The 24th Annual Taste of Jamaica Plain will be held at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in West Roxbury on November 14 from 6:00-9:00pm. Hosted by nonprofit Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC) Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life of children and the elderly, the fun-filled community event will benefit ESACs many programs, which include conducting emergency home repairs for seniors and assisting homeless, gang-involved, and trauma-exposed youth, among many others.
Sylvie Agudelo, a Taste of Jamaica Plain committee co-chair, said that the event will feature fun for all ages, with a special focus on kids’ activities this year, which is a change from previous years. Magician Sir Cedric Purcell will be performing, as well as Jenny the Juggler, an acrobat, and Spontaneous Celebrations stiltwalkers. Bikes not Bombs has also contributed to the event, according to Agudelo.
This year’s event will also feature food donated from over 20 local restaurants, including JP Seafood Cafe, Tres Gatos, and The Frogmore. The Taste of JP, which honors John and Katharine Walker, will also feature special honoree Will Morales, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families, this year. Morales is “passionately committed to serving the needs and interests of the youth of Boston and their neighborhoods,” according to the City of Boston website. “We’re so excited about Will,” Agudelo said.
Agudelo said there is no formal program, and the event will be “very fun for all ages.” In addition to the food and entertainment, there will be a silent auction and live music from jazz funk group Dozer and the Homewreckers.
“The ticket is a great value,” she said, because it includes the food as well as all of the activities. There will also be a cash bar with $5 drinks for those 21 and older. “We have more distillers and brewers than ever,” Agudelo said. She also provided a tip: if anyone is planning an event or a wedding, the Taste of JP is a great event to sample a bunch of different food options all while supporting neighborhood businesses and restaurants. It’s also a great way to sample beverages from local independent brewers and distillers.
“We pay the performers, so you’re supporting the arts as well,” she said. “Supporting the event is supporting the local economy.”
Tickets have been slashed and are down to $35 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, and $10 for kids ages 6-16. Kids ages five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at tasteofjp.eventbrite.com, and will also be available at the door on the day of the event.
The event “really is for everybody and we hope that people turn out and make it fun,” Agudelo said, “and just support the restaurant and the performers and us!”