Up Close and Personal with Reggae on the River’s General Manager, Justin Crellin By Shelah Moody

You never know who you will run into at Reggae on the River: activists and Joan Baez, Julia Butterfly Hill and actors Danny Glover and Leon have dropped into the biggest party in Northern California.

Reggae on the River started out as a grassroots festival 29 years ago as a benefit for the Mateel Community Center. The festival  went “Hollywood” for a few years glitterati showing up from all over the world and  tickets selling out at record speed. For the last five years, the Mateel Community Center has presented Reggae on the River at a smaller site. Benbow Lake State Recreation Area. This year, August 1-4, the Mateel Community Center proudly presents Reggae on the River at its original site at French’s Camp in Piercy, CA, with large scale acts such as Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Julian Marley, Nkulee Dube, the Meditations and more. www.reggaeontheriver.com. Thousands of revelers descend on the festival every year for the chance to camp among the majestic California redwood trees and wade in the legendary Eel River.

                                   Tarrus Riley performing this year at ROTR

I recently spoke with Justin Crellin, General Manager for the Mateel Community Center and Reggae on the River.  Crellin, who hails from Virginia, relocated to Humboldt county and started out as festival equipment manager for Mateel Community Center and Reggae on the River in 1998.

Shelah Moody: What is the significance of the festival returning to its original site this year?

Justin Crellin: Going home to our original venue, French's Camp, which has always been the festival's spiritual home and where we've been working to get back do during our years of living in "exile" in Benbow (which served us well, but did not allow for the camping on site, nor other elements of the ROTR experience).

 SM: Reggae on the River, since its inception, has become so popular that it was even referenced on an episode of the cartoon "South Park." In your opinion, what has made the festival so popular over the years?

JC: The community most of all, but also the beauty of the natural environment where the festival is held.  In its inception, ROTR was one of the world's original celebrations of reggae music and reggae culture was a natural fit for the alternative community residing in the hills of southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino.

 SM: How did you go about choosing this year's eclectic lineup? I see that you've booked ROTR favorites such as Jade Steel and Nuklee Dube.

JC: We strive for balance and diversity.  Though it is mostly a reggae show and we try to represent the full diversity of reggae music (as much as possible anyway), we also like to spice things up with a handful of "world music" acts.  We also look to present a nice mix of both male and female performers, classic and emerging artists, touring NorCal favorites and artists who rarely (or have never) played in our region, acts supporting new albums (along with a few we haven't heard from in a while), etc.  For this homecoming year we also went back to our roots and booked an act (The Meditations), who was with us for the very first ROTR in 1984 and who will be marking their first time back at the festival since this very first year.  As for the specific artists you mentioned, we loved Nkulee Dube so much last year and got such a great crowd response on her that we broke our own unwritten rule of not repeating artists in back to back years and made an exception for her.  Jade Steel will be joining a host of other favorite vocalists and DJs from the Emerald Triangle and beyond in a track set showcase (with lots of special all-star guests) on Thursday, August 1st to kick things off for our early arrival ticket holders. 

SM: How long does it take to organize a large scale event such as Reggae on the River.

JC. All year (and then some)!  Meetings, etc. start ramp up in January and things get busier and busier as we approach showtime. 

SM: I've been attending ROTR since 1992, and I am particularly curious why people feel so comfortable walking around nude at the ROTR. :)

JC: I don't think nudity it is quite so prevalent these days as it once was, but ROTR is also a "free zone" for a lot of folks and a place where maybe they feel more comfortable to let go of their inhibitions to commune with nature and soak up the vibes.

 SM: What do you, personally enjoy about working with the festival?

JC: I like the nature of the work, the people I work with, and the feeling of being part of something much bigger than myself.  It is also fun to work with the artists and to be involved in creating the larger experience that keeps fans coming back to ROTR.  We do this for them (and for the Mateel Community Center and other local non-profit groups who fund raise through the event).  The fact that ROTR is produced by and benefits the non-profit Mateel Community Center is also something that sets it apart from a lot of other festivals.

SM: Can you tell us a little about the Mateel Community Center?

JC: We provide a variety of arts, education, cultural enrichment, youth and social service programs to the rural southern Humboldt community and also offer a meeting space and venue for rent.  For more info on all we do, please visit www.mateel.org. 

 SM: Give us five fun facts about Reggae on the River.

