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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Promoting Positive Black Music & Telling The Stories Of The People Behind It!

Major Reggae, Dancehall & Gospel Acts Confirmed for the 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise

The 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise sails from Miami, Florida, aboard the Norwegian Jewel on April 1–6, 2026. The itinerary includes a stop in Freeport, Bahamas, on April 2, followed by a visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on April 4, with additional days at sea dedicated to onboard festivities and musical entertainment. The cruise returns to Miami on April 6, with an early-morning disembarkation.

Headlining the cruise is reggae legend Beres Hammond, alongside powerhouse performers Busy Signal, Maxi Priest, Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco, Pinchers, and Tanya Stephens, each representing a distinct era and style of Jamaican music. The cruise will also feature a special gospel showcase with Carlene Davis and Minister Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw).

In addition to the performances, guests will enjoy nonstop energy from a curated roster of top DJs hosting themed parties, deck sessions, and late-night events throughout the voyage. Click here to book your cabin.

Romance & Rhythm: Valentine’s Day Concert at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

An Intimate Valentine’s Day Concert will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The event, which is being presented by Yung Fly Entertainment, will be headlined by Grammy-nominated vocalist Kelly Price.

Also on the lineup are Bobby V, Ray J, Sammie, 702, J. Holiday, and Sunshine Anderson. This concert will be held at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium (705 Elvis Presley Avenue). Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Legendary R&B and Soul Icons in Boca Raton

The Lovers & Friends Concert on the Lawn will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida. This venue, located at 20405 Amphitheater Cir, is well-known for hosting high-quality productions that capitalize on beautiful Florida evenings.

Organized by 2 Extreme Marketing and Promotions, this event features a celebrated lineup of artists including Howard Hewett, Freddie Jackson, and Meli’sa Morgan. Tickets for the concert are currently available for purchase through Eventbrite.

The Gathering Place DC Hosts New Year Worship & Prayer Revival

The Gathering Place DC presents its New Year Worship & Prayer Revival, a two-day spiritual affair focused on renewal, togetherness, and worship. Taking place January 30–31, the event offers free entry and brings together dynamic faith leaders and voices for an inspiring experience.

Hosted at The Gathering Place DC, which is located at 4703 Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights, Maryland, the revival features appearances by Pastor JJ and Prophetess Trina Hairston, alongside Courtney “Coco” Crosson, Pastor David Wilford, Jordan G. Welch, Prophetess Tiffany Wilson, Pastor Javan Armour, Mandela Simmonds, and Cassie Richardson.

It will also be streamed live on YouTube via @TheGatheringPlaceDC for those joining online.

Richie Stephens Honors Jimmy Cliff With New Studio Cover of “Trapped”

Following his powerful live performance at the Jamaican government’s official tribute event honoring the late Jimmy Cliff, reggae singer Richie Stephens has recorded a studio cover of Cliff’s classic song “Trapped.” The decision to revisit the track comes naturally for Stephens, for whom the song was a go-to selection during his early career and a deep source of artistic inspiration.
 
Officially released on January 9, 2026, the new rendition stands as an emotional and vocally compelling studio recording that pays tribute to Jimmy Cliff’s enduring legacy. Stephens delivers the song with passion, capturing its themes of struggle and toughness while honoring the spirit of the original work.
 
The cover has the same intensity and feeling that made Stephens’ live performance at the Jimmy Cliff tribute at the National Arena in Kingston a standout moment. It’s also a reminder of the song’s historical significance, originally written and recorded by Cliff and later popularized globally through a well-known rendition by American rock star Bruce Springsteen.
 
Richie Stephens’ version of “Trapped” is available now on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and all major digital streaming platforms. The release comes courtesy of Stephens’ own Pot Of Gold Production label.

Junior Kelly Brings Live Reggae Energy to JunkYard in Dortmund

Internationally acclaimed reggae artist Junior Kelly will deliver a conscious reggae set at the popular live music venue, JunkYard, in Dortmund, Germany, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Presented by Revelation Concerts, doors will open at 8:00 PM with the show starting promptly at 9:00 PM.

After years of honing his craft and performing at major festivals like Reggae Sunsplash, Junior Kelly achieved international stardom in 2000 with his massive hit “If Love So Nice,” which topped the Jamaican charts for a record-breaking 15 weeks. Known for his devout Rastafarian faith and distinctive “sing-jay” style, he has consistently used his platform to advocate for social justice, peace, and spiritual upliftment through acclaimed albums such as Love So Nice, Smile, and Urban Poet.

Steel Pulse Confirmed for Miramar’s Annual Black History & Reggae Month Celebration

The City of Miramar will host the 5th Annual Afro-Carib Festival on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Held at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, this event serves as a dual celebration for Black History Month and Reggae Month. This year features a headline performance by the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse.

Hosted by Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, and presented by the City of Miramar leadership, the festival continues the city’s tradition of honoring cultural heritage through music and community engagement. For additional information and tickets, visit afrocaribfestmiramar.com.