Arkansas reggae competition guarantees island vibes and household enjoyable

North Little Rock, Ark. (KATV) — The second annual Arkansas Reggae Festival is ready to deliver a style of the islands to Central Arkansas on Saturday, August 30.

Founder Ras Levi and Ruby Steward Brown, govt director of the Young Advocates of Baring Cross, shared their pleasure for the occasion, which guarantees to be a family-friendly celebration of reggae music and tradition.

“Last year was wonderful,” mentioned Levi.

“We had some great artists from Jamaica, regional, and local areas. We cannot omit the fact that we had 1,100 people bodies in the event.”

The competition not solely entertains but additionally advantages the neighborhood.

Brown famous that proceeds from final yr’s occasion helped the Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross set up their first youngsters’ residence.

This yr, the competition will characteristic a smoke-free Kid Zone at Gentle Green Park, due to sponsors like RAD (Rising Above Alcohol) and Family Service Agency.

Performers this yr embrace Singh Kumba from St. Kitts, Lion Heights from Austin, Texas, Ras Attitude from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and Perfect Giddimani from Jamaica.

“They’re coming, and they’re ready to mash up and give us that great island feel,” mentioned Levi.

The competition will even characteristic a wide range of distributors providing artwork, Caribbean delicacies, and vegan choices.

“Everybody loves the jerk chicken and curry chicken,” Levi added.

Children 12 and below can attend free of charge, and there shall be loads of actions, together with an area cell and a rover from Lehman Library.

“Parents, bring your children,” urged Levi. “Parents, you come too because we got complimentary tickets as well.”

The competition helps extra than simply music, with funds raised going in direction of literacy packages, mentorship, and entrepreneurship initiatives for the Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross.

“These funds that we’re going to raise go directly back into the young community at Baring Cross,” mentioned Brown.