Entertainers

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

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2023 Entertainer
Line Up!

TASTECT.ORG - 2023 Flyer - 18th Annual Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival of Hartford, CT

2023 Entertainers

Entertainer -CADC - Caribbean American Dance Company - TASTECT.ORG

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) was launched by Judith Williams on February 14, 2014. CADC is dedicated to bringing the fun and challenge of dancing to The Greater Hartford Community by offering private and group lessons of all ages. We will provide a...
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CRAZY (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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Inner Higher Heights Band (Entertainer) - Taste CT

INNAH HIGHER HEIGHTS BAND (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.
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JABEZ (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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JAZZ Shelbe (Entertainer) - Taste CT

JAZZ SHELBE (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.
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Mykal Rose (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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NELSON BELLO (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

Hartford, Connecticut native Nelson Bello is one of the premier percussionists to emerge from the Capital Region over the past twenty years. Honing his craft Nelson participated in and went on to complete musical training at such prestigious institutions as The...
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PROFILE BAND (Entertainer) - Taste CT

PROFILE BAND (Entertainer)

Entertainer Bio TBA.
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The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer) - Taste CT

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

“If is party yuh want, is party yuh gon get” Tribal Legacy is: Richard ‘Ricton” Burton - lead vocals Charmaine “Ladi Charms” John- lead vocals Wayne “Bassie” Thompson - bass Owen “Dyno” Romeo - keyboards, vocals Tribal Legacy exhibits a distinct party music sound that...
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2022 Entertainers

Amandla Band - TasteCT

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...
Read More
Annicia Banks - TasteCT

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...
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Entertainer -CADC - Caribbean American Dance Company - TASTECT.ORG

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) was launched by Judith Williams on February 14, 2014. CADC is dedicated to bringing the fun and challenge of dancing to The Greater Hartford Community by offering private and group lessons of all ages. We will provide a...
Read More
ELAN TROTMAN (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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Grey Roy (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Greg Roy (Entertainer)

Greg Roy Bio coming later.
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JABEZ (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
Read More
Janice M. Hart (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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Johnny Osbourne (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Johnny Osbourne (Entertainer)

The "Godfather of Dancehall" is a well-deserved moniker for Errol "Johnny" Osbourne describing his contribution to reggae music as it has evolved from the local Jamaican community to the international arena. His song "Sing Jay Stylee" is viewed by many as the...
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KALI (Entertainer) - Taste CT

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...
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NELSON BELLO (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Nelson Bello (Entertainer)

Hartford, Connecticut native Nelson Bello is one of the premier percussionists to emerge from the Capital Region over the past twenty years. Honing his craft Nelson participated in and went on to complete musical training at such prestigious institutions as The...
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SOUND PIPERS (Entertainer) - Taste CT

Sound Pipers Band (Entertainer)

Founded in 2019, the Sound Pipers Band is a Caribbean band that specializes in Reggae, SOCA, R&B and Funk. The members of the band come from various parts of the Caribbean and the Americas. Their choice of music is heavily influence by some of the greats, from Bob...
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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....
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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...
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The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer) - Taste CT

The Tribal Legacy Band (Entertainer)

“If is party yuh want, is party yuh gon get” Tribal Legacy is: Richard ‘Ricton” Burton - lead vocals Charmaine “Ladi Charms” John- lead vocals Wayne “Bassie” Thompson - bass Owen “Dyno” Romeo - keyboards, vocals Tribal Legacy exhibits a distinct party music sound that...
Read More

2021 – Entertainers

Kwesoul

Hailing from the town of Kokomlemle in the Accra Metropolitan district of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, KweSoul describes himself as an Ashanti Ghanaian. He is a rapper, singer and dancehall Artiste who, according to him, was honored as the best African Reggae...
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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....
Read More
Entertainer - JAMAAL - TASTECT.ORG

Jamaal Minott

Jamaal Minott grew up in Portmore, St Catherine, Jamaica, in a musical family. He started singing at the age of 7 and sang in churches he visited with his mother, who was at the time, an evangelist, she is now a pastor. Later, he started singing in choirs, and became...
Read More
Entertainer -CADC - Caribbean American Dance Company - TASTECT.ORG

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) was launched by Judith Williams on February 14, 2014. CADC is dedicated to bringing the fun and challenge of dancing to The Greater Hartford Community by offering private and group lessons of all ages. We will provide a...
Read More

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...
Read More

Nelson Garcia

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...
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Los Calientes (Nelson Bello)

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Entertainer - GRACE WRIGHT COMPANY - TASTECT.ORG

Grace Wright Company

More info coming soon.
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Entertainer - Greater Hartford Arts Council- TASTECT.ORG

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

More info coming soon.
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Entertainer - Terry Gajraj - TASTECT.ORG

Terry Gajraj

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...
Read More

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...
Read More
Amandla Band - TasteCT

