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Producers of the much-anticipated TV series From Yard have unveiled a stellar line-up of celebrity hosts for the Jamaican and New York world premiere screenings of the show’s pilot episode.

On Monday, September 18, at 8:30 p.m., the Jamaican premiere screening will kick off at the Palace Cineplex, Sovereign Centre in Kingston. It will be co-hosted by David Heron and Paula-Anne Porter-Jones, with the event promising to be a night of glamour and giving back.

Co-host of the Jamaican premiere, David Heron, also appears in the TV series as Samuel Heron, father of series protagonist Dave G. One week later, on Monday, September 25, the Langston Hughes Auditorium at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, will be the stage for the Gala World Premiere.

It will be hosted by Nick Creegan and Nadine Sutherland and the organisers say this star-studded event will light up Harlem.

Jamaican premiere screening

The Jamaican premiere screening will be a charitable fundraiser for The BAM MOMS CLUB, a Jamaican organisation dedicated to providing prenatal education for expectant mothers in need. The funds raised will contribute to the club’s Prenatal Education Scholarship Programme, benefiting underprivileged expectant mothers in the next cohort starting in October 2023.

In the spirit of giving, New York’s Gala World Premiere will support The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA) UJAAbotics programme. UJAA has been actively promoting robotics in Jamaican schools for over a decade.

All proceeds from this event will send a delegation of high school scientists to the 2023 FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Singapore.

From Yard: A glimpse into the American dream

Directed by Leland Benford, From Yard is an immigrant urban drama that narrates the life journey of Jamaica-born, Dave G Heron, (not to be confused with the aforementioned David Heron) from his humble beginnings in Maverley, Kingston, to his emigration to the USA, and his tumultuous adolescence and young adulthood in the streets of New York City.

This groundbreaking series is the first to portray the pursuit of the American dream through the eyes of a Jamaican family. The largely Jamaican cast includes Shevrado Oliver, as series lead Dave G Heron, Glen ‘Titus’ Campbell, Joe Herrera, Darron Donaldson, Miranda Melhado, Claire Dennison, Ashanti Harris and Adam Christian, making his professional acting debut as young Dave G, seen in flashback scenes of the character’s childhood in Jamaica and the USA.

About the hosts

Nick Creegan

Nick Creegan, a New York-raised actor and producer with Jamaican heritage, achieved recognition with his role in the critically acclaimed drama series David Makes Man, produced by Oprah Winfrey. His impressive resume includes appearances in major television productions such as Law and Order: Organized Crime, and the CW network’s Batwoman.

Creegan also holds the distinction of being the first actor of color to portray The Joker. His career continues to flourish with recurring roles in CBS television’s NCIS Hawaii and an upcoming feature film, Good Egg, set for release in 2024.

Nadine Sutherland

Nadine Sutherland, a renowned Jamaican musical artiste, began her journey as a winner of the Tastee Talent Contest at the young age of 11. Signed by Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong label, she was mentored by the reggae legend himself.

Her illustrious career features hits like Starvation, Until, Babyface, Wicked, Big Tings, and her signature duet with Terror Fabulous, Action, which VIBE magazine ranked among the Top 20 duets of all time.

Beyond her music, Sutherland has made her mark as an original host of the popular TV series “Rising Stars”. Her latest projects, Queen (2022) and Triumphant (2023), have garnered critical acclaim.

David Heron

David Heron is a playwright, producer, and actor who gained recognition in Jamaica with critically and commercially successful plays such as Ecstasy, Intermission, Against His Will, and Love and Marriage and New York City. His work has transcended borders, being performed Off-Broadway and on various continents within the diaspora.

As an actor, he has taken on diverse roles, including Shakespearean performances. In addition to his role in From Yard, he is collaborating with actor-producer Malik Yoba to bring his courtroom drama, Against His Will, to the New York stage.

Paula-Anne Porter-Jones

Paula-Anne Porter-Jones, an experienced Broadcast Presenter and Instructor, has over thirty years of expertise in broadcasting, communication, and education. Through her company CNIS Ltd /Paula-Anne Porter & Associates, she offers guidance in voice and speech, public speaking, television presentation, and related areas.

As a popular morning show announcer on Radio Jamaica 94 FM, she brings stories to life for diverse audiences. Her voice is behind numerous projects and commercials across the Caribbean and North America, making her a household name throughout Jamaica and the diaspora.