Haiti thrilled with Gold Cup run
Last Tuesday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match between Haiti and Mexico was a event to remember — with No. 101 world-ranked Haiti eventually losing after a historic tournament performance.
According to The Associated Press, the Haiti squad — nicknamed Les Grenadiers — won its group with a surprising comeback win over Costa Rica and rallied from a two-goal halftime deficit to beat Canada 3-2 to reach its first Gold Cup semifinals.
Both Haiti and Mexico were undefeated going into the July 2 semifinal match in Glendale, Ariz., which Haiti ultimately lost 1-0 with Mexico scoring a penalty kick in overtime.
Swimwear show vs. cancer
With the proceeds aiding the fight against breast cancer, the 2019 Bikini Under The Bridge swimsuit show is back today at the Dumbo event space, 26 Bridge St., in Brooklyn, starting at 6 p.m.
“Pink Carpet Walk,” promoting the breast cancer awareness theme, opens the event and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Guyana-born J.R. Giddings of JRG Entertainment produces the event, which he created with his wife, Karen Pompey Giddings, before she died of cancer.
For tickets, visit eventbrite.com and search for Bikini Under The Bridge 2019.
Jerk food fest returning
The 2019 Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is returning to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens this month, so get your appetite and taste buds ready for the daylong Caribbean festival of food, fun, entertainment and culture for all.
The multifaceted event includes a “cultural stage, celebrity chefs, the kids’ zone and live entertainment,” such as Fayann Lyons, Shenseea, Naomi Cowan, Capelton, Chris Martin and Bunji Garlin.
The “Culinary Tent” will be the site of cooking demonstrations by veteran cooks, such as Chef Irie, Chef Max, Chef Ji Cha, Chef Rudy, Chef Troy, Chef Darlene B, Chef Sam Davis, and Chef Cybille St Aude.
Organizers say “culinary and artisan vendors from across the tristate area” are a big part of the annual fesitval.
And through performances, the ninth annual festival will honor the late Jamaican Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley and her cultural contributions and the 100th anniversary of her birth this year.
Tickets are available online and at selected outlets. Children 10 and under free with an adult. For information, visit jerkfestivalny.com.
Many books of interest
Consistent and far-spanning are accurate descriptions for the publications from Akashic Books, the Brooklynbased firm that boasts a large selection of publications, including an impressive stock of “Caribbean Interest” and “Black Interest” titles.
One of the coming publications is “I Am A Promise,” a beautiful and “inspiring children’s picture book about the indomitable spirit of Jamaican six-time Olympic medal-winner Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, is among the new titles coming from Akashic. The motivating story — written with Ashley Rousseau — is illustrated by Jamaica-born Rachel Moss.
For information, akashicbooks.com
Usain Bolt’s music
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Delving into one of his off-the-track passions, Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt has released his first music project — “Usain Bolt Olympe Rose.”
The music production — named after the former sprinter’s signature sweet champagne brand — stars reggae and dancehall performers Christopher Martin, Munga Honorable, Dexta Daps, Ding Dong and former Reggae Boyz soccer player Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner.
The music project was produced by Rajah Karanja Nelson, with Bolt as executive producer.
A July 5 release of the album coincided with the debut of Bolt’s luxury cuvee champagne brand created in collaboration with Pernod Ricard under its GH Mumm brand.
In March, Bolt was in New York showing off the new “Bolt Mobility” personal electric scooter, the product of a Miami-based startup entering the growing niche transportation market.
Music to aid youths
With his latest album, internationally popular Haitian performer BélO is delving in social issues in his homeland by sending important messages to young people in Haiti.
BélO’s Motivasyon album debuts on Wednesday and the new release will be featured in the performer’s free show at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center in Manhattan on July 18 at 7:30 p.m.
To RSVP for the July 18 show in Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, visit lincolncenter.org/atrium. And visit BélOayiti.com for more on BélO.