JC: 1. It’s a Grassroots production- for and by the community!
2. This will be the first year back at French's Camp since 2005. 
3.  Our team mantra for the year is "Back to the Future"- as we look recreate the event on the model we used in the past, but in a new format for a new era of fans.
4.  We are keeping the numbers smaller than previous years at this venue (only 6,000 public tickets available) to make for a more intimate and family/ community friendly experience.
5.  It’s been called the "Best Place on Earth."  Come experience for yourself!

Stage and Screen Star Sister Carol Performs at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Concert Story and Photos By Shelah Moody

Sister Carol performs at 8:40 p.m., Friday June 21^st on the Village Stage at the 20^th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, June 21-23, Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, CA, www.snwmf.com.

Sister Carol East is a Grammy nominated DJ/singer, songwriter, who grew up in Kingston, Jamaica and Brooklyn, NY. She has performed at festivals and top venues around the world; her albums include “Mother Culture,” “Call Me Sister Carol,” “Empressive” and “Lyrically Potent.” Representing woman dreads on the big screen, Sister Carol appeared in Jonathan Demme's films, "Something Wild," “Married to the Mob,” (where she played the proprietor of a hair salon) and "Rachel Getting Married." Sister Carol recently launched her own clothing line, Black Cinderella; and she also nurturing the music career of her daughter Nakeeba Aminyea.

This weekend, Sister Carol helps kick off the festivities at the 20^th Annual Sierra Nevada Music Festival in Boonville, CA. Ironically, also performing at SNWMF is one of Sister Carol’s mentors, Errol Dunkley, whose hit song inspired her moniker, “Black Cinderella.”

This spring, I caught up with Sister Carol backstage at the Independent nightclub in San Francisco, after she opened for Mykal Rose. The focus of our conversation was hair; dreadlocks in particular in relation to Rastafarian philosophy and popular culture.

“Well, when it comes to hair, we love to celebrate it in its most natural state; it’s most natural beauty. As a Rastafarian, I and I follow the codes of the Bible, the Nazarite vow not to cut or shave any corners of your hair. That’s where the dreadlocks (concept) comes from. Ever since I was a youth, I always wanted to have dreadlocks, but I couldn’t have them in my parents’ house; they wouldn’t have it. Why not? Because they are like, Catholics and Methodists; and in my heart, mi a Rasta but mi haffe keep it quiet because mi can’t bring it inna the house. So as soon as I was old enough and on my own, mi just start grow mi locks. It gave me a sense of freedom. They are my antennas, picking up all the frequencies from the cosmos. I feel like they give me a sense of power, because the longer they get, the stronger the vibration gets. I just love my hair, because I don’t have to do anything to it. I just wash it; and I’m good. I don’t put oils or pomades on my locks themselves; I just grease my scalp, because the scalp is like the root, and once you water the root, it doesn’t matter how tall the tree is, the water will get to the top of the tree, just like the oil in your scalp will get to the very tip of your locks. Dreadlocks were around long before I got here. I’m just carrying it on. The revolution started in Kenya with the Mau Mau Warriors, and the rebellion came with their hair, with dreadlocks to show that they weren’t down with the system. I’m just carrying on the heritage of my ancestors. Some say that Samson, in the Bible, was a dreadlocks, yeah mon, all of the strong black men inna the Bible were men with some big dreadlocks—Solomon, King David all of them. You never see a bald head Jesus yet.”

Follow Sister Carol on her website: www.sistercarol.com.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistercarol.east?fref=ts

Lenny I-Music Biography

     Courtney Grant aka "Lenny I" was born in Port Antonio the capital of the parish of Portland, & home of the Reggae Legend Mikey Dread, on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, about 60 miles (100 km) from Kingston. The Town young Lenny I spent his young formative years is the island's third largest port, famous as a shipping point for bananas and coconuts, as well as vibrant tourism  being a major contributor to the town’s economy. Here in this region bustling with commercial distractions the brilliant singer gives the world an inspiring Roots Reggae Album entitled "Urban Inner Quest!" 

      Lenny I has chosen Music as a cultural vehicle for communicating the love and intelligence of the noncommercial hardworking citizens of Jamaica. Jamaica is were he was exposed night and day to roots reggae music at an early age. This is the peoples music because it soothes the soul of the poor and needy and gives hope in spite of crisis. 

     Lenny I, moved to Portmore a coastal city in southern Jamaica in Saint Catherine, with easy access for major Reggae music vibrations going on in neighboring cities of Kingston and Spanish Town. Here in Portmore the Artist was fortunate to link with producer Debo Brown, and this positive break gave Lenny I crucial exposure for the "Professional" side of music production. Although the town he now occupied used to be a sewage dump this great singer found his way out of the negative thru "positive uplifting lyrics" for all his loyal fans. 

