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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Duane Stephenson Headlines International Red Carpet Affair: Awards & Dance in California

The upcoming International Red Carpet Affair: Awards & Dance is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Union Hall Ballroom (18355 S Figueroa Street) in Gardena, California. Headlining the event is international reggae recording artist Duane Stephenson, backed by the Jangala Roots Band. The lineup also features performances from King Rancho, Steven McFarlane, and the Piece of Paradise Band.

Several honorees will also be highlighted, including Eden Ramos, Wil Johnson, Patrick Williams, and Oh Dem Again, recognizing their contributions within the community and entertainment space. Music will be powered by selectors such as DJ Knight Rider, DJ Money, and Selecta Easy B, while hosting duties will be handled by Marcus B and Elaine Proby.

The evening begins with a VIP Meet & Greet from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by the main event running from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress, aligning with the red carpet theme. General admission is priced at $70, while VIP packages are available for $100, including meet and greet access, photo opportunities, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres.

This event is being presented by Versatile Entertainment in collaboration with Luxury City Entertainment.

South Trinidad to Host Major Reggae Concert with Taurus Riley, Beenie Man, Luciano and Others

His Story will bring a powerful showcase of reggae music to South Trinidad on June 20, 2026. Scheduled to take place at Skinner Park in San Fernando, the concert features a lineup led by Taurus Riley, Beenie Man, and Luciano, alongside Garnet Silk Jr. and Guinney Pepper.

With its timing during the Labour Day weekend period and a venue known for hosting large-scale productions, the event is expected to attract strong attendance from across Trinidad and even the wider Caribbean. Tickets are available through Island eTickets.

Rock The Bells and GAC Unite for Powerful Juneteenth Celebration in Queens

Rock The Bells and Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York (GAC) are joining forces to present Rock The Blessings: Juneteenth for the People, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. This event honors the enduring meaning of Juneteenth in a contemporary context.

The lineup reflects the scale and intention of the occasion, featuring gospel artists such as Israel & New Breed, Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful, Jekalyn Carr, Maranda Curtis, and Vincent Bohanan alongside SOV. Adding further depth to the program, special guest Pastor Stephen A. Green will appear with the Greater Allen Cathedral Choir.

By bridging the cultural legacy of Rock The Bells with the faith leadership of GAC, Rock The Blessings: Juneteenth for the People positions itself as a distinctive Juneteenth gathering—one that unites music, message, and movement in a single, impactful experience. Get tickets here.

Jamaica’s Louie Culture to Perform at the 3rd Annual JerkFest & Day Jam in Windsor, Ont.

The 3rd Annual Windsor Essex Leamington JerkFest & Day Jam is scheduled to return this June, bringing a celebration of Caribbean culture and cuisine to Ontario. This community event offers free admission and will be held at 2410 Central Avenue in Windsor.

To kick off the festivities, organizers have arranged a special meet and greet on Friday, June 26th, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing an exclusive opportunity for attendees to engage with the featured talent ahead of the main celebration. The highlight of the weekend will be a live performance by Louie Culture, traveling directly from Jamaica to headline the Day Jam on Saturday, June 27th.

Hosted by Starr on the Mic, the program, which runs from 12:00 noon until 11:00 PM, will include DJ Snoopy, DJ Staxx, World Flames, DJ Kydd, DJ Cane, King Blemish, Over Proof Movements, DJ Kevin Badness, Crystal Sound (Montreal), DJ Matrix, DJ VJ Active, Fire Juvi, and Nico Supreme.

Etana Heads to Berkeley for Special Birthday Performance

Reggae singer Etana will perform her hits—such as “Blessings” (a collaboration with Alborosie), “People Talk,” “I Am Not Afraid,” and others—at a special birthday celebration in Berkeley, California, on May 23, 2026. The event will be held at Chapel of Flowers.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with showtime slated for 8:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $35 in advance and $45 at the door, with purchases available via Eventbrite. Musical support for the evening will be provided by CD Master.

The Roots Bring Hip-Hop Heavyweights to the Hollywood Bowl on June 27

The Roots are bringing their celebrated live experience back to the Hollywood Bowl for a third consecutive year, delivering another major moment for hip-hop culture on the West Coast. Branded as A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip-Hop, the one-night event will feature an all-star lineup led by legendary rapper Nas, alongside appearances by T.I., Bun B, De La Soul, and additional special guests.

Scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, the show begins at 7:30 PM, with gates opening at 6:00 PM. The event continues to build on the legacy of the Roots Picnic brand, widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s premier live music experiences, now tailored for a Los Angeles audience.

Tickets for A Roots Picnic Experience are available through the venue’s official website.

Heart Praise Worship Fest 2026

Heart Praise Worship Fest 2026 is scheduled for May 24 at Colonels Cove in St. Thomas. Operating under the theme “Recalibrate,” the event will feature a strong cast of performers including Alicia Taylor, Prince Saj, Johnmark Wiggan, Rondell Positive, Sister Bonnie, Brother Simon, Carita Williams Lindsay, and groups such as Genesis Praise Squad, Threwth, Gilead Collective Group, and Tahillah Ministries. Hosting duties will be handled by Sara-Ann Edwards-Miller.

Gates open at 4:00 PM, with showtime slated for a 6:00 PM sharp start. Ticket tiers include general admission at $3,500 pre-sold and $4,000 at the gate, while comfort seating is priced at $10,000. Children under 12 can attend for $1,000. Tickets are available at outlets including Morant Bay Texaco, Roller Wholesale, and via SpurrOpen.com.