By Lincoln DePradine

Only days are left before performers submit videos that could allow them to win cash prizes and gain a spot on the stage of one of Toronto’s major annual summer events, JerkFest – the International Jerk Food and Music Festival that’s hosted by the not-for-profit Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc.

Organizers, in a news release, said “artistes have until May 19 to submit their best video to Jerkfestival.ca in the categories of hip hop, R&B, gospel, dance, reggae and dancehall’’.

The festival, sponsored by Toronto Dominion Bank, is from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, at Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke.

“Festivals like TD JerkFest help bring people together to experience the vibrancy and diversity of our communities,’’ said Robyn Small, a senior manager at TD Bank Group.

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re proud to support equity-focused cultural events that create opportunities for people to connect and provide a platform to highlight the unique and diverse talent that make up our local communities.”

The festival attracts an estimated 60,000 people each year.

“We’re thrilled to announce that this year will be filled with exciting changes to enhance the festival experience for our attendees. The biggest change is that we are going cashless at the entry gates and alcohol bars for a faster and seamless experience,” said Anthony Plummer, founder and executive director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc.

“Additional changes will be revealed in the coming months; but attendees can still look forward to an entertaining weekend of delicious cuisine, interactive chef demos, family fun, and performances from international and local artistes.”

One of visiting artistes already contracted to perform at Centennial Park is Masicka, a Jamaican dancehall star.

Masicka, who headlines the festival’s opening night on August 9, is described as a “seasoned artiste known for pushing the boundaries of dancehall’’.

According to some, “his music uniquely sets him apart, by incorporating elements of hardcore hip-hop and modern quiet-storm R&B’’.

Among Masicka’s recordings, which include collaborations with other artistes, are “Hit & Run’’, “March On’’, “Stars R Us’’, and “Moments’’.

TD JerkFest has been dubbed “a must-attend summer festival, bringing the vibrant culture and flavours of the Caribbean to Toronto’’.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter