When people think of Coney Island, the first images that often come to mind are amusement rides, the boardwalk, and the legendary Parachute Jump. But for those who lived through the 1980s and 1990s, Steeplechase Park also carries another layer of nostalgia—it was one of New York’s great outdoor stages for reggae music. Before the baseball stadium was built in the early 2000s, the wide-open space at Steeplechase Park transformed each summer into a festival ground that pulsed with the rhythms of Jamaica.

The Birth of Reggae Festivals at Steeplechase

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, reggae’s presence in New York City was undeniable. Brooklyn had become home to one of the largest Caribbean communities in the world, and reggae, dancehall, and lovers rock filled clubs, sound system sessions, and block parties. The open space of Steeplechase Park was a natural fit for bringing the music into the open air.

Every summer, promoters would organize large-scale reggae festivals, drawing thousands of fans who would flock to the Coney Island boardwalk. The atmosphere was unlike any other—beach breezes carried the heavy basslines of roots and dancehall across the sand, while vendors sold Jamaican food, flags, and merchandise. For many New Yorkers, these concerts were more than entertainment—they were cultural celebrations, affirmations of identity, and a vital connection to the islands.

The Landmark 1993 and 1994 Festivals

One of the most celebrated years in the history of Steeplechase reggae concerts was 1993, when the park hosted a two-day festival. That year’s lineup featured some of the genre’s most respected groups, including Third World and Inner Circle. These internationally renowned bands, known for fusing reggae with soul, funk, and rock, drew huge crowds and set the stage for what would become an annual tradition.

The following summer, in 1994, Steeplechase Park hosted what many remember as its defining reggae event: the New York Reggae Music Festival. That year’s bill was a true snapshot of reggae’s evolution—pairing legendary voices with rising stars who were bringing dancehall into the mainstream. The lineup included:

• Buju Banton, then at the height of his meteoric rise in dancehall.

• Patra, the “Queen of the Pack,” bringing a fiery female presence to the stage.

• Terror Fabulous, delivering his unique mix of hardcore and conscious lyrics.

• Beres Hammond, whose smooth, soulful voice has long made him a cornerstone of lovers rock.

• Sanchez, another master of love songs and gospel-tinged ballads.

• Wayne Wonder, blending dancehall energy with romantic melodies.

• Sugar Minott, a foundation artist whose career helped pave the way for modern dancehall.

• Louie Culture, Daddy Screw, and Donovan Steele, representing the vibrant energy of the era.

The diversity of the lineup demonstrated how reggae was evolving—holding onto its roots while exploding globally through the popularity of dancehall.

Other Highlights of the Era

Steeplechase Park was also a stage for legendary performers throughout the early 1990s. Artists such as Dennis Brown, often called the “Crown Prince of Reggae,” graced the stage, as did many others who helped define both lovers rock and dancehall. Beres Hammond, Sanchez, and Wayne Wonder became repeat performers, cementing their place in New York’s reggae story.

But the concerts were not always smooth. Like many large-scale outdoor events of the era, some festivals were marked by overcrowding or rowdy moments, reminders of just how massive and passionate the crowds could be. Still, these incidents never overshadowed the cultural significance of what the concerts represented—a chance for Caribbean music and culture to be celebrated on a grand scale in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

The Closing of an Era

By the late 1990s, change was on the horizon. The city approved plans to build a minor-league baseball stadium on the Steeplechase site, and by 2001, KeySpan Park (now Maimonides Park) officially opened. The wide-open festival grounds were gone, replaced by a ballpark that would host concerts in a much more structured, commercial format.

For reggae fans, this marked the end of an era. The free-flowing, grassroots energy of the Steeplechase festivals belonged to a specific moment in time—before Coney Island’s redevelopment, when the beach and boardwalk still carried an untamed, raw vibrancy.

Why Steeplechase Matters in Reggae History

The Steeplechase Park concerts were more than just shows; they were cultural landmarks. They offered reggae artists a platform to connect with massive audiences outside of Jamaica, and they provided New Yorkers with unforgettable experiences that blended music, culture, and community.

For many, these events created lifelong memories: Buju Banton’s powerful stage presence, Beres Hammond’s timeless ballads echoing over the ocean, Sanchez’s voice carried by the wind, or the collective energy of thousands of fans waving Caribbean flags beneath the Parachute Jump.

Though the stage is gone, the legacy of reggae at Steeplechase Park lives on in the memories of those who were there—and in the way it helped solidify Brooklyn as one of the world’s reggae capitals.

Who Played Steeplechase Park?

A guide to the reggae legends and stars who lit up the Coney Island boardwalk in the 1980s and 1990s.

Buju Banton

One of dancehall’s most powerful voices, Buju rose to fame in the early 1990s with hits like Bogle and Champion. His raw energy and commanding stage presence made his Steeplechase performance a highlight of the era.

Patra

The “Queen of the Pack” brought fierce feminine energy to the stage. Known for blending dancehall style with global crossover appeal, Patra’s presence at Steeplechase reflected the growing role of women in the genre.

