Irie Jamboree returns with three-day event at Barclays Center
Not only will Irie Jamboree return to New York this year, it will return as a three-day event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Following the 2009 staging, the promoters of the event said they would not host the event in 2010 due to the economic recession, and cancellation of United States visas for many top Jamaican artistes.
Despite promises to return later on more than one occasion, that did not materialise. However, plans are now finally under way to host the event in September.
"There has been public outcry for the event, so we are bringing it back because it is our anniversary," promoter Bobby Clarke told THE STAR.
Another organiser Steven Williams added, "It is something that people always look forward to. I have never seen a show that takes a sabbatical and every single year people keep asking about it."
The event will also move from its regular Roy Wilkins Park venue in Queens, to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which is also the home of basketball team, Brooklyn Nets, and has also hosted major shows with acts like Rihanna, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney and Bruno Mars.
"We are proud of that achievement, it is New York's premier venue. The venue is immaculate, one of the best venues we have ever seen. It is also the hottest venue in New York. We think this year being the 20th anniversary (of Irie Jam Radio), it will be the perfect location," he said.
While this is a new venue and seemingly more expensive than the previous one, he said the cost for patrons to attend the event is not likely to increase.
"With this venue, everything is already included and cheaper production cost for us, so the average ticket cost will remain the same. I think it will give concert goers more access to the concert," Clarke said.
Williams also noted that the event will take place over three days and will include several genres of music. However, he said, "I want to make sure that when I mention names (of artistes) they are confirmed. We only go for the best, we only deliver artistes that the public wants."
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Despite promises to return later on more than one occasion, that did not materialise. However, plans are now finally under way to host the event in September.
"There has been public outcry for the event, so we are bringing it back because it is our anniversary," promoter Bobby Clarke told THE STAR.
Another organiser Steven Williams added, "It is something that people always look forward to. I have never seen a show that takes a sabbatical and every single year people keep asking about it."
The event will also move from its regular Roy Wilkins Park venue in Queens, to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which is also the home of basketball team, Brooklyn Nets, and has also hosted major shows with acts like Rihanna, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney and Bruno Mars.
"We are proud of that achievement, it is New York's premier venue. The venue is immaculate, one of the best venues we have ever seen. It is also the hottest venue in New York. We think this year being the 20th anniversary (of Irie Jam Radio), it will be the perfect location," he said.
While this is a new venue and seemingly more expensive than the previous one, he said the cost for patrons to attend the event is not likely to increase.
"With this venue, everything is already included and cheaper production cost for us, so the average ticket cost will remain the same. I think it will give concert goers more access to the concert," Clarke said.
Williams also noted that the event will take place over three days and will include several genres of music. However, he said, "I want to make sure that when I mention names (of artistes) they are confirmed. We only go for the best, we only deliver artistes that the public wants."
