JAMS, which last year brought more than 60,000 people to Jamaica Center, attracts people from all parts of the city.

The JAMS Under the Stars concert takes place on Friday in King Park, Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street, from 7 to 10 p.m.

People should bring blankets or chairs. This kick-off performance will present Bobby Matos & The Latin Jazz All Stars with Larry Harlow, the popular female 60s R&B group the Marvelettes and SLAVE, a swinging Funk band of the 80s.

On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the JAMS festival will electrify the section of the Jamaica Business Improvement District along "The Avenue" from Parsons Boulevard to 169th Street, with stimulating sales, activities and amusements that will punctuate the 10-block festival.

Offerings from colorful merchant and event vendors, two sages of live music and other entertainment, food and fun, interspersed with multi-cultural services, health screenings, and exhibitions are sure to please the senses of each family member.

"The Kids Block," with its free rides, shows and workshops, will be astir with the glee and buoyancy of youngsters, while Memory Lane, an exhibition and oral renderings of "How Jamaica Used To Be" will enlighten and thrill the older adults, as will the display of antique cars, sightseeing, or a tour, with gospel songs, of the historic Tabernacle of Prayer.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg commended those putting on the festival and said in a statement, "Jamaica demonstrates the wonderful diversity of our great city and I am grateful to JAMs for bringing together many different cultures for our City’s residents to enjoy and learn from."

Governor George Pataki agreed, and added, "[JAMS] offers residents, visitors and participants an opportunity to celebrate the rich talents of performing and visual artists in the Jamaica community while also providing a vehicle for tourism and stronger friendships between neighboring cultural organizations and businesses."

There will be something for everyone among the syncopated rhythms and music expected to fill the air from the Kadar Khan Kalavant Tabla Drummers, Steve Kroon, Lesette Wilson, GQ or Coco Sukali – just to name a few of the performing artists.

Culminating the festival will be the Weldon Irvine Memorial Funk Fest, led by Don Blackman & The Family Tradition, with participating special guest artists.

The JAMS Planning Committee includes Borough President Helen Marshall’s Office, Cultural Collaborative Jamaica, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, the Jamaica Business Improvement District, and a host of corporations, community groups and organizations.

Marshall said in a statement, "JAMS, now in its sixth year, is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the talents and community spirit of Queens. It has also served as a major vehicle for commercial and cultural revitalization for downtown Jamaica and the entire borough of Queens."

Marshall added, "Over the years, we have been witness to a cultural transformation which has led to an economic renaissance throughout many of our communities, including Southeast Queens. The purpose of JAMS is to continue this community revival by spotlighting our community, promoting tourism and consumerism, and, most importantly, highlighting the cultural diversity of the entire borough. It is a chance for our local businesses and cultural institutions to work together towards a common goal."

Janet Barkan, the executive director of the Jamaica Business Improvement District (BID), agreed that the festival helps local businesses, and said, "JAMS is a wonderful opportunity for the businesses to be seen by people who usually don’t shop in Jamaica. It’s a fun exciting few days and everyone enjoys it."

She added, "Businesses put their merchandise out, so it’s not just vendors who showcase their merchandise, it’s the merchants as well."

Jamaica Center is accessible by public transportation with many bus lines, the LIRR and the E, J and Z subway lines coming directly or within close proximity to the festival area.

Parking is limited and the use of public transportation is encouraged. For more information, call 526-3217.

JAMS FESTIVAL 2002 SCHEDULE

7 p.m.
Bobby Matos (Afro Latin jazz) with Larry Harlow (piano); Wilson "Chembo" Corniel (congas); Guillermo Edgehill (bass); Mitch Frohman (sax, flute); Louis Kahn (trombone, violin); Jud Matos (percussion)

8 p.m.
Marvelettes (60s Soul)

9 p.m.
Slave (R&B, Funk)

Saturday, Aug. 3
Main Stage: Jamaica Avenue at 165th Street
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

11:30 a.m.
Tabla Drummers featuring Kadar Khan Kalavant (Indian) with Ayub Khan, Imran Khan, Ghulam Mohammed Khan

12:30 p.m.
Steve Kroon (Latin jazz) with Bryan Carrott (vibes); Vince Cherico (drums); Oscar Hernandez (piano); Craig Rivers (sax and flute); Ruben Rodriguez (bass)

1:30 p.m.
Lesette Wilson (Salsa, Reggae, R&B) with Trevor Allen (bass); Courtney Williams (drums)

2:30 p.m.
Coco Sukali (African) with Martin Atangana (guitar); Mamadou Ba (bass); Mihono Buzane (keyboard); Oscar Debe (drums); Maguy Tchikounzi (vocals)

3:30 p.m.
GQ (R&B)

5 p.m.
Don Blackman & the Family Tradition present: The Weldon Irvine Memorial Funk Fest with Irene Blackman (vocals); Melonie Daniels (vocals); John Davis (vocals); Vince Evans (keyboard); Steve Horton (guitar); Al McDowell (bass); Keith Stephens (keyboard); Danny Walsh (alto sax); Desire White (vocals); Cornell Young (drums); special guests