The International Jerk Food and Music Festival Presented by TD is 20 Years Old!
Jerk Cuisine, International & Canadian Artists, Chef Demos and a Major Give Back
Mark the Milestone Anniversary
June 23, 2021 (Toronto, ON) – For two decades the International Jerk Food and Music Festival presented by TD Bank Group has celebrated Caribbean food, music, art and community with a family friendly event. This year’s 20th anniversary three-night free virtual broadcast takes place at 6pm EST each night from Friday August 6th to Sunday August 8th on Jerkfestival.ca.
The JerkFest headliners are Jamaican reggae legends Tarrus Riley and saxophonist Dean Fraser, ‘The Empress of Reggae Music’ Marica Griffiths and dancehall singer Lukie D. Hosting the showcase of talent and cooking demos are CBC’s Dwight Drummond, Feva TV host Kerry Lee Crawford and Vibe 105’s Carrie Mullins aka ‘Mumma Canada’ with the award-winning Jamaican Chef Noel Cunningham and Trinidadian-Canadian Chef Kareema.
“We’re extremely excited about this year’s JerkFest,” exclaimed Anthony Plummer, Founder and Executive Director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc. “In addition to the broadcast, we have added an artist workshop on July 10th to assist up and coming Canadian talent with the tools they need to succeed. On July 24th and July 31st, we have vendor’s workshops to help them build better businesses. As well, JerkFest is partnering with G98.7FM to find new talent to perform this year – and they will win cash prizes! So, there is a lot going on – we’re doing it big for our 20th year!”
Over the years, JerkFest has always given back to the community through scholarships, international donations and supporting local food banks. This year, to mark 20 years, JerkFest viewers will be asked to donate to a fund to support 20 GTA families in need due to the pandemic – whether it’s for food, utilities, education – whatever their specific need is at this time. The families will be selected through the assistance of social services, community organizations and churches.
"At a time when the power of human connection has never been more important, TD is proud to support JerkFest through the TD Ready Commitment, our global corporate citizenship platform, to help increase access to affordable and inclusive events that reflect diversity, where all can participate. This year’s virtual festival promotes shared experiences, helps foster a sense of belonging, and strengthens communities across the country through music, culture, and food," said Naki Osutei, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, Canada, TD Bank Group.
The International Jerk Food and Music Festival presented by TD is supported by the TD Ready Commitment, The Government of Canada, SOCAN Foundation, G98.7FM, Jamaica National Bank and Money Services, Tropicana Community Services, ByBlacks, Raymond Foster Realtor, Rogers Sports & Media, Puma and Travellers Resort - Negril Jamaica.
Artists, Chefs and Organizers are available for interviews via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime.
Bios and Photos available upon request.
Contact: Fennella Bruce|FKB Media Solutions | 647.290.7610 | fennella@fkbmedia.com
For more information about JerkFest Presented by TD:
Visit www.jerkfestival.ca, Follow @JerkFestivalToronto on Instagram and @JerkFestivalToronto on Twitter and @JerkFestivalCanada on Facebook
About The International Jerk Food and Music Festival (JerkFest)
JerkFest is an annual event celebrating jerk cuisine and Caribbean culture organized by not-for-profit organization Caribbean Promotions Arts & Culture Inc. More than 60 000 people attend each year in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park. JerkFest has been voted by BlogTO as one of Toronto's top 50 must attend summer events in 2018 and 2019, and one of Ontario's top 100 festivals since 2011. Last year’s virtual broadcast had more than 75 000 views and raised money/food donations for three food banks.