Yesterday was Independence Day - 44 years and going - which meant that the JCDC Street Jam was on in New Kingston. Not generally on my list of holiday activities (I am partial to staying at home and chilling on public holidays) but this year a friend of mine was coordinating one of the mini-stages. The “Piano Bar” Stage, as it was named, was hosting Dennis Rushton (keyboards), Joel Edwards (keyboards), Andrew Clarke, Airplai, Rocky 5 (featuring Sheeda’s bro and the one MG), Henry Robinson (keyboards), “Deadly” Headley Bennett (sax), Michael Pinnock (steel pan) - not necessarily in that order.

I decided it might be worth my while so I headed out early yesterday. the weather was great and the music was better. I took up my post under a tree, got some great (black & white) shots (I hope - it’s the first time in a while I have taken any pics) and loved up the music. Many of the performers I had not heard perform before and so it was a treat for me.

I did check out the rest of the event from time to time. Caught sight of some dinkimini on the “Ole Time Sinting” stage, and watched a bit of Dancing Dynamites from a distance on another stage. “Artisan Avenue” was quite interesting with a varied array of arts and crafts, including some photography for me to eyeball and wonder if I could be that good one day. For those so inclined, you could push through a crowd to taste the local fare on offer - plenty jerk, soup, roast fish, breadfruit etc. I stuck to the gizzada and potato pudding to satisfy the sweet cravings I was having.

The marching band competition wasn’t bad but the fashion show later was a bit disturbing because I have never seen such a large collection of bones as was paraded on that catwalk. By time the stage show was getting under way I was more than ready to leave having been there since 1 p.m. so I can’t comment on that part. All in all, a day well spent. I will definitely be attending again next year but I will stick to my plan of arriving and leaving early.