     A chance for his first mastered hit entitled "Knowledge," came when he was introduced to the "Flames Crew." This landed him on a compilation album with various quality artists, on a significant reggae album called "Essence." 

     Now well known for his beautiful singing, strong revolution, and engaging love songs he has had the privilege of working with Producers Sojie, Youngblood, Simba Music Empire, Dean Fraser and Axx Production. His blessings have only increased. Since the people love his music he gave them more, incuding; instant classics like "How About This Love" and  "Revenge and a Song"  featuring the Mega Reggae Star President Brown with one called "Mister dj." . Again Axx Production shot a video for the song "How About This Love." 

     Martin Luther King Jr. said, "when your good at something the world will beat a path to your door!" And now with the rise of the album "Revenge" the world is calling for more Lenny I. After an impressive performance at "Weekenz" a journalist gave an excellent review in the hot publication "CHAT" that declared "Lenny I is on the next level" with excellent, profound, quality militant and loving yet, very versatile, Roots Reggae Music. Then more work done with Axx Production including singles such as Exodus, The New wave, Ion lion Sound, Play Reggae, I n I Will, Dreams and Last Laugh firmly establish Lenny I as a powerful force in the reggae music industry! Not surprising other producers came running. So it is "One Link Production" made possible the unforgettable album "Urban Inna Quest." 

     Lenny I vision for future inspirational and uplifting reggae albums is about being in the culture of wholesome Music and multiplying the positive vibrations that come from good reasoning. After all he says, "being negative without positive vibes ends in sufferation and destruction of life." Thru meager beginnings in a little Jamaican coastal town named Port Antonio, a true Reggae star is born named Lenny I. Continue to expect more awesome music recording and stage shows from this amazing Reggae Artist; singing in the name of truth and love!!!  

Listen to Lenny I on Streetwise Radio, Live365, athena365, MyGen365, iTunes, Pandora, Gilroy Radio.

[for booking and album purchase information link Lenny I atwww.facebook.com/lennyimusic or email 

lennyhye@yahoo.com]

Julian Prolman and Ministry of Tomorrow Present Benefit and World Music Explosion in San Francisco, April 26

By Shelah Moody

Who: Ministry of Tomorrow presents Anthony B., Fely Tchaco and Sila

When: 9 p.m., Friday, April 26^th,

Where: The Lodge at the Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

Info: www.ministryoftomorrow.com, www.theregencyballroom.com

There will be a whole lot of shakin’ going on Friday, April 26 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, when Ministry of Tomorrow presents three outstanding artists from the African Diaspora: reggae/dancehall super star Anthony B (Jamaica), award-winning “tribal pop” singer /songwriter Fely Tchaco from the Cote D’Ivoire and Kenyan AfroFunk star Sila, aka the James Brown of Africa.

Fely and her eight member band, featuring guitarist Freddy Clarke of Wobbly World, will open the show. Like Anthony B and Sila, Fely is known for her mesmerizing dance moves, and her set will include a workshop on the “booty dance” from her Gouro culture. 

 

“The audience can expect a show they are not accustom to. I feel so great about this performance, and delighted that it is for a good cause. I saw Anthony B when I performed at Reggae on the River in 2005, seeing him again on this show and with Sila is special. I am grateful to be part of this line up. Performing tomorrow night is a blessing.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ministry of Tomorrow’s enlightened young founder and promoter, Julian Prolman.

SM: What is the concept of Ministry of Tomorrow and the benefit?

Julian Prolman: The Ministry of Tomorrow, a San Francisco based entertainment production company, was established to present novel artists, whistle blowers, and thought leaders with alternative realities and solutions to foster a more just and civil society. Underlying the event production business is a fashion forward apparel brand; “Ministry of Tomorrow” that develops garments and accessories in disenfranchised communities to create fair wage and sustainable jobs that would likely not have happened otherwise. The Ministry of Tomorrow’s flagship project is located in Nairobi, Kenya just outside of Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums. This project is a facility that the Ministry of Tomorrow built and sponsors ongoing. Tailors were recruited from within Kibera to produce designer men’s and woman’s bags in an effort to create sustainable livelihoods.
SM: How did you come about choosing the unique line up for the show, Fely, Sila and Anthony B?

JP: The decision to choose such a unique line up was inspired by the overall message of the Ministry of Tomorrow, which is to promote various social and environmental issues through music and fashion, and the artist selected promote a similar message of positive change.
SM: Where are you from originally, and what other events have you produced?

