The legendary Byron Lee in performance at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival earlier this year. - File

Jamaican musical giants, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, will be the headline act at this year's fifth annual Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Air Jamaica, set for this Sunday, at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida.

Lee, 71, is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the business, and has distinguished himself as a successful band leader, promoter, label and studio owner.

Once Byron Lee and the Dragonaires hit the stage, the place will erupt into a high-energy party, as the crowds will jam to the popular classics as well as selections from his extensive repertoire covering ska, rocksteady, and today's dancehall hits played the way only Byron Lee and the Dragonaires can.

Other acts scheduled to appear include Fyah Wuk Band, veterans Pluto and Company, Ernie Smith and young sensation Wayne Anthony. Popular Jamaican entertainment personality, Jerry D, will be on hand to perform his usual antics and get the crowd involved in various on-the-spot contests. He will be aptly supported by Sir Rockwell, who will try to keep him in line.

The Jamaican Jerk Festival will feature a number of highly-anticipated culinary activities and cultural fare, which includes vendors selling authentic Jamaican jerk foods; the Jerk Cook-Off Contest; Western Union's Cultural Heritage Village, paying tribute to Jamaica's only female national heroine, Nanny; and a tribute to Miss Lou; Domino Contest; Purple Reign, Inc. Wine Pavilion, pairing jerk cuisine with wine. A glass of Merlot anyone? And the Lovebird Kidz Fun Zone of bounce house, rides, slides, cotton candy and, naturally, jerk hot dogs. The proceeds will benefit the Lovebirds Kids Club.

Ticket information

Tickets are US$7 in advance from selected outlets or online at www.jerkfestival.com; they are US$12 at the gate and include Broward County Parks fees of US$1 per person.

The festival is produced by Riddims Marketing and Jamaica Awareness, Inc., and is sponsored by Western Union, Grace Foods, Maroone Toyota, Ting, D&G Sodas, People's Telecom., Comcast Cable, Sun-Sentinel, CN Weekly and WAVS Radio.

For more information, contact Riddims Marketing at 305-891-1242 or online at www.jerkfestival.com.