The Love Boat Brunch Ride, a popular event for New York party fans who love their Jamaican food and music, returns August 15 after a one-year break.
Founder and chief organizer, Dwayne “Extacy” Reynolds, said the comeback event takes place on land due to Covid-19 protocols, at Archer Street in Freeport, Long Island.
The pandemic forced a cancellation of last year’s show.
According to Reynolds, the change in scenery is the only difference this year. He, Delano of Renaissance Disco and DJ Paul Michael, will spin the dancehall, reggae and soca hits while patrons savor Jamaican cuisine, including some of his personal favorites.
“Mackerel rundown was one of my favorite dishes when my Granny made it back in the day, especially when yuh get it with piece of dasheen, yellow yam and some boiled dumplings. But things change now, everybody a watch dem figure so we have to change it up a little,” he said.
Fifteen years ago, Reynolds launched The Love Boat Brunch Ride, a morning cruise around the city’s harbor. He got the idea for the venture after attending several soca/brunch parties, but wanted his to be unique.
“Every boat party is always the same. I wanted the food to be authentic Jamaican; no twist, just yard vibes. We even have ‘bully beef (corned beef) and bread’ or fritters with lemonade on entry. Who does that?” he asked.
Reynolds has been involved in the New York City music scene for over 20 years as a show promoter and sound system selector at mainly Jamaican and West Indian events.
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