JP: My family is Moroccan, but I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have produced several events as a youth with artists such as, Andrea Nickitina, Equipto, Pep Love, Hieroglyphics etc. This will be the first event produced not as an independent producer but as a company which represents a conscious movement of bringing awareness to issues around the world through music and fashion.
SM: What impresses you about each artist on the bill: Anthony B, Fely and Sila?

JP: What impresses me about each artist is their unique sound and the message of positivity they promote through their lyrics.
SM: Do you have any other events in the works for this summer?

We have loads of events coming this summer. Not just music events but also speaker series. Our music events will be presenting major artists who all promote a similar message of positive change.

SM: What genres of music do you specialize in?

JP: The music I personally make myself is slowed down hip-hop futuristic R&B, but the artists that we promote are not specific to a genre of music but rather a genre of intention. We will be promoting shows to a range of audiences to promote the positive message of waking up and being aware of issues on this planet. We will be linking with major nonprofits and creating a platform for artists, activists and whistle-blowers to come to light. Our project in Kibera, shows how creating an income generating project can benefit a community and empower people. Our products represent not only high quality of fashion but also a way out of the slum for those who now have the opportunity to work.

 

 

HAPPY 420 Reggae Day!! Reggae Mix Specials On

Big Spliff 420 Reggae and on the Ultra Mix

 

PEACE AND LOVE

 

 

 

Fantan Mojah

Everything Rastafari Promotions Presents Fantan Mojah in concert on Thursday, March 14 at Slim’s in San Francisco. The doors open at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm with opening acts Prestige, Zareb, and upcoming artist from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jah Warri. The Master of Ceremonies is Spliff Skankin’ of KPFA. Fantan Mojah is being backed by The Dub Kronik Band. Slim’s is located at 333 11th St. in San Francisco and is an all-ages venue. For more information or tickets call(415) 255-0333 or 510-652-2168 or visit http://www.slimstickets.com/events

Owen Moncrieffe aka Fantan Mojah was born in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. To gain experience, he took a job working with a traveling soundsystem, and performed songs during sound checks. He adopted the name Mad Killer, in an homage to one of his favorite artists, Bounty Killer. After being exposed to the Rastafarian movement his music began to take on a more positive tone, and he was encouraged by Capleton to take the name Fantan Mojah.

Fantan Mojah is notable for being one of the new wave of contemporary reggae singers who prefer to include positive themes in their lyrics. Like some popular new reggae singers, he is a Bobo Ashanti. His faith is reflected in his lyrics, where some recurring themes are - praise for Jah and messages of Rastafari, positive portrayal of women, and condemnation of ill morals. This is a contrast to many popular dancehall artists, who encourage "slackness" in their lyrics, with boasts of sexual prowess and derogatory messages to women.

After performing at many popular Jamaican festivals, Fantan Mojah recorded several songs on popular riddims, and was signed by Downsound Productions. He released his debut full-length album ‘Hail the King’ in 2005. It has become a hit in Jamaica, especially the track "Hail the King", which has an accompanying music video.

Opening the evening’s music is Prestige whose powerful social consciousness, witty nature, and adept song writing ability has cast him in the prestigious position of leading the latest pack of Roots Reggae artists. With a slew of singles including “My Pride,” “Wi Nuh Trust Dem,” “I am Bless,” “Hot Stuff,” a collaboration with Anthony B and Little Devon, and his latest herbal anthem “Smoke Free,” Prestige has flattened thousands at some of Jamaica’s biggest Reggae events including Magnum GT Taylor’s Christmas Extravaganza, Portmore Fest, and the notoriously critical crowd at the annual Sting stage show with stage performances as compelling and uplifting as the morally poignant lyrics behind his music.

This is a true Rastafarian evening of music with uplifting, conscious music. The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, is a spiritual movement that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica. Today, awareness of the Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world, largely through interest generated by reggae music like the performers on this special show.

For more information contact Everything Rastafari Promotions and Productions 510-652-2168, or Slim’s 415-255-0333. www.facebook.com/Jahwarri

Reggae Legends, Rising Stars Shine at the 2012 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

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By Shelah Moody

Photos by Shelah Moody and Michael Ealey

For the past 19 years, promoters Warren Smith and Gretchen Franz have presented some of the finest in reggae, global and indie music at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, one of California’s most beloved summer events. Each year, people travel from all over the world to attend the three-day festival easily recognized by its--initials, SNWMF.

