Entertainers

Pictures and Bios of this year’s artist line-up! Additionally, you can browse through past entertainers as you scroll.

2026 Line Up!

21st Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival - Arts and Culture 2026 - Flyer

Caribbean American Dance Company - Entertainer - Taste of the Caribbean

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) was launched by Judith Williams on February 14, 2014. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the vibrant and talented Caribbean American Dance Company, also known as CADC! Founded by Judith Williams, CADC is a nonprofit...

Derrick Barnett & The Statement BAND (Entertainer)

A True Jamaican music icon—Derrick Barnett! Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Derrick Barnett is internationally recognized as one of reggae’s finest bassists and is widely celebrated as “Dancehall’s Greatest Live Bassist,” a title he has proudly held for more than 40...

DREAMA (Entertainer)

Welcome a remarkable talent whose journey has been powered by passion, perseverance, and an undeniable gift for music – DREAMA! Born Winston Churchill Burgher Jr. in Kingston, Jamaica, DREAMA is a reggae, dancehall, urban, and contemporary artist whose smooth, soulful...

Harmony Music Makers! (Entertainer)

Get ready to be swept away by the sweet sounds of steelpan as we welcome the talented Harmony Music Makers! A respected name in the Caribbean Steelband community, Harmony Music Makers has been sharing the rich tradition and vibrant spirit of steelpan music with...

IYAH PHANSO

Iyah Phanso - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist Welcome an artist who has been carrying the torch of roots reggae for decades - IyahPhanso! Born Alphanso Walker in Kingston, Jamaica, and now based in Hartford, Connecticut, Iyah Phanso has been sharing his message through...

Jamaal Minott

Born and raised in Portmore, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Jamaal grew up in a deeply musical family and began singing at the age of seven, performing in churches alongside his mother, who was an evangelist and is now a pastor. His passion for music continued through school...

Johnny Osbourne (Entertainer)

Born Errol Osbourne in Jamaica, Johnny rose to international acclaim with timeless classics such as “Truths and Rights,” “Buddy Bye,” “Ice Cream Love,” and “Water Pumping.” From his early days at the legendary Studio One label to becoming one of the most influential...

Entertainer - Greater Hartford Arts Council- TASTECT.ORG

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

Welcome a performer who literally takes entertainment to new heights - Melissa Craig! Known for her breathtaking artistry as a stilt dancer, Melissa combines elegance, athleticism, and vibrant Caribbean cultural expression to create a truly unforgettable visual...

MysticSaxx - Taste of the Caribbean Entertainer

MysticSaxx (Entertainer)

Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience! Hailing from the beautiful Spice Isle of Grenada, MysticSaxx is a dynamic saxophonist known for his soulful sound, electrifying energy, and deep Caribbean roots. From discovering his passion for music at a young age...

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

Nelson Bello is a Connecticut-based percussionist, recording artist, educator, and Hartford native. He began his musical studies at age 13 at the Hartford Conservatory Jazz Summer Program and continued at the Performing Arts Academy. At 15, Nelson traveled to Cuba...

Sound Pipers Band (Entertainer)

The Sound Pipers Band defines itself as a Caribbean Fusion Band, blending elements of Reggae, Soca, Ska, Rock Steady, R&B, Blues, Funk, and Pop into their dynamic performances. With a diverse lineup hailing from across the Caribbean, each member's musical journey...

St. Lucian American La Rose Solo Group - Taste of the Caribbean Entertainer

St. Lucian American La Rose and Solo Group (Entertainer)

Prepare to experience one of Saint Lucia’s most treasured cultural traditions as we welcome the St. Lucian American La Rose Solo Group! Deeply rooted in the rich heritage of La Rose (Lawòz), one of Saint Lucia’s iconic Flower Festivals, this group keeps alive a...

Entertainer - Terry Gajraj - TASTECT.ORG

Terry Gajraj (Entertainer)

Heart pounding, butterflies out of control, Terry Gajraj paced back & forth nervously backstage at the Brightstar Productions "Indo- Caribbean Show" in Toronto, Canada. Terry was about to share the stage for the very first time with many of his Idols to sing in...

Tribal Legacy Band - Taste of the Caribbean Entertainer

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

“If is party yuh want, is party yuh gon get” Tribal Legacy is: Richard ‘Ricton” Burton - lead vocals Lima Calbio - lead vocals Wayne “Bassie” Thompson - bass Owen “Dyno” Romeo - keyboards, vocals Dareem Chandler - Drums Get ready for an incredible musical journey with...

Toplane (Entertainer)

Local Connecticut-CT Artist Toplane to perform at the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. Get ready to experience the powerful sounds of authentic Jamaican reggae as we welcome Toplane to the stage! Born Michael Bembridge and hailing from the beautiful parish of...

Yasmine Clahar (Entertainer)

A true entrepreneur and creative force, Yasmine is a singer at heart whose love for music shines through every performance. Beyond the stage, she is the founder of an innovative Beauty Tech company and plays a leading role in social media content creation for Rehoboth...

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

Denise Belfon - Entertainer - Taste of the Caribbean

Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon – The Dancing Guitarist (Entertainer)

The name Denise Belfon is synonymous with sultry, exotic stage performance. An acclaimed Soca and Calypso artiste and performer, Belfon's stage sobriquet, “Saucy Wow”, has laid claim to a brand that she has undisputedly held for almost 30 years. Belfon grew up as the...

Don Minott - Entertainer - Taste of the Caribbean

Donald “Don” Minott

Donald Minott was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in Central Village, St. Catherine. He was inspired by Musicians such as Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy, The Heptones, Freddie McGregor, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Horace Andy and Bob Marley and the...

DREAMA (Entertainer)

Empress Dahomey (Entertainer)

Dahomey, an epitome of brotherly love, inclusion, fairness and a spirited force that exhumes passion for quality, respect and enjoyment, hails from the island of Jamaica and is recognized as an International Reggae sensation. This international reggae artist and a...

Glenroy Samuels - Entertainer - Taste of the Caribbean

Glenroy Samuels – The Dancing Guitarist (Entertainer)

Glenroy Samuels is a dynamic musician known for his roles as a guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and performer. His soulful guitar playing and powerful vocals have captivated audiences for years, showcasing his diverse talents. Best known for his 16-year...

Grace C. Wright Performing Arts (Entertainer)

Originally from Jamaica, Grace C. Wright now proudly calls Connecticut home. Grace began her academic journey at Saint Andrew High School in Kingston before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Hartford. She went on to earn a Master’s in...

IYAH PHANSO

Jermz & The Profile Band (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.

LANCE “MAC 11” MONTOUTE (Entertainer)

Lance Montoute was born in the vibrant Caribbean town of Castries, St. Lucia. Montoute known by the stage name “Mac 11”, is a rising force on the Soca and Dancehall scene. As he was growing up, Mac 11 found inspiration in the legendary Vybz Kartel, Eminem, and the...

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

Onesh - Entertainer - Taste of the Caribbean

Oneash (Entertainer)

Born in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, and growing up in Paul Island, Westmoreland for a short period of time, this lovely singer-songwriter” Prophetic Psalmist Camille Oneash Tomlinson Sloey acquired her love of gospel music listening to her grandparents’ albums by Bob...

Sound Pipers Band (Entertainer)

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

Yasmine Clahar (Entertainer)

Bem Bro's - Toplane Ent. (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Bem Bros (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

D’Radoes Steel Band Orchestra (Entertainer)

Radoes Steel Band Orchestra of Brooklyn, New York - Representing the music of Trinidad & Tobago.

Eddie Neblett (Entertainer)

Gospel Artist Eddie Neblett to perform at the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival, Hartford, CT

Glen Washington (Entertainer)

With a career spanning over four decades, Glen Washington has become a household name in the reggae music scene. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, he first gained widespread attention with his debut album "Brother to Brother" in 1997. Since then, Washington has captivated...

Grace C. Wright Performing Arts (Entertainer)

Hartford Lions Soccer Academy HLSA (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

JADHA – Double Dutch (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

Jermz & The Profile Band (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.

Klasik (Entertainer)

Klasik is a Haitian Kompa band headquartered in Boston, MA. Renowned for their energetic performances, they have graced stages across the United States and Canada, with notable appearances in Boston and various states hosting Caribbean concerts, carnivals, and...

Kwesoul (Entertainer)

In the sprawling landscape of Afrobeats, amidst the colossal beats that often dominate, KWESOUL stands out with his enduring rhythm. For more than ten years, he has dedicated himself to crafting authentic music that blends Afrobeats with influences from Hip Hop and...

LAREE (Entertainer)

Laree Laree is a well sought after singer, performing throughout the northeast region for over a decade. From solo to full band representation, she takes you back beyond her years all the way through today's R&B, neo soul, pop and even some reggae tunes. This...

