NORWALK, Conn. — The 9th Annual NICE Festival will bring internationally acclaimed reggae singer Queen Ifrica to the Main Stage at Oyster Shell Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Known as the “Lioness on the Rise,” Queen Ifrica hails from the hills above Montego Bay, Jamaica, and has built a reputation for her haunting melodies, clear sound, and fluid delivery. Drawing influence from artists including her father, Derrick Morgan, Garnett Silk, Nina Simone, and Miriam Makeba, she is celebrated for creating what she calls “timeless rebel music.”
She will be joined by Connecticut’s Anthem Reggae Band, recognized as one of the state’s top performers in reggae, from roots to dancehall. Organizers say the pairing will “ignite the Main Stage” as part of a full day of live performances.
This year’s festival will also feature bluegrass from Rock Hearts and Austin Scelzo, a tribute to Celia Cruz by Latin vocalist Katty Colmenares, and the rhythms of the Central American Garifuna people performed by Gogo Norales. The event will open with its traditional Drum Circle at the Child of the World Stage, featuring the Guinean and West African group Feraba Art.
In addition to music, the festival will showcase drumming, folk dancing, international food, and craft vendors. Two stages will host ongoing performances across multiple genres and folk traditions from noon to 8 p.m.
The NICE Festival, considered Connecticut’s leading heritage arts event, is free to attend. Donations are encouraged to help keep it that way. Oyster Shell Park is located off North Water Street in Norwalk.
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