Ya Maka My Weekend

Scenes from Friday

The District — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:58:31 +0000

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

Ya Maka My Weekend has started!

The District — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:54:50 +0000

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

Newsworthy

The District — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:10:14 +0000

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.

What’s New?

The District — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:05:33 +0000

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.

Listen to the Radio Ad

The District — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:29:38 +0000

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

TV Commercial

The District — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:36:33 +0000

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

Official Ya Maka My Weekend T-Shirts

The District — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:49:34 +0000

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

Kid’s Activities

The District — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:37:36 +0000

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.

Spicy Caribbean Food

The District — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:33:12 +0000

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!

Reggae, Caribbean & Beach Music

The District — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:23:51 +0000

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!