Sunday, April 20, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
The Passing Of William "Bunny Ruggs" Clarke
All of us at Streetwise Radio mourn the passing of one of the greatest baritones of all time, William "Bunny Ruggs" Clarke, lead singer of Third World! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Mavado
David Constantine Brooks
is better known by his stage name, Mavado. This Kingston, JA born
dancehall and reggae singer released his debut single “Real McCoy”
in 2004. Mavado released his album “Gangsta for Life: The Symphony
of David Brooks in 2007."Weh Dem A Do" and "Dying,”
two singles from the album, were introduced seriously on R&B/hip-hop
radio in the U.S.A. and around the world. With all his success came
some controversy. On July 27, 2007 Mavado was unlawfully detained by
Jamaican police. While in police custody, he claimed they threw him
through a glass window, slicing three fingers, causing him be
hospitalized. The police claimed Mavado escaped from custody, even
though they let him walk out with his manager to go to the hospital.
Mavado was later arrested and charged with shooting, with intent and
illegal possession of firearm in relation to an event that occurred
on July 27, 2007. He was later freed of all charges. Even though he
has had disagreement with the police, this brother is talented.
Mavado has teamed up with a number of well-known artists such as
Busta Rhymes, Wyclef, Ludacris, Birdman, Fabulous, Ace Hood, Akon,
Snoop Dog; and is the only Jamaican act to have worked with Jay Z. If
you have not heard of Mavado, take a listen to this brother on
Streetwise Radio. Here are some of my picks: “Weh Dem A Do,”
“Dying,” “Real McKoy,” “Caribbean Girls,” “Give It All
To Me” ft. Nicki Minaj, “Take It” feat. Karian Sang and “Settle
Down.” You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes,
MyGen365, Live365, Athena365 and Gilroy Radio.
LM
Sunday, November 24, 2013
THE NEW PARISH
King of Kings & Knakdemout present
ELEPHANT MAN
MEGA BANTON
longside ONE BLOOD sound SMOKY & YOUNG FYAH & DJ KURIOUS (Funktion)
SUNDAY 11/24
Doors: 9:00 pm / Show: 10:00 pm
THIS EVENT IS 21 AND OVER
CONTACT
Venue Phone: (510) 444-7474
Before 5 pm - please contact Parish Offices: 415.371.1631
Before 5 pm - please contact Parish Offices: 415.371.1631
LOCATION
579 18th Street (at San Pablo)
Oakland, CA 94612
Oakland, CA 94612
MORE INFO
$25.00 - $30.00
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Sultry Reggae Singer Maxi Priest to Deliver the Gospel of Soul at Yoshi’s Oakland By Shelah Moody
Sultry Reggae Singer Maxi Priest to Deliver the Gospel of Soul at
Yoshi’s Oakland
By Shelah Moody
London-born singer/songwriter Max
Alfred Elliot could not have chosen a better stage name: Maxi Priest.
The name “Maxi”
suits him because, since his first album, “You’re Safe: Caution” was released
in 1985, he has taken reggae music to the maximum heights, to the top of the
“Billboard” charts, to adult contemporary radio, to late night television, to
the San Francisco Symphony.
The last name
“Priest” is fitting because it reflects his spiritual side and his belief in a
higher power. Priest draws from his experience growing up in a Pentecostal
church to create his unique blend of gospel, Jamaican reggae, British lover’s
rock and American soul that inspires love and romance.
There is something
about a Maxi Priest song that moves you. It is no coincidence that Angela
Basset and Taye Diggs shared their first dance while Priest’s song, “Art of
Seduction” played in the background in the film adaptation of Terry McMillan’s
novel “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
Maxi Priest is
known for his international string of hits including “Close to You,”
“Housecall” (with Shabba Ranks). “Set the Night to Music” (with Roberta Flack),
“That Girl” (with Shaggy) and remakes of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” and Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.”
Whether performing at a large scale music festival or an intimate night spot,
Priest always gives 110 percent. In a rare appearance, Maxi Priest and his band will perform two
shows on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Yoshi’s Oakland.
Maxi Priest is particularly proud of his
latest releases “Maximum Collection,” which includes 36 songs from the
beginning of his career to the present. Another recent album close to his heart
is “Time of Year,” a compilation of his favorite Christmas songs. (Hint: This
may be the perfect gift as the holiday season approaches).
During a press
conference at the 17th Annual Monterey Bay Reggaefest last year, among other
insightful topics that were discussed, Priest gave the media a preview of
“Maximum Collection.”
“I look at it as a giving the younger
generation a fast lane to catching up with who Maxi Priest is,” said the golden voiced
singer, who is recognized by his long, cascading dreads and megawatt smile.
Although Priest and his siblings grew up in
south London, he hails from hardworking Jamaican parents who immigrated to
England in search of opportunity and success for their offspring. Priest draws
from a regal bloodline, the late reggae icon Jacob Miller was his uncle and
rapper Heavy D his cousin.
Priest’s obvious musical influences include
Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Cat Stevens and Sting, whose material he has covered.
Since Priest covered Golden Lady” on his 1999 album “Combination,” I asked
about Stevie Wonder’s influence.