Marking their seventh year at Mendocino Campgrounds in Anderson Valley, Booneville, CA, SNWMF continued the tradition; presenting with wildly popular acts such as Third World, (Jamaica) Jimmy Cliff, (Jamaica), dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson (UK), Katchafire (New Zealand) and Luciano (Jamaica) during the weekend of June 22-24. SNWMF 2012 also celebrated the unsung pioneers of reggae such as Sister Nancy, Della Grant and the Twinkle Brothers and Prince Alla; and showcased rising stars such as Cherine Anderson, Romain Virgo and the iKronik band. 

I have followed the Sierra Nevada World Festival from three sites, since 1995. Along with hearing some incredible music and grabbing some exclusive interviews, I’ve fallen in love near the waterfront at SNWMF, formed long lasting friendships and eaten the best handmade chocolate dipped ice cream bar of my life. What a party!

For me, one of the highlights of SNWMF 2012 was watching Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/ film star Jimmy Cliff. You never get tired of watching his lithe, agile frame move across the stage and hearing his ethereal tenor soar across the venue. The Godfather of Reggae, who also appears in the wildly popular documentary “Marley,” performed his some of his biggest hits “Reggae Nights,” “The Harder they Come” and “You Can Get it if You Really Want.” Cliff introduced new material from his latest punk and ska influenced album, “Rebirth,” produced by Tim Armstrong. (Armstrong describes Cliff as one of the greatest songwriters of all time).

When I spotted another real life movie star, Leon Preston Robinson IV, aka Leon (“Five Heartbeats,” “Cool Runnings,” “All the Right Moves”), in the crowd I jokingly asked him what he was doing out of Hollywood. “I thought this was Hollywood,” he replied. 

Another highlight was watching Jamaica’s all-star iKronik band, featuring Rolando “Phanso” Wilson (drums), Isaiah Palmer (bass), Dwight “Duke” Dawes, (keyboards) Wendel "Junior Jazz" Ferraro, (lead vocals, guitar) and Junior “ KavaJah” Johnson (vocals, guitar, keyboards) bring their dream of becoming a successful recording and touring solo act to fruition. On opening night, iKronik performed original songs from their upcoming album including “Ride On” and “Clean Heart.” iKronik also worked extremely hard that weekend as the backing band for many of the artists on the bill.

“Our performance at SNWMF was very significant to us because it was the first festival that iKronik performed on doing our own set and getting great feedback,” said Dawes.

“We enjoyed sharing our original material with the patrons. It was a thrill to see them responding to these songs that are new to them. We also enjoyed playing for all the other artists Luciano, Cherine Anderson, Prince Alla, Romain Virgo, Sister Nancy and Perfect. We all have favorite songs by these artists and it was a pleasure working with them.”

SNWMF marked the return of the man with the velvet baritone, conscious reggae singer Luciano, as Sunday night’s closing act, who delighted the audience performing somersaults on stage and delivering his string of hits such as “Who Could it Be Now, “There's No Love” and “Give Praise to Rastafari.”

Jamaica’s reigning queen of reggae/dancehall/soul, Cherine Anderson proudly represented Jamaica during the year of their 50^th Independence Anniversary. During a media conference the SNWMF press tent, Anderson, who was influenced by Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill, sang a beautiful a cappella version of her new single, “Eagles and Doves.”

Anderson spoke about her struggles to get the song released and her commitment to producing conscious, motivational, message music as opposed to following formulas and trends. Anderson, who comes from a family of all girls, also spoke of the importance of women supporting each other. A protégée of the Grammy winning drum/bass duo Sly and Robbie, Anderson rose to global attention after co-starring in the Jamaican film, “Dancehall Queen” (1997), in which she played a sexually abused teenager. As an advocate for children, Anderson founded the Reach One Child Jamaica foundation, which provides motivation and scholarships to Jamaican youth, in 2003. Children love Cherine Anderson; it seems that that each time she performs at SMWMF, she is mobbed by groups of wee folks for autographs and photos.

When I saw Cherine Anderson perform, I was blown away; at that moment; knew why I given up a chance to see Anita Baker and Bobby Brown live that weekend in order to attend SNWMF. Backed by singers Peter Gayle and Jasmine Lue, Anderson demonstrated confidence, sensuality, style and warmth on stage.

Anderson, who described herself as an eighties baby, payed homage to imprisoned reggae artist ( and Grammy winner) Buju Banton with her own version of “Til Shiloh.” During her performance of another Buju Banton hit, “Movie Star” (originally recorded by Delroy Wilson), Anderson jumped off of the stage to touch hands with her fans in the audience and make each one feel special by personally singing to them.

