Hundreds to benefit from Groovin’ In The Park

Like previous stagings, hundreds of persons are set to benefit from Groovin' In The Park, which is scheduled for June 25 at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York.

Event organiser and founder Christopher Roberts said that from the production company to the local barbers and hairdressers, they all see an increase in their clientele during the period.

"We have successfully monetised every aspect of the Groovin' experience," Roberts said. "As is to be expected, shops, local markets, transportation, restaurants, hotels, and many more businesses benefit from the festival. With 20,000-plus patrons expected to attend the festival this year, think about the millions of dollars that will be circulated in the local Queens economy for 24 hours before and after the event ... from those in the food and hospitality industries, hotels, taxis, limo services, the local barber and hairdressers that will help to ensure that patrons attending the festival look their best."

The one-day festival will be headlined by R&B crooner Charlie Wilson, who has topped the charts with 13 singles, has secured 13 Grammy nominations, a New York Times and Washington Post best selling memoir, and several lifetime achievement and icon awards. Groovin' In The Park will also feature performances from dancehall and reggae stalwarts, including Minister Marion Hall, Cham, Wayne Wonder and Tarrus Riley.

"We had a massive celebration planned for 2022 which had to be shelved due to the pandemic, but we are excited to be back in the game as we plan for our 10th staging on June 25. We have a Four Continent Sound System Showcase that we have added, [and] so far we have booked Dynamq, from Africa, and Bass Odyssey, who will represent the Americas. We also announced Yard Beat from Japan and Sir David Rodigan from the UK," Roberts said.

He said the first Groovin' In The Park attracted just about 6,000 patrons and the numbers have grown with each staging.

"In 2017, we attracted over 20,000 patrons, and in 2019, we had about 25,000 patrons in the park. Coming back from the pandemic, we are expecting 2023 will be another stellar year," he said.

Groovin' In The Park also showcases some of the finest foods, beverages, clothing and Caribbean mementos. There is also an array of community businesses who provide various services.