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

Movimiento Cultural Afro-Continental (MCAC), Inc. (Entertainer)

Movimiento Cultural provides year-round artistic and instructional workshops to public schools, libraries, colleges, senior centers, and civic events. Wehave become a leading organization in elevating Afro-Puerto Rican heritage throughout Connecticut. Movimiento...

Narelle Ankh Creations (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

Nelson Garcia (Entertainer)

Nelson Garcia has been playing the saxophone since he was 15 years old - growing up in Moca, Puerto Rico, where he studied with Julio Vasquez. Nelson later attended Berklee College of Music and earned his B.A. in composing and music production. In 2009, he released...

Sound Pipers Band (Entertainer)

Terry Gajraj (Entertainer)

The Diamond Tree – Hood Hula (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

Toplane (Entertainer)

Inner Higher Heights Band (Entertainer) - Taste CT

INNAH HIGHER HEIGHTS BAND (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.

Jermz & The Profile Band (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.

JAZZ SHELBE (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.

MYKAL ROSE (Entertainer)

For over 25 years, Michael Rose - he changed the spelling to Mykal in 1991 claiming that this is the Ethiopian version of the name - has been recording and performing his brand of militant, hardcore Jamaican music to the delight of reggae fans around the...

CRAZY (Entertainer)

Edwin Ayoung, better known as Crazy, is a Calypsonian. He has been active since the mid-1970s and is one of the most successful artists from Trinidad and Tobago. Ayoung was born in Port of Spain, to a Chinese-Trinidadian father and an Afro-Venezuelan mother. As a...

Jabez (Entertainer)

Jabez was born Clive Provost in Linstead St. Catherine, Jamaica. He started singing at the age of 10. Jabez was doing secular music in his teen years, but the lord called him at the age of 22. And since then, he has never looked back. He entered the JCDC Festival...

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

Grace C. Wright Performing Arts (Entertainer)

AMANDLA BAND

Amandla Band:The AMANDLA POWERLINK CD RELEASE PARTY @ THE BUTTONWOOD TREE PRESS RELEASE The Buttonwood Tree welcomes Amandla, an original roots reggae ensemble moving and shaking the hearts and hips of listeners along the East Coast and around the world. Amandla...

Annicia Banks (Entertainer)

Annicia Banks is a reggae singer-songwriter from Kingston, Jamaica. She has toured the Carribean, United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe, using the dulcet tones of her voice to provide background support for internationally acclaimed reggae artists Judy Mowatt (of...

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

ELAN TROTMAN and friends (Entertainer)

ELAN TROTMAN: Sax-Man Elan Trotman has quickly become one of the fastest rising stars in jazz with over 15 Billboard topping radio singles. Elan’s latest release “Dear Marvin” pays tribute to Motown Legend Marvin Gaye. Trotman’s signature sound brings a blend of...

Greg Roy (Entertainer)

Greg Roy Bio coming later.

Jabez (Entertainer)

Janice M. Hart (Entertainer)

Janice M . Hart: Janice is a phenomenal dynamic Inspirational speaker, author and a performing artist, a true renaissance woman. She has appeared on several television shows from Hartford to New York. She has preached in several churches throughout the United States...

Johnny Osbourne (Entertainer)

Kali (Entertainer)

Kali Walé Bey (pronounced KAH-lee Wah-LAY) is a Moorish American Moslem, a native of Connecticut, and has been performing reggae music for almost 25 years. This summer (‘22) he has traveled across the country performing with reggae legends like Mykal Rose (Black...

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

Sound Pipers Band (Entertainer)

Sweet Noyz

This group was born out of the desire to keep the traditional musicculture of Trinidad & Tobago alive in Connecticut.The rhythm section is an intricate part of the musical landscape of the twin island nation and developed out of the African slavery experience....

The Hartford Steel Symphony

The Hartford Steel Symphony has been providing musical enjoyment throughout New England since 1989. Their musical genre consists of calypso, reggae, pop, classical, gospel, R&B, and jazz set to an island rhythm to stay in touch with their historical roots hailing...

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

Kwesoul (Entertainer)

Sweet Noyz

Jamaal Minott

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Hartford Steel Symphony

Nelson Garcia (Entertainer)

Los Calientes (Nelson Bello)

Grace C. Wright Performing Arts (Entertainer)

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

Terry Gajraj (Entertainer)

NEW RELEASE BAND

New Release BandFormed in the early 1990’s, the New Release Band is owned and managed by Earlin Henderson, who plays the saxophone in the band. A Belizean, Henderson and the founding band members wanted to present a unique blend of music that represents the culture of...

