1st Lyrikal album
Trinidad-born Lyrikal is such a sought-after performer, it’s hard to fathom he’s only now coming out with his first album. Last week in Manhattan, friends, fans and members of the music industry gathered to celebrate the release of the album, “The Journey.” Copies of the 20-track album and all-access DVD were gifts at the affair.
“The Journey” captures Lyrikal’s musical path from its beginnings to the present day.
He’s toured in Europe, North America and the Caribbean, as well as taken part in “countless collaborations with leading artists.” And he’s performed before millions on the Daily News float at the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
“The Journey” is available on Amazon and iTunes. Visit www.lyrikal.com for more on the performer.
On Wednesday, Lyrikal is in the lineup at the Bazodee Movie Premiere & Live Show, featuring Machel Montano, at the PlayStation Theater in Manhattan. For tickets, visit bit.ly/2ajSf72.
Diaspora food fest
Food Network personality chef Ron Duprat, popular caterer and author Nadege Fleurimond, the CASYM Steel Orchestra and African drumming presented by Kunle are some of the “food, music and fun” at the “A La Carte Food and Culture Festival,” coming to Queens next Sunday.
“Promoting the Cuisine and Culture of the Black Diaspora,” the culinary and musical event will be held at Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., from noon to 7 p.m., presented by the New York Haitian Promoters Coalition.
And there’s still time for vendors to get involved. For tickets and vendor opportunities, call (646) 504-9093 or send email to nyhpcinfo@gmail.com. And visit www.newyorkhpc.com for more information.
Jamaican awards
Recognizing Jamaican-Americas’ excellence in business, education, religion, medicine, nutrition and the arts is the goal of the Jambassador Gala and Awards Ceremony on Aug. 6 in Queens.
Held in conjunction with nonprofit Sickle Cell Trust, the inaugural affair will be held at the Grand Ballroom at Rochdale Village. Proceeds will benefit the Sickle Cell Trust.Visit www.Jambassador.eventbrite.com for tickets. For additional information or to nominate a Jamaican (or person of Jamaican origin) for a 2016 Community Service Award, contact Patrick Buddington at (718) 872-5036 or send email to pbuddington@imcmediacorp.com.
Honoring Queen of Salsa
African performer Angelique Kidjo will be paying tribute to Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, on Friday at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival.
The late great Cuban superstar will be remembered through a musical acknowledgment also starring Cuban vocalist/percussionist Pedrito Martinez. Adding to the flavor, Cuban musician Yosvany Terry and quintet open the show, which takes place at the Prospect Park Bandshell (Ninth St. and Prospect Park West).
Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a suggested $5 contribution at the gate. For information, visit www.bricartsmedia.org/cb or call (718) 683-5600.