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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Grace Food Festival

The Grace Food Festival is set to bring together families, friends, and food lovers on August 23, 2025, at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. Designed as a full-day experience, the event promises a mix of entertainment, great food, and activities that appeal to all ages.

On the stage, some of Jamaica’s best-loved performers will take the spotlight, including Prince Saj, Ding Dong, Chris Martin, Rondell Positive, and Joby Jay. Music fans can also look forward to high-energy sets from DJs Liquid, Narity, and Collin Hines, ensuring the vibes stay strong throughout the day. Hosting duties will be shared by the dynamic duo Jenny Jenny and Ron Muschette.

Beyond the stage, the festival will feature a kiddies’ village with free rides, giving younger attendees their own space to enjoy the day. Families can also benefit from back-to-school giveaways, making the event both entertaining and practical. And, of course, no Grace event would be complete without food—the festival promises an array of delicious options showcasing the brand’s culinary staples alongside other local favorites.

Tickets are priced at JMD $1,000 presold and JMD $1,500 at the gate, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. Outlets for presold tickets include Grace Kennedy Head Office and Sangster’s Book Stores at Spring Plaza and Sovereign Center in Kingston, as well as Sangster’s Book Stores in Spanish Town and Portmore Pines, St. Catherine.

Minister D. Brown’s Album Launch

Emerging gospel artist Minister D. Brown will launch his album, “We Dat,” on Saturday, September 27, at Celebration Church (1E Portmore Mall) in St. Catherine, Jamaica. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Minister D. Brown will be supported by several other musical ministers, all of whom will share the stage with him. Confirmed performers include Da Levite, Audia Spencer-Brown, Rian Davis, Johnmark Wiggan, Treze-Gaye, Evrytingkris, and Khaanah Stone, with Dexter Johnson serving as emcee.

General admission is JMD $1,500, VIP tickets are JMD $3,500, and live pay-per-view is USD $20. Click here to purchase tickets.

Back-to-School Celebrity Football Reunion & Funday

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the highly anticipated Back-to-School Celebrity Football Reunion & Funday will electrify the community of Ewarton, St. Catherine. Organized by Iba Mahr & Friends in collaboration with Dinthill Old Boys, Charlemont Old Boys, the Sound Di Alarm Music Festival, and the Ewarton Invitational Corner League Committee, this event promises a unique blend of sports, music, and entertainment.

The action will unfold at the Ewarton Sports Complex, with festivities beginning at 1 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to come dressed in football jerseys to match the spirited theme of the day. Attendees can look forward to a star-studded football showdown, as some of Jamaica’s top-tier entertainers trade the stage for the football field, showcasing their skills in a fun and competitive atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement, the musical vibes will be powered by Wizard International and TRS Sound, ensuring an energetic backdrop for the day’s activities. Families are encouraged to attend, with free entry for children and admission for adults set at just JMD $500, making it an affordable outing for all.

The Return of the Legends: Block Party Edition 2025

The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit is the place to be on Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, 2025, as it hosts The Return of the Legends: Block Party Edition. This two-night celebration is set to honor hip-hop’s rich history while bringing fans together for an unforgettable cultural experience. Both evenings kick off at 7 p.m., transforming the venue into the ultimate block party.

The first night, Friday, August 29, delivers a powerful lineup of trailblazing acts that helped shape hip-hop’s foundation. Fans can expect performances from EPMD, MC Lyte, Treach of Naughty By Nature, 3rd Bass, Black Sheep, Arrested Development, and others. With their groundbreaking lyrics and unmistakable stage presence, these artists will set the tone for a night steeped in nostalgia and timeless energy.

On Saturday, August 30, the stage shifts to the sounds of hip-hop’s next era, showcasing the Southern and Midwest artists who defined the late ’90s and early 2000s. Plies, Da Brat, Twista, Tela, Crucial Conflict, Do Or Die, Big Mike, Coo Coo Cal, and more will deliver high-energy performances that reflect the diversity and regional influence of the genre.

More than a concert, The Return of the Legends: Block Party Edition is designed as a celebration of hip-hop culture, bringing together different generations of music lovers for a weekend of rhythm, storytelling, and community. Tickets for both nights are available now through Ticketmaster.

Bebe Winans Performs in London on Sept. 20

Bebe Winans, one of the most celebrated voices in Gospel and R&B, is set to perform in London for one night only. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Grammy Award-winning artist will take the stage at the Jazz Cafe in Camden Town with “Looking Out For Me”—an intimate live preview of his highly anticipated upcoming album. The evening promises a blend of fresh new music alongside the timeless classics that have made Winans a defining figure in contemporary gospel.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Winans has made an indelible mark on the world of music. From his groundbreaking collaborations with his sister CeCe Winans to his acclaimed solo projects, he has continuously expanded the reach of gospel while weaving it seamlessly into R&B and soul. His work has not only won critical acclaim but also inspired generations of artists and listeners alike.

This London performance offers a rare opportunity to witness Winans in an up-close and personal setting. Tickets for “Looking Out For Me” at the Jazz Cafe are available here.

Columbus Gospel Fest Returns with “Same God, Same Grace, New Place!”

Columbus Gospel Fest is back—this time it’s all about “Same God, Same Grace, New Place!” at the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building (717 East 17th Avenue) on Saturday, August 30, from 12–8 p.m.

This year’s lineup is stacked with talent, headlined by national gospel recording artist Tonya Baker and two-time Grammy Award winner Jonathan McReynolds. Also taking the stage: Pastor Chowee Thomas, Evg. Cherry Ridley, Steven Spotswood, FJ Dooley & Testimony, and Camille Benton Williams.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can explore the Children’s COSI Corner, a Health & Wellness Fair, a Senior Pavilion, vendor booths, veterans appreciation activities, giveaways, and more.

New Dates for Toronto’s Jamaica Day 2025

Toronto’s iconic Jamaica Day festival is back and bigger than ever—now celebrating its 35th anniversary with two unforgettable days of music, culture, and Caribbean pride. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th, as Brampton Sports Park (7575 Kennedy Rd. South) transforms into the heart of Jamaica in the 6ix.

Gates open at 1:00 PM each day, welcoming festivalgoers to an explosion of non-stop culture, live entertainment, mouth-watering Jamaican cuisine, and pure island energy.

On Saturday, September 6th, international dancehall superstar Mr. Vegas will light up the stage with his infectious energy and chart-topping hits. While on Sunday, September 7th, legendary dancehall icon Spragga Benz will deliver a performance to remember. All weekend long fans will also be treated to the soulful sounds of Anthony Malvo, performing across both days of the festival.

While the performances are a major draw, Jamaica Day is also a celebration of heritage. Attendees can immerse themselves in authentic Caribbean food, artisan vendors, cultural showcases, and the unmistakable spirit of community that has kept this event thriving for 35 years.

Early bird tickets are available now via TicketGateway.