On Saturday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Spice Island Cultural Festival comes to your computer, tablet and mobile phone via Facebook and YouTube.
In a message from Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Canada, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean and “dance in your living rooms.”
Enthusiastically supported by the Grenada Government, Canadian Government and The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Spice Island Virtual Festival hosted by the Spice Island Cultural Day Association of Quebec (SICDAQ) showcases the beautiful tri-island states of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique bringing together a stellar roster of entertainers who will lift the spirits of the many affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
A rockin’ day-long line up of presentations include a message from Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Jennifer Hosten, Festival’s Honorary Patron and Miss World 1970, who will recount her trailblazing journey as the first black winner of the pageant.
A showcase of young entrepreneurs in the Diaspora will be facilitated by Dr. Jean Augustine, Canadian politician and community leader.
An impressive lineup of entertainers include the Royal Grenada Police Force Band opening the festival with the national anthems of Canada and Grenada, steel pan performed by the 2020 Panorama Champions of Grenada, Angel Harps Steel Orchestra and the popular Commancheros Steel Orchestra.
Spicing up the day, Spicemas Carnival costumes, smooth Caribbean Jazz by Juno Award Winner Eddie Bullen and his sons, solo performances by Calypsonians King Ajamu, Grenada’s Groovy Monarch Dash, Grenada’s 2019 Groovy Monarch V’ghn, Grenada’s 2019 Power Soca Monarch Boyzie, Toronto’s KennyC and Montreal’s Doggies.
Montreal greatest Jab Jab Orchestra; Delta Antoine and Jenny Noel, along with Moko Jumbie dancers round out the busta move festival. More than 30 artistes singing Bill Withers classic “Lean on Me” will be produced by Eddie Bullen with funds raised through the Festival’s Go Fund Me page donated to the Grenada COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Caribbean cool deejays keep the beat along with Ridealonglive and Junior George, joining us from New York. Celebrity Chefs from the U.S. and Canada include culinary rock stars Anthony Mair, Lennox Antoine, Desaline Johnson and Leon Charles all cooking up haute and spicy dishes from around the Caribbean.
Messages from Grenadians on the world stage include Olympic Gold Medalist Kirani James, award-winning storyteller Richardo Keens-Douglas , face painting tutorial led by Johanne McMillan’s “Faceination” and Kevin Dolland, cartoonist and doll designer.
“This is the magic of our movement rising to this moment, “says Byron Cameron, President of SICDAQ, “we can rise to this virus with kindness and wisdom and make our Spice Island stronger in the process. Let’s go for it! ”
Everyone is invited to log into the Spice Island Cultural Festival YouTube Channel and enjoy a taste of the Spice Island without leaving your home. We’re all in this together! Stay safe, stay home and enjoy the show!
