Meteorologists predicted good air quality, no precipitation, low humidity and miles and miles of visibility on July 24. Therefore, a Friday evening outing on the grassy sod at Manhattan's Bryant Park seemed to be an ideal wrap-up to an uneventful summer week. Added to the pleasant weather conditions, Carnegie Hall offered a bonus with a free concert featuring NYC Ska Orchestra. From a series providing picnic performances in the park, Wendy Magro, their representative, said the turnout was "the biggest crowd yet." As fate would have it, prior to the concert, fans of the Jamaican genre who had never experienced the music of the collective questioned the validity of a subset and musicology representing an established configuration which first branded the moniker. Nevertheless, curious skeptics wanted to hear the 20-piece ensemble, led by veteran St. Louis trumpeter Kevin Batchelor. A veteran associated with jazz and other genres, he was reputed to meld the Jamaican music styles of mento, ska, rocksteady and reggae to New York standards. On that weekend, die-hards arrived early. Others filtered in throughout the evening, and those in the know pre-set choice spots on the lawn because organizers provided colorful blankets, cardboard fans, and chairs. With food vendors nearby, the perfectly organic outdoor setting proved to be an alluring picnic for couples, families, singles — old and young. From the moment blinged-out Batchelor took the microphone to introduce his collaborators, toddlers, seniors, and dance-happy citizens reveled to the jazzy, big band beat. The New York transplant first toasted Larry McDonald, an 89-year-old percussionist congo drum musician/singer. Renowned for playing with reggae greats, the island native positioned himself to sing, play, and address the multitude. As host/emcee/musician, Batchelor went on to praise another veteran musician — this time Carl Wright, the second city Montego Bay Jamaican master drummer. Wright is also reputed for backing more than a few legends of reggae. Most of all, throughout the evening, the emcee injected background information on the Skatalites, the forefathers of the unique 60s, Caribbean jazz innovation. The fact the trio have all shared the same stage as the reputable group resonated with assuring credibility. And with Batchelor's jocular intonations of the city's recent basketball championship status, city dwellers responded to the theme "go New York, Knicks in five," which related to the NBA team’s victorious tactic. From there, a synergy infused an orchestral note with performances of songs by Barbara Streisand, Brook Benton, the Five Stairsteps, Johnny Nash, Sun Ra and other interpretations of standard bearers. A momentum peaked when the ensemble delivered "Man in the Street" in salute of Don Drummond, one of the legends of the era. Established to represent all five boroughs, the assembly also honored Phyllis Dillon, who died in 2004 at age 59. Her melody was reimagined seamlessly by Pallavi Gummalam in a tune titled "Don't Stay Away." A return to the stage featured the accomplished singer in a duet with McDonald on a Sidney Mills' production titled "On a Clear Day." The group paid tribute to Cuban-born Skatalites saxophonist Roland Alphonso who died at age 67 in 1998. "Bridge View" recalled his excellence with a version of the blues. "Rukumbine" integrated mento to the repertoire of folk offering. And "Space Odyssey" returned Sun Ra’s whimsical creation. Combining compositions made popular by American pop artists with Jamaican ska hits, the diversified discography honored the beat and also invigorated fans who danced as if summer might never end. Recently, a new and revised continuation of the Skatalites delighted upstate festival patrons in Ithaca New York. McDonald graced the upstate setting to perform nostalgic tunes. That this gathering did not imitate the legendary original assembly indelibly inscribes another version of the established trademark which thrilled fans at Lincoln Center two years ago when rapper DMC joined in to rock the mic. Jazz met hip-hop for another funky blend. But let’s not digress, another female introduced Aida Brandeis-Hargrove who slowed the session showcasing “Softly.” Friday was the group's last engagement for the season they ended their run on a high but has performed at Joe's Pub and provided America's 250th anniversary merriment at Hastings-on-the- Hudson Sunset Concert series at Waterfront Park. Other stellar contributors to the galaxy included Dan Fusco on trombone, Nigel Ellis, tenor saxophone, Greg Lapine, alto saxophone, Jerry Simon on trombone, Johnny Myers, guitar, J. Walter Hawkes, trombone and bass, Rick Ballabam, keyboards, Jack Walsh, manager/guitarist, Josh Levinson, trumpet, Paul Vercesi, baritone saxophone, flautist, Tim Otto, flautist and the entire rhythm section. "The set list was pure joy." Emancipendence crowns "I love Jamaica" the festival song The 2026 Jamaica festival song winner was announced in Kingston on July 25. During a festive celebration, the competition ended with dBurnz, the trophy winner of the best patriotic tune, marking the 64th anniversary of self governance. A native of the parish of Clarendon, Melbourne Douglas aka dBurnz also took home an additional cash prize of J$200,000 for clinching the best performing artist title and a total bonanza of J$3 million. Second place winner Ovando Levy, a music teacher, did not leave empty-handed either. He scored a jackpot with his composition of "Jamaica School Bling" (Bingi Ling). The educator walked away with J$600,000 while third placed Aba Jones received J$300,000 for submitting "Teet A Fi Me." Nine finalists competed during the 60-year contest, which has exposed local talents on the island. "I want to big up all nine contestants," said Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. "It has been a good experience for you, so even if your song is not the winning song, you are still a winner." According to the ministry, the theme of this year's Emancipendence is "United in Celebration." Reportedly, the cultural tradition combines celebration of emancipation and independence day. It begins on Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 6, when Jamaica emerged the first in the region to gain self governing status from the British in 1962. The week-long commemorative events will start with a salute to the purported 1834 end of slavery. Midnight jubilees are slated to be held at numerous historic sites. Purposely slated to serve as a reminder to the hard-fought milestone achievement, community events and church services are expected to regale accomplished since captivity. Although 1834 is listed the official year of emancipation in Jamaica, it wasn't until 1838 that citizens were granted full freedom. Catch you On the Inside!