Winston Irie Gears Up for Memorial Day Weekend Performances

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Veteran reggae artist Winston Irie will make two live appearances in the lead-up to and during Memorial Day Weekend 2026. On both occasions, he will be joined by his backing group, the Selective Security Band.

The first performance takes place on Friday, May 22, at Claudio’s, located at 111 Main Street in Greenport, New York. The show runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with free admission for patrons looking to enjoy an evening of live reggae music in a waterfront atmosphere.

Winston Irie and the Selective Security Band will then continue the Memorial Day Weekend activities on Sunday, May 24, at SiSi, located at 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek in East Hampton, New York. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues through 9:00 p.m., offering another opportunity for audiences to enjoy live reggae entertainment during the holiday weekend.

Duane Stephenson Heads to Brooklyn for a Concert on May 30

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae icon Duane Stephenson is set to headline a live concert at St. Lucia House, located at 438 E 49th Street—between Church and Snyder in Brooklyn, New York—on May 30th at 7 p.m. The show is presented by Dr. Ghost D Empire Don.

Known for his soulful voice and deeply rooted reggae sound, Stephenson will be joined by Tilly Berg and Shorn B. The event will also feature sets from Selector Akel Earthquake Sound, DJ Syfy, DJ Bashi, and DJ GQ.

Tickets are available at a limited pre-sale price of $70, with door admission set at $100. For ticket information, please call 347-701-6046.

Jamaica Festival Song Competition 2026 Semi Finals

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, invites the public to the Semi Finals of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, 36 Hope Road, Kingston 10. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and admission is FREE.

The road to the Top Ten continues as gifted artists from across the island take the stage, each vying for the coveted opportunity to advance to the Grand Finals. The Semi Finals represent one of the most electrifying stages of the competition, as performers bring their original compositions to life before a live audience and a panel of distinguished judges.

The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is one of the nation’s most celebrated cultural traditions, serving as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s Independence Festival celebrations. Now in its 2026 edition, the competition continues to champion original Jamaican music, spotlighting the creativity, talent, and patriotic spirit that define the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Members of the public are encouraged to come out, support Jamaica’s emerging and established artists, and experience the music carrying the Festival Song tradition proudly forward. Again, entrance to the event is completely free of charge.

DJs Little Richie and Al Pachino Join Admiral Tibet for “Memories”

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae Jamaica Village will host “Memories: An Old Hits Party” on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Church Road in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, bringing together lovers of classic reggae and dancehall music for an evening dedicated to timeless hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The event will feature special guest Admiral Tibet alongside DJ Little Richie of Rich Squad and DJ Al Pachino, who are expected to deliver a nostalgic musical experience filled with well-known classics and crowd favorites.

Promoters describe the event as a celebration of “good music, good people, and good vibes,” with patrons invited to enjoy an atmosphere centered on vintage sounds and positive energy. Finger food will also be included with admission.

Tickets are priced at $5,000 for single admission and $8,000 per couple.

Tarrus Riley Headlines Caribbean American Unity Fest in Florida

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Caribbean American Unity Fest will bring together food, music, and culture on June 5, 2026, at Vincent Torres Memorial Park in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Organized by the City of Lauderdale Lakes, this event will feature a strong lineup of Caribbean and international entertainers led by Tarrus Riley.

The festival is scheduled to run from 5 PM to 10 PM and will also include appearances by Dean Fraser, Gabel, Waggy Tee, Poison Dart Sound, Coppershot Disco, and Humbert Ibarra, among others.

In addition to the musical juggling and live entertainment, patrons can also enjoy wine and food tastings, with VIP packages offering front-row seating and parking. The event is open to the public free of charge.

Wayne Wonder Returns to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Dancehall icon Wayne Wonder will headline a special Caribbean-themed night at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! on Saturday, June 20, at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Joining him on the lineup are reggae star Lila Iké and popular selector DJ Gravy. The free event forms part of the festival’s 47th season, which is being presented under the theme “Radical Joy.”

According to organizers, the evening will celebrate Caribbean music and culture with a mix of reggae, dancehall, soul and party vibes. Wayne Wonder, known globally for hits such as “No Letting Go,” returns to the festival by popular demand.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Organizers have noted that admission is free on a first come, first served basis, though fans are encouraged to RSVP online for event updates and a chance to win VIP tent passes.

Exclusive Preview of Shaggy’s Upcoming Album “Lottery” Set For May 12 in Brooklyn

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

International reggae and dancehall star Shaggy is set to host an exclusive listening session for his upcoming album, Lottery, on Tuesday, May 12, at Mr. Melo (61 Withers Street) in Brooklyn, New York.

The event, branded “Dancehall Nice Again,” will give fans an opportunity to hear the album ahead of its official release. Lottery is expected to feature collaborations with several internationally acclaimed acts, including Sting, Robin Thicke, Akon, Jeremih, and Anthony Hamilton.

Music for the evening will be provided by Federation Sound alongside Max Glazer. The listening party is scheduled to run from 7 PM until midnight.