Helps Local and International Charities
Come on out to Sims Park in New Port Richey on Saturday, Aug. 26, to enjoy the 2nd International Caribbean Food and Music Festival. The event will continue from noon to 10 p.m. The free charity event supports Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch, Nigerian School Children and the Ace Opportunities for Women Shelter. The 2nd International Caribbean Food and Music Festival is sponsored by Dulcet Restaurant and Lounge. Sims Park is located on Main Street in New Port Richey, right along the river.
Admission is free for this year’s Caribbean Fest; however, VIP tickets are available for $50, which entitles ticket holders to passed appetizers, food, drinks and special seating for the day-long series of concerts. Food and craft booths will be open to the public throughout the family-friendly event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the participating charities.
Headliner for this year’s event is Elephant Man from Jamaica, one of the most colorful characters on the dancehall scene. Born as O’Neil Bryant in Kingston, Jamaica, the Elephant Man got his stage name from his large ears. He began his career as a member of the Scare Dem Crew, later continuing as a solo artist who became known for several trademarks, such as his yellow-orange hair, his unique low-key voice and his on-stage performance with excessive jumping and running or even climbing on stage props and monitors.
Also scheduled to appear on the concert stage are Ras Kimono, a reggae artist from Nigeria, and the Cool Breeze Band with its trademark cool rock and music from the 70’s and 80’s. Reginald Roundtree, news anchor on WTSP television, also is planning to appear during the program.
An after-party is planned for 2nd International Caribbean Food and Music Festival to be held at Dulcet Restaurant and Lounge, 6220 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey. For VIP tickets or for more information about this year’s event call 727-494-7654.
More information about the supported charities:
Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch: Started in 1957, a small group of Florida sheriffs saw the need for a residential care facility for troubled boys. With a little bit of cash and a big dream, they pooled their wisdom and efforts and watched their dream become a reality. Within a short period of time, they were helping many young boys turn their lives around to become productive and responsible adults. The vision is to help develop young men and women to face the future with integrity and character. A local ranch is located in Safety Harbor, Florida. For more information visit www.youthranches.org.
Ace Opportunities: For the last twelve years Ace has provided a structured supportive housing that enables homeless females and males with a history of substance abuse and/or some level of disability to become productive, responsible and to make a successful transition into permanent housing. Many lack the ability or knowledge on how to progress with their lives in a productive manner. The majority of those helped have children. Ace Opportunities is located in New Port Richey, Florida. For more information visit www.aceopportunities.org.
Additional funds will be set aside to provide needed supplies to school children in Nigeria.