The lyrics of her composition, “Eagles and Doves” capture my overall feelings of SNWMF 2012. Check it out:

Eagles & Doves written by: Cherine Anderson, Produced by: Shadow & Dream Queen

They don’t know my story; They don’t know a thing about me who are they to judge me

See my glory; but they never see my pain

People talk don’t faze I am not afraid of words that cannot break or harm me

Watch me rise no time for haters on my plane

No one can hold me down Just watch me win this crown; No one can hold me down

Fly like eagles soar like doves Can’t nobody hold me down

I got life I got love can’t nobody hole me down

So raise your glass fill your cup tonight we’re gonna live it up

Raise your glass fill your cup tonight we’re gonna live it up

Don’t believe in failure we can do it we can rise above it dreams come through

And if you get knock down, you just get back up again

Friend will come and go and the ones we love will hurt and even disappoint too

Be good to people and good comes back to you Chorus: No one can hold me down Just watch me win this crown

Follow the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival on their website: www.snwmf.com

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SNWMFhttp://www.facebook.com/#!/SNWMF

REGGAE/DUB BAND C-MONEY AND PLAYERS, INC. LAUNCH FEBRUARY TOUR

                                                       

Christofer “C-Money” Welter was born to be a musician. Welter, who hails from North Carolina and played in school marching bands, sees himself as following in the tradition of great southern trumpeters such as Louis Armstrong, Kermit Ruffins and Irvin Mayfield.

C-Money is best known for his work playing trumpet and keyboards in John Brown’s Body and Slightly Stoopid, two of the top reggae bands touring today. While in John Brown’s Body, C-Money recorded four full-length albums with the East Coast’s premiere reggae band and toured with them for eight years. In 2006, he moved west joining Slightly Stoopid and adding a new dimension and element to the band.

In 2010, C-Money released his second solo album, “Family Business,” garnering praise from ”Performer Magazine” who said, “The record offers the listener a serene feeling, along with empowering words from the various vocalists. Every track on the record is different - some have lyrics while others don't. The record takes the listener through various moods; some tracks feel spacey with an electronic vibe, while others are smoother, with a reggae twist.”

Fitting a robust tour schedule in between life on the road with Slightly Stoopid, C-Money and the Players Inc. have begun to make a name for themselves after touring consistently up and down the west coast for the past three years. The band’s reggae infused mix of funk/jam/jazz/hip-hop continues to delight crowds, as their ever-growing fan base is exposed to C-Money and the Players Inc’s unique concert experience.

2/14 - Hawthorne Theatre, Portland

2/15 - Diablos, Eugene w/ The Sindicate

2/16 - Wild River Brewing, Grants Pass

2/17 - Club 66, Ashland, Oregon

2/19 - Frog and Peach, SLO

2/27- Patrick Malloy's, Hermosa Beach

2/28 - Malibu Inn, Malibu

3/1 - Winstons, Ocean Beach

Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cmoneyplayersinc

For Information Contact:

Randy Freedman
Players Inc. Management

C-Money & the Players Inc
215.378.3097

Tanya Stephens

Tanya Stephens is just what I like in a Reggae singer songwriter. This 39 year old Jamaican born talent has a message in her music. No matter whether Tanya is singing reggae or dance hall her voice and lyrics are amazing. Tanya Stephens has been around since the late 1990s. She has had several hit songs throughout her career. Some of my favorite songs of Tanya’s are "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet", "Draw fi Mi Finger", "Freaky Type", and "Cry and Bawl", "These Streets", "Rosa", “Turn The Other Cheek”, “Little White Lie”, “Way Back “ and "It's a Pity". Tanya Stephens is so underrated she needs to be played more. Her music has so much meaning. It is so refreshing that she sings about true life situations. I know I can relate to what she is singing about. To listen to songs from this talented singer songwriter tune into Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Live365, Athena365, MyGen365 and Pandora.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Stephens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFHNH6059wE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UHM9IO2vB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZUK0Gkz8b0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQHmIQLJVGw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeAAzhgcHMI&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DSM0x19bwXmN9TTDtWKM6s

