The Massillon Museum’s annual Island Party on Friday, July 15, will be a carefree evening under the stars in the heart of downtown Massillon. The family-friendly evening will be free and open to everyone. No reservations are necessary.
The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Food and beverage service will begin about 6:00 p.m. and reggae music will fill the air from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Rudy Turkal will emcee the show. Steel drums and fire entertainers will add to the festivities.
Carlos Jones and the Peace, Love, and Unity Syndicate (Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band) will return to the Island Party stage, this time on Duncan Plaza next to the Museum. They deliver soulful roots reggae with lyrics that concentrate on a message of peace and harmony within the human race and the environment. The group creates a festival-like atmosphere everywhere they play, drawing crowds spanning all ages and backgrounds. The music is uplifting, including many original songs and an array of Bob Marley, Culture, and other recognizable covers. Voted “the Best Reggae/Ska Band” in Northeast Ohio by the Scene Magazine readers’ poll, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band have appeared onstage with The Wailers and Ziggy Marley.
The event will span the Museum’s lawn, Gessner Hall in the Museum, and Duncan Plaza. There are two entrances to the party—one on Lincoln Way East near the front corner of the Museum building and the second in Duncan Plaza near the municipal parking lot.
Drivers who want to drop off guests at an additional handicap access may enter First Street from Tremont, drop off passengers, and turn onto Charles Avenue to find parking in other city lots and the parking deck. A map of parking options is available on the Museum’s website: massillonmuseum.org.
A Caribbean supper of pulled pork sandwiches, jerk chicken, hot dogs, fruit, and chips will be offered for sale. The cash bar will offer beer (including Jamaican Red Stripe and an island draft from Massillon’s Paradigm Shift), frozen margaritas, wine, water, and soft drinks. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. No outside food, beverages, or coolers may be brought into the party.
Irie Island Jamaican Restaurant will be onsite to serve mac and cheese and plantains.
Picnic tables will be scattered throughout the party area and permanent seating is available I Duncan Plaza, but guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.
Admission will be free and open to the public. Tropical souvenirs, glow items, leis, and 2022 Island Party t-shirts designed by artist Jess Bennett will be available for sale.
In keeping with the Museum’s environmentally-conscious tradition, recyclable products will be used, extra recycling bins will be provided, and refillable Island Party water bottles will be sold.
In collaboration with a Stark Parks initiative, the Island Party has been designated a tobacco-free event.
Hula hoops and limbo lines will challenge all ages. Children’s activities will be fun and free, but parents must remain in the children’s activity area with their children. The event will carry on, rain or shine.
Visitors will be able to see Missing History of Massillon: Unheard African American Stories in the Museum’s Aultman Health Foundation Gallery until 8:00 p.m.
Since 1995, the Island Party has been a Massillon Museum tradition—an annual “thank you” to the community for its continuing support. Each year, 2,000 to 3,000 or more area residents share the fun!
Aqua Ohio and the City of Massillon provide in-kind support for the party MassMu receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsinStark and marketing support from Visit Canton. This event is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. More than 100 volunteers make the Island Party possible each year.
Free parking is available on side streets; in city lots accessed from First Street NW, Second Street SE, and Erie Street N; the city parking deck on Erie Street S, and the St. George Greek Orthodox Church parking lot (entrance on South Street SE).
The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon. For more information, call 330.833.4061 or visit massillonmuseum.org.
Media Contacts:
Alexandra Nicholis Coon, Executive Director – 330-833-4061 x111
Rose Milnes – Events & Volunteer Coordinator – 330-833-4061 x102
Margy Vogt, Public Relations Coordinator – 330-844-1525
