Jamaica’s Independence Grand Gala will celebrate the Caribbean island nation’s culture with a posh party.
The dressy event will feature a red carpet with photo opportunities, as well as a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and dinner.
The gala is being staged by event producer Elizabeth “Liz” Burns, who heads up the Caribbean American Heritage Month USA organization.
“I wanted to create a really special event to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, also to share the diverse culture of my country, [everything from] indoor/outdoor concerts to fancy gatherings,” says Burns, who lives in Pembroke Pines. “This will be a very formal gala with fine dining, beautiful decor, as well as classy entertainment, a step above the rest.”
Optimum Exposure
Jamaica’s Independence Grand Gala is being produced by Elizabeth “Liz” Burns, who heads up the Caribbean American Heritage Month USA organization. (Optimum Exposure/Courtesy)
The entertainment will include:
- reggae artists Lee Kelly & The Cee 4 Band
- storyteller/actor Maxine Osbourne
- gospel singer/songwriter Lubert Levy
- DJ Ever Never
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jamaica’s Independence Grand Gala
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
WHERE: Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel, 1230 S. Pine Island Road, Plantation
COST: $145.90 (a $15 discount lasts until the day of the event)
INFORMATION: eventbrite.com
OTHER INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS
After 300 years of British rule, Jamaica declared its independence on Aug. 6, 1962. Other commemorative events include:
- Miramar’s Jamaica Emancipendence celebration on Saturday, Aug. 2, at at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway; miramarfl.gov/events
- Palm Beach Jamaica Independence Festival on Saturday, Aug. 2, at John Prince Park, 4759 S. Congress Ave., Lake Worth; pbjamminfest.com
- Sweet & Dandy Jamaican Independence Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 2, at La Veranda Restaurant & Bar, 8320 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation; jamaicanwomenofflorida.com
- Jamaica Independence Festival on Sunday, Aug. 3, at Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; eventbrite.com
- Jamaican Independence Day Fireside Chat with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; islandspacefl.org
Lubert Levy
Lubert Levy, gospel singer and songwriter. (Lubert Levy/Courtesy)
DJ-Ever Never
DJ Ever Never. (DJ Ever Never/Courtesy)
Maxine Osbourne
Maxine Osbourne, storyteller and actor. (Maxine Osbourne/Courtesy)