26th Annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival Set for August 9 at Heckscher State Park

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Conroy Allison and Irie Jam Radio will present the 26th Annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Heckscher State Park, Pavilion #2, in East Islip, Long Island. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a staple of the Caribbean community’s summer calendar in the tri-state area.

Headlining the festival will be a live performance from reggae superstar Leroy Sibbles. The event will also honor legendary bass player and reggae band leader Derrick Barrnett with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting contributions to the genre.

The festival’s Family of the Year honors will go to Andrew Morris of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and Glamor Wayne, a legendary New York DJ, celebrating their impact on their communities. Additionally, a group of promoters and selectors will be recognized for their contributions to the local Caribbean music and nightlife scene, including Dale “Irie Dale” Stewart, Big Tony TC, Desmond “Desu” McKoy, Errol Brown of Mingles Cafe, Sherman Bell of Moments Cafe, and Junior Rocatune.

Beyond the awards and performances, the festival promises family-friendly activities suitable for attendees of all ages. Advance tickets are priced at $35, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.iriejamradio.com.

Hope for Harvest Brings Gospel Royalty to Charlotte for Night of Hope Brunch

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hope for Harvest will host its Night of Hope Charity Brunch on August 14, 2026, at 1800 Brewton Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The evening will feature special appearances by some of gospel music’s most celebrated names, including Kirk Franklin, Keyla Richardson, Koryn Hawthorne, Darrel Walls, Kelontae Gavin, Zacardi Cortez, Jonathan McReynolds, VaShawn Mitchell, and many more artists yet to be announced.

Guests can choose between two ticket tiers: Early Bird admission at $25, or the VIP package at $150, which includes access to a post-event reception and meet-and-greet with the featured artists. The evening’s schedule is structured to give attendees a full experience. Doors open for food at 7:00 PM, with the main show beginning at 9:00 PM.

Beyond the music and fellowship, the brunch serves a deeper purpose: every ticket purchased helps fund Hope for Harvest’s ongoing work supporting youth engagement initiatives across the Carolinas. Get additional information here.

The-Dream Continues Love/Hate II Rollout with “24/7” Visual

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Nearly two decades after redefining contemporary R&B with his landmark debut Love/Hate, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer The-Dream returns with its highly anticipated sequel, Love/Hate II. Released on July 10 via Dreamboy Records/Republic Records, the 17-track project marks his first major-label studio album in more than a decade and reunites fans with the signature sound that helped shape a generation of R&B.

Love/Hate II features an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Usher, T.I., Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, Kelly Rowland and Rick Ross. The album is led by standout tracks such as “Bring That Body,” “Tampa” featuring Usher, and “24/7,” while exploring themes of love, relationships and personal growth through a more mature perspective.

Keeping the momentum going, The-Dream released the official music video for “24/7” on July 28, giving fans a new visual companion to one of the album’s standout tracks and continuing the rollout for what has become one of 2026’s most talked-about R&B releases.

Iman Europe Delivers a Powerful Visual Statement with “Ego Death” Music Video

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Independent singer, songwriter, and creative visionary Iman Europe continues to demonstrate why she is one of today’s most compelling artists with the release of the official music video for “Ego Death,” the fifth track from her 2025 album, Chrysalis.

The visually striking production has quickly captured viewers’ attention with its powerful storytelling and cinematic presentation. Centered around the idea of overcoming one’s ego before it destroys personal growth and opportunities, the song delivers an introspective message that resonates deeply. As Iman Europe expresses throughout the track, the ego can become one’s greatest obstacle if left unchecked.

The music video brilliantly brings this concept to life by portraying two versions of the artist on screen simultaneously. Dressed in white, Iman Europe represents her authentic self, while her ego appears in black, embodying a dark, imposing force that has prevented her from reaching her full potential. The two personas ultimately confront one another in a dramatic climax that symbolizes the death of the ego and the beginning of transformation.

Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to watch the official Ego Death music video now on Iman Europe or producer Kaelin Ellis‘ YouTube channel. With her unique blend of creativity, authenticity, and fearless storytelling, Iman Europe continues to prove she is an artist to watch.

Stellar Unplugged 2026 with Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne and Others

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Stellar Plus Experience, in partnership with Amazon Music and the Black Music Collective, will present Stellar Unplugged on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the historic Charlotte Fillmore.

The evening will bring together a strong lineup of R&B and gospel talent, including Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne, Tone Stith, Blanca, and Antny, with additional special guest appearances to be announced. The show will be hosted by Torae, with Dana Soréy serving as music director.

Tickets for are available now via www.stellarplusexperience.com.

Raleigh Reggae Fest Returns August 14th with Tarrus Riley, Charly Black, and Vanessa Bling

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Raleigh’s Caribbean community is gearing up for a major celebration this summer as Raleigh Reggae Fest takes over Enigma on Friday, August 14th. The event is presented by a coalition of organizations including RDACA, Paradise Ent, Idread Vision, Nuvo, and RDU Caribbean Vybz.

Headlining the festival is reggae veteran Tarrus Riley, joined by fellow performers Charly Black and Vanessa Bling. Rounding out the night’s musical talent are DJ Stylez, Peter Blaze, and Bigkat.

Enigma is located at 600 Creekside Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event will run from 6 PM to 10 PM, and tickets are available now at www.caribmaskcarnival.com.

Celebrate Jamaica’s 64th Independence with Cham in South Florida

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

South Florida’s Jamaican community and friends of the culture are invited to celebrate Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence at JAM IN’, an exciting night of music, culture, and entertainment on Thursday, August 6, at DAER Nightclub inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Davie, Florida.

The celebration will feature a special appearance by internationally acclaimed dancehall artist Cham (also known as Baby Cham). Doors open at 8:00 p.m., with ladies admitted free before 9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear black, green, and gold as they wave their Jamaican flags proudly. Click here for tickets.