Lake Shore Park in Miramar came alive with the sounds of Mento, Ska, Reggae, Dancehall and vibrant colors as many JN customers pried themselves from the World Cup Football games, to partake in JN’s 2^nd Annual Customer Appreciation Family Fun Day on Father’s Day.

Families came to enjoy the Sunday afternoon games, music and frolicking. Host, radio personality Roy “Tenny” Miller, engaged the audience in trivia questions to which prizes were given. Of course, it was all fun and excitement once the children and adults entered the lime and spoon race, three-legged race, hoola hoop competition and the dance competitions.

The hoola hoop competitions drew much audience attention since it was a tight competition with the skills on display. Two competitors took it down to the wire with the audience guessing who would emerge victorious. All eyes were on the two ladies, one young and one older, but this time youth won out as she hoola hooped her way into the top spot.

Summer is just around the corner, marking the start of the festival seasons for various islands in the Caribbean and here in North America. First up is Washington DC’s carnival as well as St. Vincent’s. St. Vincent’s music has been steady releasing over the past couple weeks. Bomani of the band, HS Phaktor, has a nice tune called, “Sweetness.” It’s the typical Bomani we are accustomed to hearing from previous tracks such as, “Booty Call,” “All I Need,” and “Wet.” As I’ve reported some weeks ago, Bomani fell and suffered a broken jaw, but he is said to be recovering well. Maddzart’s music is a bit of a disappointment compared to previous years. Perhaps it’s still early, but I would have like to have heard some stronger songs from him this year.

Jamesy P is doing well with his release of “Whoopsing.” It sounds a lot like last year’s song, “Push It.” Not a bad track, but it doesn’t grab me like some of his other music. What I do like is his new track, “Leave Me Alone.” Fireman Hooper of the Roses Crew has a hot track called, “Wukey Wukey.” A nice up-tempo song, though I presume I may only hear this track in certain fetes that focus on soca music from outside of Trinidad. Nevertheless, I love the track. Skinny Fabulous has released numerous songs for the season, including one with Bunji Garlin. The ragga-soca track, “Send Dem Come,” shows the typical fast tongues of the two, but with little imagination. I would have expected better.

In celebration of Caribbean Heritage month, The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) will present the “Treasures of the Caribbean,” a collection of artwork from various artists of Jamaica, Haiti and other Caribbean islands on Friday, June 16 from 7 to 9 pm, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

Artwork from Alexandre Gregoire, Herve Telemaque, Lukner Lazard, Errol Elgo Lewis and other artists will be on display in the gallery. “It’s an honor to highlight the works of these Caribbean artists,” said Pearl Woolridge, head of Special Collections at AARLCC. “They as well as other Caribbean natives have made countless contributions and have had a great impact on African-American culture.”

Each piece of artwork reflects the influence of African culture combined with the Spanish, French, English and indigenous people.  The exhibition will run through July 3, and the reception is free and open to the public. The community is encouraged to attend in Caribbean attire.  Signature island dishes such as fried plantains will be served, and entertainment will be provided by the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble. For more information on this event, call 954-625-2810 or visit the website at www.broward.org/library.

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ziggy Marley has announced that he has entered into an agreement with Target, which will be the exclusive U.S. retailer of his second solo CD, “Love Is My Religion,” on Tuff Gong Worldwide Records, scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 4.  This deal is a first for both parties, marking the first time Ziggy has ever released an independent album without using the traditional major label infrastructure, and the first time that Target will act as the sole U.S. retailer for a major recording artist. This direct relationship between Marley and Target will allow the album to be offered at the low price of $9.99 to Target guests.  “This album and the way it is being sold are important to me in honoring my father’s spirit.  I am excited to be a part of this new relationship with Target.” Darrell Tucker, vice president, merchandising, Target shared, “We are excited to bring this powerful collection of music exclusively to Target guests.” Ziggy’s solo debut, “Dragonfly,” was released in 2003 and featured such artists as Flea and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mike Einziger and DJ Kilmore (Incubus).  For more information on Ziggy Marley, log on to www.ziggymarley.com.

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Offering great food and entertainment in a quaint country setting, the Tropical Ag. Fiesta returns to the Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Avenuein the Homestead/Redland area Saturday and Sunday June 10 & 11.

Once again the Fiesta, which began 75 years ago as a mango festival, will showcase the best of what the South Dade agricultural community has to offer including dozens of varieties of flowering and shade trees, tropical fruit, herbs, spices and vegetables.

The community’s agro-industry efforts will also be on display with producers offering a range of products including jams, jellies, ice cream, wines and other items in which the main ingredients are farmers’ produce. 

For the second year in a row there will be cooking demonstrations by some of Miami-Dade’s top chefs with the focus being on the use of tropical fruits and other local products.