All set for Groovin’ In the Park

Groovin' In The Park, New York City's premier reggae and rhythm and blues summer concert is just days away and the event organizers are promising fans a magical, full bodied entertainment experience this year. The all-day, family friendly outdoor extravaganza is in its 9th year and the event will take place on Sunday at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

Some of the biggest names in reggae and R&B will adorn the New York stage. The heavy-duty hybrid package includes multi Grammy award winning icon Michael Bolton and reggae's megastar Beres Hammond. Other luminaries on the lineup are Keyshia Cole, Third World and Sizzla alongside world-famous reggae selectors Sir David Rodigan from the United Kingdom and Barry G from Jamaica.

MORE THAN MUSIC

While most of the concert buzz on the streets revolves around the expectations from performers on event day, this year's festival is offering a whole lot more than just music. Mouthwatering cuisine is very much a part of the Groovin' experience. This year, the food offerings will primarily come from The Door Restaurant in Queens, and the catering has been expanded to go beyond traditional Jamaican dishes.

Gourmet salads, fruit smoothies made to order as well as other tasty tantalizers have been added in some sections, in keeping with trending healthy lifestyles. And for music lovers with a sweet tooth, freshly baked desserts will be provided by Sabrina's Delights, a division of Caribbean Foods Delight.

And for the first time in its over 200 year history, corporate giant Colgate-Palmolive is sponsoring a Caribbean event in the mainland United States by way of Groovin' In The Park.

"We are truly global and our diverse backgrounds and perspectives help us to respond to the needs of the millions of people we serve worldwide," Eugene Kelly, vice-president of global diversity and inclusion, said.

And for the icing on the Groovin' cake, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke of the 9th Congressional District of New York will present proclamations for individuals with a compelling track record of outstanding accomplishments in the global promotion of reggae music. The recipients will be announced at the event.