When the Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville became unavailable in 2018, Ian Walker and his One Caribbean Inc team had to find a new home for the Jerk And Curry Music Fest. They chose Francis Field in nearby St. Augustine. The popular event returns there for a second staging on September 25 after being cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus. It will be headlined by Julian Marley with Everton Blender and Round Head in support. The main attraction, however, is its spicy menu of jerked and curried food as well as American soul food. Walker, known as Jah B, says patrons have warmed to his event since it was first held in 2013. He promises another sumptuous serving of Jamaican cuisine and music.
“They can expect food, fun and excitement from some of the best jerk vendors in Miami, Atlanta, and Jacksonville. We’ll also have some great soul food from the Carolinas. It’s going to be a great cultural experience,” he stated. Walker is originally from St. Thomas parish in eastern Jamaica, one of the hot spots for jerk in the country. He has appreciated that type of food since his youth. He migrated to the United States in 1979, living in New York and Ohio before settling in South Florida where he got involved in broadcasting on WAVS 1170 AM.
Walker’s appetite for promoting a jerk festival was whetted through his association with Eddy Edwards, a co-founder of the hugely-successful Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Florida and New York. Shortly after moving to Jacksonville, he noticed a lack of Caribbean presence in the city. It inspired him to start the Jerk And Curry Music Fest eight years ago. Music is another of the event’s main attractions. Tony Rebel, Spragga Benz, Glen Washington and Shurwayne Winchester are some of the acts who have performed on the show.
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