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...
Read More
Entertainer - Anthem Band - TASTECT.ORG

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...
Read More

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

Entertainer - CULTURE - TASTECT.ORG

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...
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Entertainer - ANTIC - TASTECT.ORG

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...
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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....
Read More
Entertainer - JAMAAL - TASTECT.ORG

Jamaal Minott

Jamaal Minott grew up in Portmore, St Catherine, Jamaica, in a musical family. He started singing at the age of 7 and sang in churches he visited with his mother, who was at the time, an evangelist, she is now a pastor. Later, he started singing in choirs, and became...
Read More
Entertainer -CADC - Caribbean American Dance Company - TASTECT.ORG

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC) was launched by Judith Williams on February 14, 2014. CADC is dedicated to bringing the fun and challenge of dancing to The Greater Hartford Community by offering private and group lessons of all ages. We will provide a...
Read More

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...
Read More

Nelson Garcia

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...
Read More
Entertainer - GRACE WRIGHT COMPANY - TASTECT.ORG

Grace Wright Company

More info coming soon.
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Entertainer - Greater Hartford Arts Council- TASTECT.ORG

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

More info coming soon.
Read More
Entertainer - POSER - TASTECT.ORG

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...
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Entertainer - Terry Gajraj - TASTECT.ORG

Terry Gajraj

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...
Read More
Amandla Band - TasteCT

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...
Read More
Entertainer - Anthem Band - TASTECT.ORG

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...
Read More

2018 – Entertainers

Entertainer - Sledge - TASTECT.ORG

SLEDGE

SLEDGE - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist
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TASHA TRENDY

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Entertainer - Iyah Phanso - TASTECT.ORG

IYAH PHANSO

Iyah Phanso - Jamaican Born Reggae ArtistIyah Phanso (born Alphanso Walker on November 25, 1971 in Kingston Jamaica) is a Roots Reggae Artist who migrated to the U.S. in 1989. He settled in Hartford, CT. and began his Professional singing and song writing career in...
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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...
Read More

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...
Read More
Amandla Band - TasteCT

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...
Read More
Entertainer - Anthem Band - TASTECT.ORG

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...
Read More

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...
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2017 Entertainers

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,...
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Elan - Entertainer - Tastect.org

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...
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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...
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Entertainer - Sledge - TASTECT.ORG

SLEDGE

SLEDGE - Jamaican Born Reggae Artist
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Entertainer - Iyah Phanso - TASTECT.ORG

IYAH PHANSO

Iyah Phanso - Jamaican Born Reggae ArtistIyah Phanso (born Alphanso Walker on November 25, 1971 in Kingston Jamaica) is a Roots Reggae Artist who migrated to the U.S. in 1989. He settled in Hartford, CT. and began his Professional singing and song writing career in...
Read More
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...
Read More

2016 – Entertainers

LAREE SALMON

Laree Salmon Laree Salmon is a truly talented singer and well sought-after performer from Hartford, CT. Her unique sound and singing style ranges from sultry to soulful and is projected in the vast musical genres from Jazz, Gospel, Soul, R&B and Pop. She is...
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JCee - Tastect.org

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....
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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...
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Entertainer - Luciano - TASTECT.ORG

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...
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Elan - Entertainer - Tastect.org

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...
Read More
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...
Read More

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...
Read More
Amandla Band - TasteCT

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...
Read More
Past Entertainers Archives

Stay Up-to-Date with the latest Taste CT News & Updates

Latest Updates

View most recent Taste of The Caribbean Arts & Culture CT  Updates.

 Jerk Fest Save the Date 2023 & Recap of 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5UDBmXcHVs
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TASTE Fundraiser – Jazz Fusion 2022 with Elan Trotman

Performances by Elan Trotman, Laree Salmon, and Mykella Meadows Ballet...
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 Jerk Fest Recap 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3X3mT_8J_k
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More Updates

Latest Magazines

Enjoy our annual souvenir Journal / magazine, which includes interesting articles about the Caribbean, local and international Artists...

2023 – Magazine

Annual 2023 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...
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2022 – Magazine

Annual 2022 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...
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2021 – Magazine

Annual 2021 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...
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Latest Info Flyers

Enjoy our event info flyers, which includes information about the Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival!

2023 – Info Flyer

Enjoy our event brochure/info flyer, which includes information about the...
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2022 – Info Flyer

Enjoy our event brochure/info flyer, which includes information about the...
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2021 – Info Flyer

Enjoy our event brochure/info flyer, which includes information about the...
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More Info Flyers

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Festival Location & Host

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, USA
Greater Hartford Arts Council - Logo

Contact Us

Emails Us:
info@tastect.org

Call Us:
(860) 595-2984

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

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You may be photographed at any Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival's event for Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival's promotional purposes. These event photos may be used at the TOC's discretion for promotional purposes without your specific written consent and/or without compensation.