will be joined by ‘friends’ including Judy Mowatt, Bob Andy and Tony Gregory.
In previous years, Babyface, Tyrese, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Steel Pulse, Beres Hammond and Barrington Levy have performed at Groovin’ In The Park, making it a hit with West Indians and Americans in the tri-state area.
“From our experience at Groovin’ In The Park, certain R&B and reggae artists attract fans from adolescents to seniors,” Roberts explained. “I believe Beres Hammond and Chronixx’ fan base spans equally from preteens to senior citizens. In addition, there are a large percentage of young adults who appreciate and support veteran artists like Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Judy Mowatt, Bob Andy and Tony Gregory.”
Groovin’ In The Park is part of a packed schedule of Jamaican summer events on the United States east coast.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival takes place July 20, also at Roy Wilkins Park, while Reggae In The Park takes place August 3 in Philadelphia.
By Howard Campbell—
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