Albertans are invited to indulge in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean through a sensory experience that includes delectable cuisine, exotic cocktails, infectious music, and captivating dance performances at the 3rd Annual Cocktails and Jerk Festival, taking place from September 1-3, 2023, at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre (Gazebo) Park (8303 104 Street) in the heart of Old Strathcona.
Presented with sponsors Captain Morgan Rum, the Old Strathcona Business Association, and the Edmonton Community Foundation, this festival promises an electrifying mix of musical genres pulsating with Caribbean energy and Afro rhythms. There’s no shortage of opportunities to let loose and dance the night away. Renowned DJs, mesmerizing dancers, and world-class talents, including Grammy Award winner Jemere Morgan and the youngest Juno Award winner, Kairo McLean, will grace the stage, igniting the crowd with their performances.
In addition to the lively entertainment, the Cocktails and Jerk Festival is proud to be a family-friendly event. Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting, arts and crafts, and games in a designated area, ensuring that every member of the family has a fantastic time.
Dewayne Taylor, the founder and producer of the Cocktails and Jerk Festival, shares his vision: “We set out to create a tropical staycation right here in Edmonton. Our goal is to immerse the people of Alberta in the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture while showcasing incredible local and international talents, food vendors, and artisans.”
Old Strathcona, renowned for its eclectic shopping, world-class dining, and lively entertainment scene, provides the perfect backdrop for this festival. Similar to the Fringe Festival and other beloved summer events, 83 Avenue will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic, allowing for the festival’s expansion.
Dewayne Taylor adds, “With each passing year, our festival grows, and we’re thrilled to return to Old Strathcona and the vibrant Whyte Avenue area. The space adjacent to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market is ideal, offering our guests an even greater variety of food vendors, entertainment, and an all-around fantastic time. Everyone can anticipate tantalizing food, positive vibes, wonderful company, and infectious rhythms.”
For a full listing of participating artists, food vendors, and Black-owned businesses, visit cocktailsnjerk.ca
Follow @cocktailsnjerk on Instagram for the latest news.
EVENT DETAILS
Cocktails and Jerk Festival
Dates: Friday, September 1 – Sunday, September 3, 2023
Location: Dr. Wibert Mcintyre Park (8303 104 Street), Old Strathcona
Friday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
After Party: Firelight Rooftop Fete, September 3, 2023, 8:00 pm – 1:30 am at the Pendennis Building
To ensure the future sustainability of the festival, this year is a ticketed event.
Registration: CnJ tickets
Press Kit: View photos
BIOS:
About Cocktails and Jerk
Our intent is to also make every Western Canadian aware of “Jerk Culture”. We are spreading the knowledge of the beautiful history behind this flavourful style of meat preparation. Edmonton’s top Caribbean food vendors will tantalize taste buds with this popular Caribbean street food. You cannot have a cultural conversation about the Caribbean Islands without touching on the wide variety of rums and how much it is a part of our heritage and daily life. Luscious alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails prepared by skilled mixologists help give our patrons the feeling of a relaxing one day staycation vibe right before the long winter period.
Jemere Morgan
Charming, soulful, and full of life!
Heir to the throne, the first to fill the 3rd generation of the legendary royal family of reggae Morgan Heritage, is the son of Gramps Morgan.
Jemere has toured in front of thousands across the globe as an opener for his family. From Africa, Australia, South America, and across the European waters. This 6-year blessing has instilled experience, hardship, humility, and understanding as he transitions into his growth as a man. In addition, Jemere has toured under his father’s wing during the Gramps Morgan solo projects. Jemere steps into his duties of spreading the word of love and unity for the people worldwide.
Kairo McLean
Since I was born, music has been something I have always gravitated to. When I was 3 I started playing the drums, at 6 I learned guitar, and now at 15 I am the youngest Juno Award winner.
I am a true connoisseur of all aspects of reggae, rocksteady, and sound-system culture. I take my cues from the likes of Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, and Peter Tosh.
The Steadies
The Steadies aren’t invited to the party, they ARE the party. This high-energy three-piece Canadian power band mixes pop-rock with world-beat, funk, and reggae, creating a sound they’ve dubbed ‘island-rock.’ Based in Saskatoon, the group performs over one hundred festivals and clubs internationally every year and has the unique ability to appeal to diverse audiences of all ages, genders, races, and genres. As much as they’re a band on the rise, The Steadies also have an abundance of experience and pedigree. Frontman Earl Pereira – a 3-Time Juno Award nominee and 9-time WCMA winner – first broke through in the Canadian music scene with the rock group, Wide Mouth Mason, and opened for music icons The Rolling Stones, The Roots, and The Tragically Hip. Talented drummer/studio engineer Kurtis Schultz mixes The Steadies’ world-class recordings. Guitar virtuoso Jesse James Clark joined the group in September 2018, which sent the newly-formed trio overseas for their first European tour across Italy, Austria, and Germany. By the end of the year, The Steadies had received a wave of the international press, including features on TMZ, and Hollywood.com. Stuff New Zealand, CBC, and Metro UK after a video went viral of Riverdale star KJ Apa (who portrays the iconic Archie), jamming with the band at their show in Vancouver. The band followed through on this momentum with the band’s third album, 2019’s “Tiro De Leone”. The Steadies have continued touring and recording, even at the height of the worldwide pandemic, which culminated with the group signing to Canada’s Bristol Records with worldwide distribution by SONY/The Orchard via Copperline.
Caleb Hart
No matter how many changes the music industry experiences, the one thing that always remains, is the power of a passionate live show.
Caleb Hart can bring something fresh, honest, and powerful every time he steps on a stage. A natural-born performer since he was a young boy growing up in the small Caribbean island of Tobago; Hart has been taking his music across Canada and around the world to Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Europe, Africa & the Caribbean full-time for the past decade, playing over 1100 shows.
From his inception as Bravehart to his success with Tasman Jude, Caleb Hart has also managed to win prestigious awards from Edmonton Folk Fest, the Western Canadian Music Awards, and more.
Saint and the 100 Band
Saint and the Full 100 Band is a group of musicians based in Edmonton, Alberta, and their genre of music pulls inspiration from Reggae, Soca, and Ska. They have been highly recognized and awarded for their contribution to the Canadian Reggae scene. Accolades include 2 WCMA Awards, Toronto Reggae Awards, Calgary and Edmonton Music Awards recipients, and a 2009 Juno Nomination.
Aurah Ariko
Singing since the age of 6. Growing up I was exposed to a wide variety of music genres and musicians who have influenced my sound to this day. I will describe my genre of music as Afro-fusion.
My goal is to make a positive impact in people’s lives through music. I want to contribute to society through cultural diversity, authenticity, positive thought, and self-expression of music.
Music has brought healing in my life as well as a tremendous amount of personal growth and my hope is that my music will do the same for Others.
Afro Fusion is a new, unique sound that blends modern R’n’B, Soul, and Traditional African instruments and melodies. My Music is deeply rooted in storytelling and creating stories that people can relate to in their lives.
I am a Zimbabwean-born singer/ songwriter and currently call Canada home. I am based out of Edmonton Alberta and I stay connected to my local community through Art and Culture. From performing at my local community hall to headlining for international Artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid; any place I am given a stage I sing.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Dewayne Taylor
Founder, Cocktails and Jerk Festival
Phone: 780-238-8033
Email: info@cocktailsnjerk.ca
