Christmas Grand Market
Braata Productions with Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, and Council Member Kevin Riley
BRAATA PRODUCTIONS in association with
Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, and Council Member Kevin Riley
Presents
CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET
December 9 - Queens
December 10 - Bronx
December 17 - Brooklyn
EMCEE is DAHLIA HARRIS
BRAATA PRODUCTIONS, in association with Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, and Council Member Kevin Riley, is pleased to announce the 2023 CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET. This festive market takes place during the holiday season, in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, and features a variety of Caribbean-themed goods, including arts and crafts, traditional foods, music, and cultural performances. It's an opportunity for both Caribbean communities and others interested in Caribbean culture to come together, enjoy the holiday spirit, and explore the rich and diverse traditions of the Caribbean during the festive season. Jamaican-born Cultural and Creative industries entrepreneur, Dahlia Harris will serve as emcee. Harris is dedicated to providing employment for creative talent, exploring critical social issues through the Arts, and advancing the global presence of Jamaican content. Held in Queens on December 9, the Bronx on December 10, and Brooklyn on December 17. Tickets are $25-$30 and are available at https://www.betterunite.com/BraataProductions-christmasgrandmarket2023-threelocations.
2023 CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET is a longstanding tradition in Jamaica that takes place after the usual Christmas morning service or on the eve of Christmas Day. The whole community would be out in numbers participating in a variety of games, and competitions for all ages, lots of gifts including many toys were on sale from brightly decorated stalls, there was food and drink in abundance, and a great time was had by the entire family throughout the day. Braata Production’s 2023 CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET will feature Meecah (Hamilton), Abeena, Braata Folk Singers, Jonkanoo Parade and many more.
Saturday, December 09, 2022
Merrick Academy Charter School
136-25 218th Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
(Entrance on 137th Ave between 218th & 219th streets)
Market opens at 5:30pm Concert at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Harry S Truman High School
750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx NY
Market opens at 4:30pm Concert at 6:00pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Alliance Tabernacle (formerly Clarendon Road Church)
3304 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Market open at 4:30pm Concert at 6:00pm
Tickets are $25-$30 and are available at https://www.betterunite.com/BraataProductions-christmasgrandmarket2023-threelocations.
Running Time: 6 hours
Website:www.braataproductions.org
IG: @braataproductions
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braataproductions1
Christmas Grand Market is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. This program is also supported, in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the New City Council and Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Council Member Kevin Riley and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham with additional support from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
About Braata Productions
Braata is a Jamaican colloquial term meaning 'more,' which is what this company aspires to do -- give its supporters and audiences something more at all times. Started by actor/singer Andrew Clarke in May 2009, the goal for Braata has always been to provide entertainment and education to our patrons and give voice to diverse experiences, performers, writers and directors plus bring Caribbean folk culture, music movement, stories, artists and theatre to the United States.
Braata aims to authentically represent the culture of the Caribbean islands and to prioritize cultivating and re-telling Caribbean stories and legends for generations to come. Braata is dedicated to giving Caribbean and Caribbean-American artists a platform through which to showcase their work and talents. Braata seeks to define its position as one of the leading performing arts organizations in New York City. We maintain strong ties to the community and have a reputation for artistic excellence, educational innovation, and fiscal responsibility. Allowing immigrants' voices a chance for creative expression, our principal activities include theatre, music, and folk arts, in addition to education and community outreach. These activities take us on engagements outside of the 5 boroughs of NYC to Connecticut, Rochester, and Boston to name a few. Braata's goal is to rekindle an appreciation for Caribbean culture & heritage amongst Caribbeans and non-Caribbeans alike by engaging community members in New York and surrounding areas.
In its brief history, Braata Productions’ projects and programs have served over 350 artists, directors, designers, technicians and young entrepreneurial artists and has enjoyed many successes including the creation of The Braata Folk Singers, Braata Education & Outreach titled Project BE, Braata Theatre Workshop and The “Braata" Award.
For more information, visit braataproductions.org.
