Highlights from the McDonough Jerk Festival 2014

With getting ready for our big Tropical Current Brand launch (more details very soon), there is just enough time to highlight our experience at the 8th Annual McDonough Jerk Festival (2014).  And...pictures vividly portray the experience.

The Parade.  

Parade Preparation

Though a small number the participants were friendly and enthusiastic.  It had a been a long time since I' was in any Carnival-like parade...and it was fun.  I think I will be doing that again. 

The McDonough Jerk Festival has already outgrown the Square where it was held in previous years.  The event's organizers, Scotty and Sylvia, promise more with the parade beginning with next year's Festival.   

The city of McDonough is to be commended for its full support for the parade and their management throughout the McDonough Jerk Festival.  

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Showed Support

Around the McDonough Square

King Danksie repping for MaHDD Energy on the truck

At the Park (Alexander Park)

There were jumpy contraptions that drove my young niece to try every trick in the book to get me to take her over there.  Her persistence won.  

Haitian Divas Dance Group

The vendors provided delicious food and treats for all.   The park was well populated and reports are that the Jerk Festival was larger than the previous year.  Organizers Sylvia and Scotty graciously thanked attendees, the mayor, local press, participants and the city of McDonough. 

Artists

The artist showcase was quite entertaining with each of them enthusiastic and rearing to go.  From our team, King Danskie again emphasized his knack for being a crowd-pleasing entertainer.   See related videos later for highlights of his performance.  

The images below seek to capture the experience of the Festival.  Missing is Drea Love's performance due to technical difficulties.  Please submit if you have a photo of her performance.

Single steel drum player

Imani Raychelle

King Danskie

Shelly Thunder - MC

No Phear

Gucci London

Crissanji

The Island Soul Band

We are looking forward to McDonough Jerk Festival 2015, parade, mas bands and more.  On behalf of the MaHDD Energy team, we had an awesome time.  It was MaHDD! :-)

A Major Caribbean-Themed Festival in McDonough

A Brief Overview

For the 8th year, the McDonough Jerk Festival Organization will bring the Jerk Festival and International Parade to the community.  On Saturday, September 27, 2014, experience the well-loved Caribbean Culture with food, music and entertainment, free health screenings and more.  Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association.  Be there to enjoy yourself and support a good cause.

Event Details

The International Parade starts at 12:00 PM.  Festivities commence right after the parade.  Yes.  It will be an event to remember.  And of course the MaHDD Energy and team will be there at Alexander Park.  For more information (vending, sponsorship, etc.) see below.  And see you soon at the festival.

Event Venue

Alexander Park
Atlanta Street, McDonough, GA  30253

Listen to a Special Jerk Festival Episode of The MaHDD Energy Show

McDonough Jerk Festival

Summer Wrap-up; Labor Day Weekend 2014

This year, instead of the usual run to New York for Labor Day, The MaHDD Energy™ and team remained in Atlanta.  We were definitely not disappointed.  

Looka People

With an influx of visitors from everywhere, the generic forecasted number of visitors in and around the metro Atlanta area was in the "hundreds of thousands" based on a variety of large events ranging from Dragon Con to the Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins game.

Lots of Caribbean-Themed Activities

You would think that it would be difficult to find enough authentic Caribbean-themed events to satisfy our interest.  After all, New York is the place for that, right?  Well not anymore.  New York, Atlanta is definitely giving you some competition as it has become a viable Labor Day weekend destination for those seeking to experience and celebrate a peaceful piece of the Caribbean Culture.

Defining Activities

Flyer for the Festival

This year, not only were there the traditional activities like the now famous Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Fest, but there was also the brand new, Inaugural International Cultural Festival & Soccer Exhibition at Fort Valley State University.  Fort Valley State University is a public HBCU (Historically Black University).  The current president, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith (since July 2013), is focused on embracing diversity and, along with his team, is "dreaming global culture" and "doing global culture."  Yes. They are doing it with action and not merely words.

See related story from 13WMAZ TV...

Making History at FVSU

This history-making, inaugural festival included acts from the Cuban group Orquesta Macuba, Antiguan-born Soca Artist King Danskie and the Caribbean steel band group, PanSONICs.  Other acts included amazing Martial Arts Performances and a spectacular Asian Dance Performance.  The relaxed and cheery atmosphere of all attendees and much appreciated vendors reflected the pure enjoyment from a very well-organized event.

Pansonics Steel Band

Orquesta Macuba

Asian Dance Group

King Danskie

Stilt Dancer

The MaHDD Energy and Team would like to thank Austin Thompson and FVSU for including us to be a part of this historical event. 



For more information, check us out on Facebook and follow these links:

Fort Valley State University 
Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival
McDonough Jerk Festival 
Orquesta Macuba
PanSONICs Steel Band
The MaHDD Energy with King Danskie

MaHDD Energy is a Trademark of AOWR Media LLC

MaHDD T'ings Blog Launched

By now, hopefully, you have heard or seen something about MaHDD Energy.  If you haven't and would like to know more, then this is exactly where you need to be.  

Welcome to the very first entry to the MaHDD T'ings™ Blog.  This corner will keep you updated with the exciting things the MaHDD Energy brand is doing.  We plan to publish regularly, with at least two monthly issues...starting now.  Welcome!

Caribbean Association of Georgia  - WNBA Event Recap

The #mahddenergy, well represented by Antiguan Artist/DJ, King Danskie, was one of the many acts showcased on Caribbean Heritage Night at the WNBA's Atlanta Dream vs. Tulsa Shock game.  

Presented by the Caribbean Association of Georgia, the mini-concert (pre-game show) featured many Caribbean-American artists and personalities that are readily available to entertain in or around Metro Atlanta and beyond.

The M@HDD Energy would like to give special thanks to the Caribbean Association of Georgia for allowing our artist, King Danskie to appear on the show and share some #mahddenergy.  

Click this link to view our captured highlights of the event here.

Learn more:

• Heritage Friday Series (Caribbean Night)
• The Caribbean Association of Georgia
• Da Famous Boyzz (DFB)
• Sebrena Sumrah-Kelley
• Imani Raychelle  (Facebook)
• King Danskie

 MaHDD Energy is a Trademark of AOWR Media LLC