Ya Maka My Weekend

Check out this video to see scenes from Friday’s Ya Maka My Weekend – day into night.

We’ll update you with photos and video throughout the event. New photos posted now. See you at Ya Maka!

Rock Island Argus reports Ya Maka Me Hungry: Sample Caribbean Foods in The District. “From mild to wild, there will be something for every taste at Ya Maka My Weekend, the Caribbean festival with music and food that starts at 5 p.m Friday and noon Saturday in The District of Rock Island.” And in another story, ”R.I. Reggae Festival Continues 18-Year Tradition,”  you can learn more about the event.

Quad City Times did an interview with reggae singer Taj Weekes. Click here to read it.

Everyone always wants to know what’s new at the event. For 2009:

• Three new reggae bands this year at Ya Maka My Weekend – Taj Weekes & Adowa, Dred I Dread, and Nite Flight.
• Six Caribbean food vendors – most have been here before, but not all at once, and that means great options for you!
• The parking lot south of the Blue Cat will be turned in to a sand beach – where you can play or make a sandcastle – and there will even be a water feature included.
• A band of real-life pirates will roam the fest grounds.

Some of the music and things you’ll find at Ya Maka My Weekend. Listen to our B100 ad.

Check out this year’s Ya Maka My Weekend TV commercial. Thanks WQAD!

Check out the design for this year’s Ya Maka t-shirts. Available for $12 at the event.

Saturday afternoon is the time to bring the kids with special island activities planned by Quad City Arts. Build a sand castle, dig for buried treasure, or paint with sand. Who knows – you might even see a real pirate. And with the reggae music playing, it will just be a great day. Kids 12 and under are always free.

We have 6 confirmed food vendors selling Caribbean-style food at the event! District restaurant Atlante’ Trattoria will be serving curried goat among other tasty dishes. Long-time festival favorite Eudell Watts III will return to Ya Maka this year with his famous Old Arthur’s BBQ sauce; he usually has a Jamaican surprise or two on the menu. In addition, Caribbean Cafe, Caribbean Kitchen, Hot Spot Island Cuisine, and Jamaican Jerk Hut have made commitments. Get ready for jerk chicken & pork, jerk wings, red beans and rice, Jamaican meat pies, and more. YUM!

Check out the bands now booked for the fest. New talent at the event includes Taj Weekes & Adowa, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band, Dred I Dread, and Nite Flight. Plus there are some festival favs like Gizzae, Dub Dis, and Indika. Should be a great music line-up!