Jamaica Day in the Carolinas

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Kenne Blessin, a well-rounded and versatile musician whose forte includes a myriad of genres such as reggae, soca and R&B will be performing this Sunday, Aug. 30 as part of the 2nd Annual S.C. Reggae Jerk and Wine Festival, celebrating “Jamaica Day in the Carolinas” at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Kenroy Dacosta Carney (a.k.a. Kenne Blessin) was introduced to music by his family and officially started singing church and on the streets. In 1991 Kenne Blessin joined a group called Lions’ Den, where he performed with many well-known Jamaican artists.
Migrating to Antigua in 1999, Blessin has been a resident of the small Caribbean island ever since. It was there that he won a karaoke competition and then went on to win the Gem FM Caribbean Star Search, which introduced him to Soca music.
Blessin’s music has been well-received in Antigua and throughout the entire Caribbean. He has had the chance to open for and share the stage with numerous acts such as Percy Sledge, The Kinks, KC & JoJo, Genuine, Faith Evans, Third World, Maxi Priest, and Shaggy.
In addition to the live music performance from Kenne Blessin, Jamaica Day in the Carolinas will include a Jamaican jerk competition. Prizes will be awarded to professional and amateur chefs competing in a jerk cook-off and contestants in the dominoes and pepper-eating contests. Other activities will include wine tasting by Irvin Vineyards, Total Wine, and Southern Wine and Spirits. The festival will include vendors at a Caribbean marketplace. Lawn chairs are welcomed, coolers not allowed.
The festival is sponsored by Magnolia, Caribbean Rootz, and Healthy Lifestyle Network.  Proceeds from Jamaica Day in the Carolinas will benefit the Healthy Lifestyle Network, a non-profit organization formed to teach self-management skills to adults and children to change lifestyle and improvement health outcomes. According to Lorna Beck, president of Healthy Lifestyle Network, donations of toys, school supplies, soccer balls, sizes 3 and 4, and shin guards will be collected at the event for children in Charleston and Jamaica.
Tickets are $25. Tickets are available at the Reggae Grill, 3910 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, B&T Caribbean Market 4501 Dorsey Ave., North Charleston, and online at screggaejerkwinefestival.eventbrite.com. Festival ticket includes admission to Magnolia Gardens, a souvenir glass and a wine tasting.
Jamaica Day in the Carolinas on Sunday, Aug. 30 at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, located at 3550 Ashley River Road. For more information call -571-1266 or visit www.screggaejerkfestival.com.