Torontonians know when summer is coming when festivals begin to announce their return to the stage.
The 2023 TD International Jerk Food and Music Festival is the latest to unveil its headliners for this summer’s celebration from Aug. 11 to 13 in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park.
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Johnny Gill is Friday’s R&B night headliner and roots reggae legend Luciano is the first headliner for Saturday and Sunday’s Caribbean nights.
According to a news release, Johnny Gill is among few artists to score #1 hits as a solo artist, in a duo and with two different groups. He is also one of few artists to have hits on the top 10 R&B charts during the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
He also established R&B supergroup L.S.G, alongside Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat, where the popular single, “My Body,” came to be.
“As a linchpin of legendary Motown Records’ ‘90s comeback roster, Gill exploded as a solo artist with an indelible one-two punch from producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (“Rub You the Right Way”) and L.A. Reid & Babyface (“My, My, My”),” the release read.
Luciana a.k.a “The Messenjah” is notably known for being a reggae star and is associated with other famous legends, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Third World to name a few.
“The Jamaican roots reggae artist has been captivating audiences for decades with his soulful and spiritual blend of rock and R&B-tinged reggae to create music that spreads the message of love, uplifts spirits and energizes fans all around the globe,” the release said.
Throughout his career, Luciano has released several hit songs that have climbed the Top Ten of Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, such as “Messenger,” “Sweep Over My Soul,” and the Grammy-nominated “A New Day,” and “Serve Jah.”
In fact, he also secured a spot on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the “200 Greatest Singers of All Time.”
Over the next couple of weeks, JerkFest says it will be announcing the rest of its star-studded lineup.
“We’re extremely excited about this year’s TD JerkFest, the festival is always a great time to celebrate Caribbean culture, and is also an opportunity for us to give back,” Founder and Executive Director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc. Anthony Plummer said.
Plummer also revealed the festival’s new charity initiative, Helping Hands Jamaica. The event is helping the organization build a brand new school in Jamaica.
Over the years, TD JerkFest has committed to giving back to the community through scholarships, international donations and supporting local food banks. Due to last year’s festival success, the JerkFest food drive was able to provide $10,000 and food donations to Afri-Can and Regeneration MarketPlace.
This year, visitors who donate canned foods or non-perishable food will have their entry price lowered as part of the customer appreciation initiative.