Wayne Wonder At The Brick & Mortar January 19th 2013

Miss Kjah

This Trinidadian and Grenadian singer/songwriter from the United Kingdom is a talent. Her name is Khadijah but she goes by her stage name Miss Kjah. Miss Kjah can sing and write. She takes the old school music and blends it into a reggae song. I like the way she took two of my favorite R&B songs and music and made her own reggae songs. The Teddy Pendergrass’s “Close The Door” and The Floaters “Float On” songs were nicely done. Her version of “Close Da Door” and “Float On” is refreshing. Miss Kjah lyrics are uplifting and energetic. She has the ability to make you want to hear more. That is what I like in musical artists. To put out music that inspires. Miss Kjah is a talented, wonderful artist that is going to be around for years to come. If she keeps putting out good inspirational music and stays true to her craft. Miss Kjah has a single out called "Burn Bridges " it is a very inspirational song. You can listen to it on Streetwise Radio. Listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.misskjah.com/page2.htm

http://www.misskjah.com/page3.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeguakZljHU

IRATION

Yet again, Streetwise Radio is playing artists that are not well known to me. I’ve never heard of Iration, a Reggae group from Santa Barbara, California. Iration really started on the Caribbean island of Montserrat in the West Indies. With three brothers Mario (keyboards), Patricio (bass), and Gino (drums) Zamorano, they were exiled from Pinochet government of Chile in 1973. In 1981 they migrated to the U.S.A. In 1983 Iration was born. Their first performance was a talent show, at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey in 1986. Iration began playing college circuits in the US. Iration plays mostly Sunshine Reggae. Sunshine Reggae is a subgenre which is said to bring the "tropical vibes". It is mostly played with a positive or cheerful attitude. This music is played around tropical hotels and resorts. Iration does this kind of Reggae well. While listening to their music, I can see why Iration is considered a Sunshine Reggae Band. Iration means creation in the patois dialect which is spoken in most of the Caribbean islands where English is the primary language. Iration recorded and released their first full length album “No Time for Rest” in 2007. The single off this album “Cookie Jar” reached number one in Hawaii on 93.9 DaBeat. Their music grooves and the lyrics are catchy with meaning. I really like Iration they are a fantastic band with a lot of great meaningful music, which is easy to listen too. Some of the songs that they sing that are my favorites are “Fire”, “Time Bomb”, “Falling”, "Work It Out", “Cookie Jar”, “All In You”, “Wait And See” and “Turn Around”. Iration is a band that I could listen to a lot. They are deftly going on my play list. Streetwise Radio will continue bringing you not well known and new groups like Iration. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, MyGen365,s, Live365, Athena365 and Pandora.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Iration/+wiki

AVAILABLE NOW - MAXI PRIEST NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM "Time Of The Year"

Maxi Priest’s ‘Time of the Year’ Christmas album is a unique album of Xmas songs produced by Livingstone Brown and Maxi Priest. This Deluxe digipack CD features 12 brand new songs including ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Favourite Things’ and ’12 Days of Christmas’.  The Deluxe CD also includes 4 Maxi Priest Christmas cards

 

Track listing: Let Them In • I As a King • What a Wonderful World • My Favourite Things • Merry Christmas Baby • Time of the Year • We Wish You a Rasta Christmas • Jingle Bells • 12 Days of Christmas • Do You Hear What I Hear? • Happy Xmas (War is Over) • Silent Night

 

Glen Washington Masterpiece

Now a then I hear a reggae artist that makes me smile. Glen Washington happens be one of those artists. DJ Michael Ealey told me to check him out. I’m so glad he turned me on to this talented, amazing artist. Glen Washington is a spiritual singer that has a message in his music. Glen Washington’s vocals are husky and raspy, that has that soulful old school quality. Born in the parish of Clarendon Jamaica, Glen Washington has been in the reggae music scene since the early 1970s. I can see why, his music is awesome! Glen Washington made his first hit record “Rockers Not Crackers” in 1978. It took him 20 years to release another hit single “Kindness For Weakness”. While writing this blog, I’m listening to his past albums as well as his newest album. I can say I have not heard a song I don’t like. I can’t believe I have never heard of Glen Washington. With Glen Washington’s “Masterpiece” album you can’t go wrong. He delivers a strong album that is amazing, wonderful and spiritual. If you like Reggae artists that are easy to understand and has a message in their music, then Glen Washington is an artist you should check out. I’m putting him on the top of my play list. The Masterpiece album gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. You can listen to “Masterpiece” on Streetwise Radio’s Big Splif’s 420 Reggae. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Athena365, MyGen365, ITunes and Live365. Also available on Pandora.