Dahlia Harris (emcee) is a Jamaican born Cultural and Creative Industries entreprenuer. As CEO of DMH Productions - an independent production company, specialising in theatre, television and film content - Harris is dedicated to providing employment for creative talent, exploring critical social issues thorugh the Arts and advancing the global presence of Jamaican content. For her work in theatre, Harris has received the Bigga High Achievers Award and has also been inducted into the Caribben Hall of Fame. In September of 2017, she will also receive the Excellence in Personal Branding Award at the inaugural Brand YOU Academy Kingston. Harris is also the founder of the Jamaica Women in Theatre Festival which is dedicated to creating opportunities for women in theatre by developing the necessary skills for technical, production and entrepreneurial skills. She has copped mulitple awards as writer, actor and producer.
Initially made popular for her work as a presenter on radio and television, she has been in media for over 20 years and is widely acknowledged for being the first female Senior Producer of Radio and Television Sports in Jamaica. Harris is a graduate of the UWI Mona where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Media and Communications as well as English, a Masters Degree in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change and at present a PhD in Cultural Studies. She is a much sought after motivational speaker.
Meecah (performer) Since the age of three years old, Meecah has been performing on stage and in the church constantly sharpening her skills. Under the mentorship of legends like Marc Shaiman, Quentin Earl Darrington, Robert Hartwell, Schele Williams and many others, Meecah’s blossoming career has become one to witness. After playing Zindzi Mandela in several workshops of the musical Mandela, Meecah went on to perform all leading women in the Tony Award Winning musical Hamilton. Most recently Meecah could be seen leading an original Jamaican musical The Harder They Come as Elsa and as Dorothy in the Broadway Workshop of The Wiz. Her music career has also placed her on the top of charts, and all over the world. Meecah owes everything to God and stands by her responsibility to love without limitation. She is an advocate for environmental causes, and abused women's rights. When she is not performing on the stage you will find her convincing her Caribbean family to be vegan, surfing, or playing sports. Meecah is a well-rounded woman, phenomenally chasing her dreams.
Abena (performer) was born on the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis, the sister isle of St. Kitts, to accomplished Vincentian vocalist Ms. Jacqueline Erlene Williams-King and the late Honorable Vance Amory, Former Premier of Nevis. She was exposed to music at an early age and always loved to sing. Abena has sung with various Gospel choirs in Brooklyn, dedicated to spreading God’s love with their amazing harmonies and spirit filled ministry. Well-known Soca artiste Alston “Becket” Cyrus and many other artistes have benefited greatly from her musical talent. She has performed with musical legend Sir Frankie McIntosh and other musical greats. Most recently, Abena has embarked on a solo career releasing a beautiful Reggae love song she penned called “Your Love” and following up with a cover of “Flowers”, adding a Caribbean flavor to the popular Miley Cyrus song. Abena possesses a rare and beautiful talent that captivates, inspires and moves others. Her voice and passion to share her musical gift with the world has led her to a time such as now; a time to brighten our world with her voice of hope and vision of unity! Whether Gospel, Calypso, Reggae, Jazz or Soul, Abena can sing! With this God-given talent, her voice is meant to soothe, entertain, uplift and inspire. Spreading love wherever she goes!!
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Listings Information:
Who: BRAATA PRODUCTIONS
What: CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET
Where/When:
Saturday, December 09, 2022
Merrick Academy Charter School
136-25 218th Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
(Entrance on 137th Ave between 218th & 219th streets)
Market opens at 5:30pm Concert at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Harry S Truman High School
750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx NY
Market opens at 4:30pm Concert at 6:00pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Alliance Tabernacle (formerly Clarendon Road Church)
3304 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Market open at 4:30pm Concert at 6:00pm
How: https://www.betterunite.com/BraataProductions-christmasgrandmarket2023-threelocations
This festive marketplace during the holiday season, in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, features a variety of Caribbean-themed goods, including arts and crafts, traditional foods, music, and cultural performances.