If you are walking around downtown on Saturday and wondering where all the folks adorned in bright colors and the sweetest kicks are heading, you best believe it is the parade of ready-to-dance attendees advancing to the third annual
Caribbean Summer Jam.
Held at 20 Monroe Live, this celebratory event has grown to become the largest annual summer party in Grand Rapids celebrating Caribbean culture through music and dance.
And with every year there will be a little bit of something for everyone at the Caribbean Summer Jam III.
For starters, those who enjoy dance music should prepare for a solid night of afrobeats, bachata, dancehall, reggaetón, dembow, hip hop, trap Latino provided by West Michigan Disc Jockeys DJ Sanjay, DJ Tony Banks, and PJ DA DJ.
Also appearing on stage will be these music acts: Bersachi (reggaeton), Deeclef (dancehall), Whisko (dancehall), Jamar The Prince (r&b), and Illvibethinny (r&b).
Celebrity appearances at the event include Erica Mena of VH1’s Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta; Christian Keyes of BET’s In Contempt & Supernatural; and Geraud Sing, a Grand Rapids Native making culture pop whether as an actor, model, or industry influencer. (Author’s note: Sing’s mother is a friend and has served the disability community with me over the years at LaughFest and Disability Advocates.)
Since it is the 50th year anniversary of the Caribbean Carnival and the Jam is centered on this festive occasion, many of the guests will be decked out in the most beautiful Caribana style.
If you are unfamiliar with Caribana style, then expect to see the most enthusiastic attendees adorned with bejeweled faces, the sickest footwear on men, and lots of feathers. The heat of downtown under summer’s warm glow will only spark the imaginative to bring their brightest A-game out on this special night.
All of this is brought to Grand Rapids through 616 Grand Productions’ SHE-E-O Angela Nelson, who invites folks to come out and experience an uplifting and celebratory occasion in our city where love and happiness can blossom through dance and music.
Purchase tickets in advance
here or at the door on Saturday night.