LM

http://www.glenwashington.net/home.html

Calendar Listing:

Saturday, October 20

24^th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration Concert featuring Tosh 1,

Sister I-Live, Nyabinghi Drummers and more

Doors: 7pm

Film: 8pm

Music: 9pm

$20 tickets ($17 for students)

All ages

Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley CA

510-525-5054, 917/834-0330

24^th ANNUAL PETER TOSH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FEATURING TOSH 1, SISTER I-LIVE, AND MORE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT THE ASHKENAZ IN BERKELEY

Out of Many One Productions is proud to present the 24^th annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration commemorating the late, great reggae legend, icon Winston Hubert McIntosh, aka ‘Peter Tosh’ on Saturday, October 20 at the Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Performers include Peter Tosh’s son, Tosh 1, Peter Tosh’s cousin Sister-I-Live, Nyabinghi drummers, plus special guests to be announced.

Tickets are $20 (student tickets are $17) and can be purchased in advance at the Ashkenaz. Doors are at 7pm; an original documentary about Peter Tosh including interviews, history and music is at 8pm,and the music starts at 9pm. This is an all ages venue.

In August of this year, the late reggae star Peter Tosh was appointed a member of the Order of Merit (OM), receiving the country's third highest national honor and joining Wailers band mate and reggae icon Bob Marley as a recipient.
Twenty-five years after his murder, Tosh, who had no national honor previously, headed a list of 119 Jamaicans national recognized for outstanding contributions to the country on JA Independence Day.

The concert will feature Tosh 1, aka Jawara McIntosh, the youngest son of the reggae icon, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1980. He moved to Boston in 1985 where he was raised by his mother. Tosh 1 has performed all over the world and he does especially well on the festival circuit.  This October / November, 2012 Tosh 1 is doing a Western US / Canada tour.

Tosh 1 is now set to release his highly anticipated album “Death to the Shitstem.” This album is slated to drop on October 19th, his father's birthday. The album features songs like “Get up Stand Up” his up-to-the time rendition of The Wailers classic,  “Babylon Burnin,” “Man Up”, just to name a few. This new album is a revolutionary embodiment of Tosh 1's signature hip-hop meets reggae brand of music, the best of both worlds!

In Boston, Tosh 1 was introduced to rap and hip-hop, the flow and flavor of LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Run DMC. "That was when music was real," says Tosh 1, who started mixing the sounds of reggae with loops and samples of hip-hop in high school. Tosh has a love-hate relationship with the hip-hop genre, and believes many of its artists have gone astray, seduced by major record deals, fast cars and expensive clothes. "The same revolutionary spirit that once inspired me has been transformed into everything it once detested," says Tosh 1.

In 2000, Tosh 1 decided to record a couple of tracks in the studio, creating a hybrid sound that blended urban sounds, but still stayed true to the tenets of reggae and its messages of social change, activism and spirituality. "It was like second nature, like magic," says Tosh 1. "People just fell in love with it."

Tosh 1 is a revolutionary artist with an impetus to right wrongs. "I give people food for thought," explains Tosh 1. "It's about waking people up. I am going to expose the system for what it is. We have to be more conscious of our life here on earth and stop complaining."

Also appearing on the bill is Bay Area favorite dancehall queen, Sister I-Live. Born and raised in the Parish of Westmoreland Jamaica, West Indies, her singing career began in her local parish church choir and school choirs and youth clubs. This exposure inspired her to start writing her own songs. She and her friends would frequently go to the beach side with guitars and drums chanting music for hours.

From an early age she was interested in seeking a spiritual way of life. At fourteen-years-old, she began visiting and reasoning with local Rasta bredren and sistren and attending the Nyahingi groundations where Rastas would chant together with drums. In 1973, she began to grow her dreadlocks and further her commitment to Rastafari.

After moving to California in 1984 where she started singing as DJ, toasting and singing over the local sound systems, she then began singing on stage shows, backing up local reggae performers. In 1987, she began singing with a band called the Chosen Few, comprised of some of the toughest reggae musicians in the Bay Area.

Sister I- Live is a lively performer whose dancing infectiously moves her audiences. She is called a Dance-Hall Diva because of her compelling live performances. A cousin to the legendary Peter Tosh, Sister-I- Live has ability to pull the fire out of the audience with her every sound. Each song brings a healing message surely to touch the hearts of many. Her musical repertoire is varied with original cultural lyrics as well as, classic reggae cover tunes.

The Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration concert is slated to be a special treat for all those Peter Tosh fans that have been waiting for Peter's next release, and for the younger generations who never got to see Peter Tosh perform live in the flesh. Peter's youngest son, Tosh 1 has now taken the torch and moved ahead with youthful strength and vigor to carry on the work of his father.

For more information contact Out Of Many One Productions, 917-834-0330 or for tickets go to http://www.ashkenaz.com/. The box office is open every night when there is an event for presale tickets.