Caribbean360: Jamaican culture on show in Jamaica, New York

Jamaican culture on show in Jamaica, New York
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Chris Hoyos on 08/03/2012 12:36:00
 
NEW YORK, United States, Thursday March 8, 2012 - West Indians are expected to
assemble this weekend in Jamaica, Queens, to laugh and sway to the highly
successful Jamaican musical and comedic production "Wheel An' Come Again".
Directed by Jamaican singer and producer Andrew Clarke, the New York-based
Braata Folk Singers will showcase their 2011 hit production at the Jamaica
Performing Arts Center (JPAC) this Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m at 153-10 Jamaica
Avenue in Queens.
Following rave reviews in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Toronto, the show makes its
Queens debut this weekend. "We are truly excited to present Wheel an' Come Again
in Queens for the first time," said Clarke.
The singer-producer was himself impressed and "bigged up" JPAC's
state-of-the-art facilities. "It's a wonderful space, with terrific seating for
the audience, an expansive stage and first-world technical facilities. It gives
us the opportunity to present the show at its very best, and also to introduce
patrons to an exciting performance space that has been remarkably under the
radar until now."
Set predominantly on a vibrant and colorful Jamaican market day, Wheel An' Come
Again traces, through song and movement, the activities of a group of vendors
and shoppers as they gossip, haggle, socialize and occasionally argue their way
through the busy day.
The dramatic market backdrop provides a perfect performance platform for many
memorable Jamaican and Caribbean folk songs, including Coconut Woman,
Ruckumbine, I'm a Better Woman Than You, Don't Touch Mi Tomato, Domino, Under
The Coconut Tree, and Lionheart.
The show continues Braata's commemoration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of
independence year which began with their recent appearance in Toronto, and
includes the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 4 to 14 where
they will represent Jamaica.
"Having Jamaican culture on show in Jamaica, Queens is part of our plans to
connect the culture of the Caribbean with the strong Caribbean communities who
live in the borough," said Phillip Willis, executive director of the Jamaica
Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) which manages the JPAC facility. 
"Saturday's show promises to be exciting and we can't wait for Braata to take
the Caribbean community down memory lane."
The show will rock JPAC's 400-seat auditorium, located at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue
in Queens, where the unique architectural elements of a 19th century church have
been incorporated into the construction of a 21st century performing arts
theater.
The JPAC facility is easily accessible by public transportation, including bus
and subway (E, F, J and Z lines) as well as the LIRR.
To purchase tickets ($25 - adults; $20 - children and seniors), call
718-618-6170 or visit www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org.
The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center
are housed landmark buildings owned by the City of New York.
About Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL)
For 40 years, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) has served as an
arts oasis in a section of New York City where cultural opportunities are
extremely limited. Created in 1972 as part of an effort to revitalize Jamaica,
JCAL has earned a reputation for inspiring youth to take an interest in the
arts, showcasing the talents of up-and-coming local artists and performers, and
creating dynamic multicultural programs and workshops that have been embraced by
the community. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors of all ages, backgrounds
and skill sets pass through its doors to attend classes and workshops, view art
exhibitions, attend performances or immerse themselves in an art residency.
For further information, visit www.jcal.org
About Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) is a mid-size, multipurpose performance
venue housed in a completely renovated 1858 landmark building - the former First
Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica. JPAC is a showcase for local, regional and
national artists and performers. This beautiful 400-seat theater is surrounded
by stained glass windows giving the space an almost ethereal quality.
State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems enhance the experience all the more.
JPAC is destined to become one of the premier destination spots in New York City
for intimate concerts and other performances. Visit 
www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org for more information.
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