“From Yard” TV series unveils star-studded host lineup for Jamaican and New York premieres

Producers of the much-anticipated TV series “From Yard” have unveiled a stellar lineup of celebrity hosts for the Jamaican and New York World Premiere screenings of the show's pilot episode.

The Jamaican premiere

On Monday, September 18th, at 8:30 pm, the Jamaican Premiere Screening will kick off at the Palace Cineplex, Sovereign Centre in Kingston.

Co-hosted by David Heron and Paula-Anne Porter-Jones, this event promises to be a night of glamor and giving back.

New York’s Gala World premiere

One week later, on Monday, September 25th, at 8 pm, 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.

Hosted by Nick Creegan and Nadine Sutherland, this star-studded event will light up Harlem.

Nick Creegan: Rising star with Jamaican roots

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: Jamaican musical icon

Nadine Sutherland, a renowned Jamaican musical artiste, began her journey as a winner of the Tastee Talent Contest at the young age of eleven. 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: The playwright's journey

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: The voice of the diaspora

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.

A night for a cause: Supporting charity initiatives

The Jamaican Premiere Screening will be a charitable fundraiser for The BAM MOMS CLUB, a Jamaican organization dedicated to providing prenatal education for expectant mothers in need. The funds raised will contribute to the club’s Prenatal Education Scholarship Program, 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 program.

UJAA has been actively promoting robotics in Jamaican schools for over a decade, and 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 Jamaican-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.

A stellar cast

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.

Co host of the Jamaican Premiere, David Heron, also appears in the production as Samuel Heron, father of series protagonist Dave G.