By VP Records
Photos: Winston Rodney\YouTube Screenshots
The Rise Up NYC concert series brought live music to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens this past weekend, with Sean Paul, (pictured above) Romain Virgo, and Machel Montano headlining the event. The free concert series, which stages shows across all five boroughs of New York City, drew crowds of thousands and featured a variety of other performers.
On Saturday, August 24th, Sean Paul ran through the hits like “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” and “Gimme the Light,” supported by a full band and backup dancers. During the show, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief advisor to New York City’s mayor Eric Adams, presented the dancehall superstar with the Entertainer’s Key to the City, recognizing his impact on music and his connection to New York.
The night also featured performances by R&B singers Lloyd and Carl Thomas, hip-hop artist Mr. Cheeks, and Chubb Rock. Tina, formerly known as Hoodcelebrityy, opened for Sean Paul. DJ sets by Funk Flex and Massive B’s Jabba and Bobby Konders, who also returned for Sunday’s event, kept the energy high.
On Sunday, August 25th, Romain Virgo captivated the audience with a mix of beloved favorites like “Love Doctor” and “Soul Provider,” along with newer tracks such as “Red Dress,” which performed after stepping off stage and into the crowd. Following him, Trinidadian soca artist Machel Montano brought his energetic style to the stage, lighting up the crowd with anthems like “Like Ah Boss” and “Fast Wine.” Ingrid Lewis-Martin also presented Montano with the Entertainer’s Key to the City, honoring his contributions to music and his connection to the Caribbean community.
The Rise Up NYC concert series seeks to bring live music to neighborhoods across the city, offering a diverse range of artists to local audiences. The events in Queens allowed residents to enjoy both established stars and emerging talent close to home.
