Founders of NOLA Caribbean Fest are bringing back the Marley Gras Jerk Chicken Fest for the second year in a row!
2017 was the inaugural year of the Marley Gras Jerk Chicken Festival at the then, unknown, Central City BBQ. According to an organizer Joel Hitchcock Tilton, last year, the festival organizers mistakenly planned the ticketed event on the same evening as Krewe Du Vieux. Despite the poor planning, the festival still managed to draw over 2,000 attendees. This year with the festival’s loyal following, Central City BBQ having quickly become an institution and now being scheduled the week before Krewe Du Vieux, Hitchcock Tilton says they hope to have an even larger turnout!
“The Jerk Chicken Festival's funky fusion of Jamaican musical and culinary traditions combine so easily with the rich culture of New Orleans Carnival,” said festival organizers.
The event will be held this Saturday, January 20 at Central City BBQ located at 1201 S. Rampart Street.
Lots of island vibes with live music from various artists such as Teki, Ammoye, TBC Brass Band, who will be doing a Reggae/Brass set and more! In addition, some special guests include Big Freedia and DJ Raj Smoove. Of course, local restaurants such as Boswell’s Island Paradise, Johnny’s Jamaican Grill, Karibu Kitchen, Trinni Queen Lisa and more will also be in attendance to bring some authentic Caribbean flavor to the fest. On top of live music and good eats, the fest will also feature a scotch bonnet pepper eating competition and a jerk chicken cook-off competition with celebrity judges.
The fun starts at 1 pm and will last until 10 pm. Head to marleygrasfestival.com for the full lineup, schedule, and tickets!
