About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Gospel Music Festival to Feature Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds in New Brunswick

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The 2026 Gospel Music Festival is set to bring an afternoon of powerful worship and contemporary gospel to New Brunswick, with a marquee performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Erica Campbell and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jonathan McReynolds.

The free outdoor concert will take place on Saturday, July 25, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Monument Square Park, located at 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, New Jersey. The event is presented in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and is part of the Folk Live! 2026 concert series.

The event is organized by Middlesex County, NJ, and promises to be a family-friendly community celebration of gospel music and culture.

City of Newark to Honor R&B Legend Faith Evans with Street Dedication and Block Party

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The City of Newark, New Jersey, will celebrate one of its own with a Street Dedication and Block Party in honor of Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Faith Evans on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The festivities will be held at the intersection of Grumman Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, with the block party running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the formal street dedication ceremony taking place at 12 p.m.

The event is being hosted with the support of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, South Ward Councilman Patrick Council, and Council Member-at-Large Louise Scott-Rountree, reflecting the city’s deep pride in Evans as a hometown icon.

Richie Spice Confirmed for Encore Live in Ocho Rios

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae singer Richie Spice is confirmed for Encore Live, an intimate evening of roots rocking reggae music at 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge in Ocho Rios on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Presented by Midas Entertainment in association with 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge, the show will feature Spice backed by The Skalawagz Band.

The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. General admission tickets are available for USD $35 or JMD $4,500 through the Aitix ticketing platform.

Natural Black Headlines Fusion Reggae Fest in Toronto

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Fusion, in collaboration with ShartyB Production, presents Fusion Reggae Fest on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 880 Ellesmere Road in Toronto, Ontario.

The confirmed headlining act is reggae artist Natural Black, who will be joined by performers Brandish and LaJune. The evening will be hosted by Krucial Diva, with musical juggling by DJ Garwin, Selector Primo, Global Boss, and Blazing.

Tickets are available via TicketGateway for the limited price of $30.

Soul Food Caribbean Festival Brings Capleton, Gyptian and D’Yani to Canada on July 1

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Soul Food Caribbean Festival returns to the Greater Toronto Area this Canada Day, with its highly anticipated “Fire in the Park” edition taking place on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, at 50 Esna Park Drive in Markham, Ontario. The outdoor celebration runs from 4 PM to 11 PM and is open to guests 19 and older.

Headlining the event is reggae icon Capleton, making his first return to Canadian soil in 16 years. Joining him on the bill are international dancehall hitmaker Gyptian and D’Yani, who will deliver his first-ever performance in Toronto.

Tickets are available via TicketGateway.

Blvk H3ro Releases New Single and Video “New Life”

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae artist Blvk H3ro has released his latest single, “New Life,” which arrived on May 29, 2026 via Boomyard under exclusive license to Diaspora Sound. Produced by Aspekt Mafia and Jaakko Manninen, the inspirational track finds the singer reaffirming his determination to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.

According to Blvk H3ro‘s team, “New Life” showcases some of Blvk H3ro‘s strongest songwriting yet, transforming personal adversity into a message of growth, healing, and resilience.

The official music video, directed by Jaakko Manninen and released alongside the single, features Blvk H3ro performing in a desert-like setting while dressed in military-inspired attire, reinforcing the song’s themes of resilience and perseverance.

“New Life” is now available on major streaming platforms, while the official video can be viewed on Blvk H3ro‘s YouTube channel.

Meadowbrook United Church to Host 42nd Annual “A Feast of Music”

Posted on May 30, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Meadowbrook United Church (MUC) will stage its beloved A Feast of Music for the 42nd consecutive year on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at The Karl Hendrickson Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

The evening promises a vibrant lineup of gospel and inspirational performances, featuring artists Kevin Downswell, Rondell Positive, Elton Earlington, Carey Sayles, Raheim Betty, and Fab 5. Special group performances will be delivered by the JCF Band, Kingston College Chapel Choir, MUC Dancers, Jahtaim & Company, and The Gideons. The night will be hosted by compère Markland “Action” Edwards.

Regular tickets are priced at J$8,000 (US$55) with children’s tickets at J$4,000 (US$25). Physical tickets can be purchased at Meadowbrook United Church, 2 Flemington Drive, Kingston 19, and at Answers, Shop 1, Tropical Plaza, Constant Spring Road. Digital tickets are available via caribtix.com.

Proceeds from the event will support MUC’s long-standing community outreach initiatives as well as Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.