AMANDLA BAND

ANTHEM BAND

Anthem BandAnthem Band’s live shows rank with the best in the business. It’s a truly original sound that is creating a big wave. From roots to dance hall, Anthem can play it all and with their own diversity. This is truly a treat for all music lovers. Anthem has...

2020 – Virtual

2020 brought the need for The Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival to go Virtual! Please sit back relax and enjoy a 14 year walk down memory lane!

Watch Virtual Festival

2019 Entertainers

CULTURE

Culture is reggae’s preeminent harmony group. Born in the ‘70s golden age of reggae, Culture’s legendary “Two Sevens Clash” was Reggae Album of the Year in 1977 and is acknowledged today by Rolling Stone Magazine as #25 of the 50 all-time coolest records (the only...

Alrick “Antic” Earle

Christened Alrick Earle, Antic was born and musically groomed in the garden parish of St Ann, Jamaica. He fell in love with music at a young age, one could say that he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his famous uncle, the legendary reggae artist Burning...

Sweet Noyz

Jamaal Minott

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Hartford Steel Symphony

Nelson Garcia (Entertainer)

Grace C. Wright Performing Arts (Entertainer)

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

Sylvester Zachary Lockhart (POSER)

Culture is reggae’s preeminent harmony group. Born in the ‘70s golden age of reggae, Culture’s legendary “Two Sevens Clash” Sylvester Zachary Lockhart (POSER) grew up in a little village of Sangre Grande called Matura. He attended school in Sangre Grande then moved to...

Terry Gajraj (Entertainer)

AMANDLA BAND

ANTHEM BAND

SLEDGE

SLEDGE - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist

TASHA TRENDY

IYAH PHANSO

Entertainer - Dorette Sterling- TASTECT.ORG

DORRETTE STERLING

Dorette SterlingDorrette Sterling, born in Kingston Jamaica, migrated fo US in late 70's as a young child. Dorrette, the only girl in family of boys, discovered her vocal talent at a young age singing in church. Growing up in the US she felt the need to embrace her...

NEW RELEASE BAND

AMANDLA BAND

ANTHEM BAND

HEZRON

Hezron Clarke - Jamaican Born Reggae ArtistHezron Clarke was born and raised in Moy Hall District, St. James, Jamaica. Hezron developed his talent while he was an ardent member of his church choir and his musical gift became evident to his family and friends who...

SINGING FRANCINE

Francine Edwards (stage name: Singing Francine) has long been considered a singer and lyricist of great gifts. Having been properly nurtured as a chorister in the hallowed halls of St. Michael's Cathedral, Barbados the island of her birth, she became a ballad singer,...

ELAN TROTMAN

Elan Trotman - Barbadian Contemporary Jazz Saxophonisting Yellowman - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist Saxophonist Elan Trotman has quickly become one of contemporary jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers, and continues to stand out and push boundaries as a...

KING YELLOWMAN & The Sagittarius Band

King Yellowman is a Jamaican dancehall reggae performer whose stage name references his white skin due to albinism, a genetic defect causing an absence of the pigment melanin.. King Yellowman gained wide popularity in the dancehall reggae scene of the 1980s. A series...

SLEDGE

SLEDGE - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist

IYAH PHANSO

DORRETTE STERLING

LAREE (Entertainer)

J.Cee

Jermet aka J.Cee is a strong, energetic and warm individual who grew up on sound Christian principles. She started singing in church at the age of three. Children’s choir, youth choir, other singing groups -to soloist is the sequential progress of this Psalmist....

SAGA DEE

Saga Dee - Trinadad & Tobago Soca Recording Artist Clint Mc Coy who goes by the artiste name (Saga Dee) served as a soldier in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment for eight years before migrating to the United States. During his military career he performed and sang...

LUCIANO

Luciano - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist An inspirational songwriter and recording artist, a brilliant performing star and international ambassador of Jamaican popular Reggae music, Jepther W. McClymont aka Luciano was born in Davey Town, near Mandeville in the parish of...

ELAN TROTMAN

DORRETTE STERLING

NEW RELEASE BAND

AMANDLA BAND

Past Entertainers Archives

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Video – 2024 Taste of the Caribbean CT Highlights

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Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival returns to The Hartford Health Care Stage @Mortensen Riverfront Plaza On Saturday, August 3

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Festival Location & Host

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, USA

Contact Us

Emails Us:
info@tastect.org

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(860) 595-2984

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Taste Of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival
P.O. Box 1604
Hartford, CT 06144-1604

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