Entertainers

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

* 2024 Updates Coming – stay tuned*

Explore Line-Up

2024 Line Up!

TASTECT.ORG - 2024 Flyer - 19th Annual Taste of The Caribbean & Jerk Festival of Hartford, CT - August 3rd 2024

2024 Entertainers

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

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...

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...

Entertainer - GRACE WRIGHT COMPANY - TASTECT.ORG

Grace C. Performing Arts (Entertainer)

More info coming soon.

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...

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)

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...

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...

The Diamond Tree – Hood Hula (Entertainer)

Check back later for Bio...

Toplane (Entertainer)

Local Connecticut-CT Artist Toplane tp perform at the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival.

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)

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...

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...

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

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

Grace C. Performing Arts (Entertainer)

More info coming soon.

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)

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...

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

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...

Caribbean American Dance Company (CADC)

The Hartford Steel Symphony

Nelson Garcia (Entertainer)

Los Calientes (Nelson Bello)

Grace C. Performing Arts (Entertainer)

More info coming soon.

Entertainer - Greater Hartford Arts Council- TASTECT.ORG

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

More info coming soon.

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. Performing Arts (Entertainer)

More info coming soon.

Melissa Nolunthando Craig

More info coming soon.

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

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...

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

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

TASTE Fundraiser – Jazz Fusion 2022 with Elan Trotman

Performances by Elan Trotman, Laree Salmon, and Mykella Meadows Ballet...

Jerk Fest Recap 2

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

More Updates

Latest Magazines

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

2024 – Magazine

Annual 2024 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

2023 – Magazine

Annual 2023 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

2022 – Magazine

Annual 2022 souvenir Journal/magazine, which includes interesting...

More Magazines

Latest Info Flyers

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

2024 – Info Flyer

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

2023 – Info Flyer

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

2022 – Info Flyer

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

More Info Flyers

Become a Donor/Sponsor

Donate via PayPal

Sponsor Us

Join to Receive Updates

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get the latest updates from the Taste CT Team!

CONNECT on Social Media

Connect with us and get realtime updates and photos from our various social platforms.

Festival Location & Host

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT, USA

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

Media Notice

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.