Terror Fabulous

Exploding onto the scene in the 1990s, Terror Fabulous was known for balancing hardcore dancehall delivery with socially conscious lyrics. His Steeplechase performance showed why he was considered one of the most exciting young stars of the time.

Beres Hammond

Smooth, soulful, and timeless—Beres Hammond was already a legend by the time he appeared at Steeplechase. His lovers rock anthems like Tempted to Touch and Putting Up Resistance had the crowd swaying in unison.

Sanchez

With his velvet voice and gospel-infused style, Sanchez was beloved for heartfelt ballads and covers that turned into reggae classics. His presence on the Steeplechase lineup reflected the popularity of romantic reggae in New York.

Wayne Wonder

Known for blending reggae and R&B, Wayne Wonder was a crowd favorite at Steeplechase. His smooth delivery and stage charisma made him a perfect match for the festival’s open-air vibe.

Sugar Minott

A foundation figure in reggae, Sugar Minott was not only a singer but a pioneer who gave countless young artists their start through his Youth Promotion sound system and label. His Steeplechase performance connected the roots of reggae to its dancehall future.

Louie Culture

Representing the conscious side of 1990s dancehall, Louie Culture was known for songs like Gangalee. His commanding voice and stage presence made him a powerful addition to the Steeplechase lineup.

Daddy Screw

One of the witty, fast-spitting DJs of the dancehall scene, Daddy Screw brought energy and humor to the stage, keeping the crowd moving and engaged.

Donovan Steele

A rising voice in the 1990s, Donovan Steele represented the new generation of dancehall talent making waves at the time.

Dennis Brown

The “Crown Prince of Reggae,” Dennis Brown was a legend whose career spanned decades. His presence at Steeplechase symbolized the continuity of reggae’s roots, bridging the foundation era with the new stars of the 1990s.

Third World

One of Jamaica’s most internationally recognized reggae bands, Third World blended reggae with soul, funk, and R&B. Their performances at Steeplechase brought a polished, global sound to the Brooklyn stage.

Inner Circle

Known for crossover hits like Bad Boys and Sweat (A La La La La Long), Inner Circle’s high-energy performance style made them one of the most crowd-pleasing acts to ever grace Steeplechase Park.

 Steeplechase Park Reggae Festival

Coney Island, Brooklyn – 1980s & 1990s
The heartbeat of Jamaica on the Brooklyn Boardwalk!

An unforgettable celebration of roots, lovers rock, and dancehall—where the ocean breeze met the bassline.

 Featured Artists

BUJU BANTON

The unstoppable voice of dancehall! Buju’s raw power and magnetic stage presence brought thousands to their feet as he roared through hit after hit.

PATR A – The Queen of the Pack

Fiery, fearless, and feminine—Patra’s commanding performances lit up the stage, proving reggae belonged to the women too.

TERROR FABULOUS

Dynamic and conscious, with a voice that could shake the boardwalk. His set showed why the 90s were his moment.

BERES HAMMOND

The soulful lovers rock master. When Beres sang Tempted to Touch, the crowd swayed like waves rolling against the shore.

SANCHEZ

Velvet vocals, heartfelt ballads. Sanchez’s gospel roots and romantic sound made him one of the festival’s most beloved voices.

WAYNE WONDER

Smooth, stylish, and versatile, Wayne Wonder carried dancehall into R&B territory while keeping the vibes pure reggae.

SUGAR MINOTT

A true foundation legend. Minott’s performance at Steeplechase reminded fans of reggae’s roots and its promise for the next generation.

LOUIE CULTURE

The “Gangalee” DJ! Louie brought strength, fire, and consciousness to the mic.

DADDY SCREW

Quick wit, rapid-fire delivery, nonstop energy—the crowd couldn’t get enough.

DONOVAN STEELE

A new voice of the 90s, Donovan Steele kept the momentum of dancehall’s rise alive.

DENNIS BROWN

The “Crown Prince of Reggae.” His timeless voice echoed across the Brooklyn shore, bridging roots reggae with the modern sound.

THIRD WORLD

International ambassadors of reggae fusion. Their mix of reggae, funk, and soul turned Steeplechase into a global dance floor.

INNER CIRCLE

“Bad Boys” and “Sweat” had the crowd singing in unison. Few bands could electrify a boardwalk crowd like Inner Circle.

 The Experience

Flags waving high, the smell of jerk chicken and patties in the air, sound systems booming from the stage—all against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of fans gathered under the iconic Parachute Jump for a cultural explosion of rhythm and unity.

For the Caribbean community in Brooklyn, the Steeplechase concerts were more than shows. They were home. For others, they were a gateway into reggae’s heartbeat, a chance to experience Jamaica’s sound and spirit in the heart of New York.

 The Legacy

By the early 2000s, the grounds gave way to a baseball stadium, closing a chapter in reggae history. But the memories of Buju’s roar, Beres’s melodies, and the thundering bass under a summer sky live on forever. Steeplechase Park was more than a venue—it was reggae’s seaside temple.