“I think that
Stevie Wonder has influenced everybody in music— musicians and non-musicians—in
some way or another, said Priest. “He is very much a freedom fighter, always
looking to spread the word of equal rights and justice.”
While headlining at the Monterey Bay
Reggaefest in 2012, Priest joined the celebration of the 50th anniversary of
Jamaica’s independence. There tone of the press conference took a serious turn.
“We know how to
party, but we need to get a little bit serious sometimes,” said Priest.
“(Jamaica) has survived for the last 50 years; and I can only hope that we
learn from the 50 years of struggle that we’ve been through. There have been
some highs and some serious lows. I only hope that our beautiful little island
can look at those 50 years and make the next 50 years a better place, a better
situation, for the younger generation. They are going to survive based on the
foundation that we put down.”
Priest is
particularly proud of his band, a multitalented, diverse group of musicians
including Richard "Goofy" Campbell (keyboards), Paul KasticK (drums),
JJ Sansaverino (guitar) and Taddy P. Camp (bass). When Camp approached the
press table, Priest was more than happy to give him the spotlight. “He plays a
mean solo bass and you should check out his CD, “Gimme Di Bass,” said Priest.
“I had to say that, because it’s not good just to promote yourself.”
In fact, Priest
heaped praise on all of his band members, including DJ Beniton the Menace, a
New Yorker who jams with Priest on “Housecall” and “That Girl.” Priest even
invited his road manager/engineer, Steve Locke, to join the group at the
table.
Drummer Paul
KasticK has been working with Priest since 1989; in fact, Priest’s was the
first international band that KasticK played with. KasticK went on to play with
the 809 band and other prestigious reggae artists.
“In 1986, when I was
a youth playing in the hotels six nights a week in Montego Bay, I heard Maxi
Priest for the first time,” said KasticK. “I remember exactly where I was when
I heard “Wild World” debut on the charts for the first time. Maxi’s music has
had a profound effect on musicians. Maxi, to me, is one of the top five
vocalists in the world.”
Priest approached
stellar guitarist JJ Sansaverino 12 years ago and ended up becoming a
mentor.
“I have the
opportunity to work with one of my favorite reggae singers—Maxi Priest,” said Sansaverino.
“I knew about Maxi Priest way before he knew about me. I was a fan; and I got
the call to work with this brilliant artist. It’s been a learning experience.
He’s groomed me from a shy guy on stage to a maniac—with a lot of constructive
criticism along the way. He’s become my brother, and he’s taught me so much.
I’m so happy to be doing my own project, but one of the happiest times for me
is being on stage with this group of musicians. This is an all-star line-up and
we’ve been all over the world, we’ve experience the best and the worst.”
Priest’s attention
turned to the 6’4 keyboardist Richard “Goofy” Campbell, a devout Seventh Day
Adventist.
“There’s a lot more
to Mr. Humble, Richard Campbell,” said Priest. “He has produced quite a number of people; he continues to
support a lot of the younger generation. In Montego Bay, he opens his doors to
young people and helps them learn to play keyboard and play instruments. I am
honored to have the opportunity to work with him, and that goes for all of my
band members.”
During the end of
the press conference, the conversation circled back to Maxi Priest’s
inspiration on the younger generation. When I was in my twenties, my
grandmother, the strong woman who raised me, had undergone brain surgery at age
90—and survived. During those critical moments, I played Priest’s album
“Bonafide” over and over for comfort. Nowadays, I listen to Priest’s
composition “God Watches over Us,” when I need an uplift.
“Well, personally,
I would say to a young person, first, find God,” said Priest. “When you find
God, you will find yourself. When you can check out yourself, then you will
know where you are going. It’s a support system. Faith is a key. Love is also a
key. I’m a strong believer in faith, because it’s not everything that we know
and understand. In traveling the world, my strongest asset has been faith, and
belief that there is a God. I was brought up in very religious surroundings. I
was raised in the Pentecostal church; my mother was a missionary in the
Pentecostal church. So for me to create and sing a song like “God Watches over
Us” is natural for me.”
www.maxipriest.comSOCIAL NETWORKS
http://www.facebook.com/maxipriest
http://www.twitter.com/maxipriest
http://www.youtube.com/maxipriestmusic
http://www.myspace.com/maxipriest
http://www.reverbnation.com/maxipriest
Friday, September 20, 2013
Grammy Winning Reggae Singer/Songwriter Mykal Rose Illuminates the Stage with Sly and Robbie at Yoshi’s San Francisco
Grammy Winning Reggae Singer/Songwriter Mykal Rose Illuminates the Stage
with Sly and Robbie at Yoshi’s San Francisco
Who: The Showdown Tour Featuring Mykal Rose Backed by famed Drum and
Bass Duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare
When: 10:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St., SF
Story and Photos By Shelah Moody
Mykal Rose loves to
sing. The former lead singer of the Grammy winning reggae band Black Uhuru said
that he records at least five songs a day at his home studio in Florida. Known
for his percussive tenor and his trademark “tu tu twang” and “ding ding woy”
vocal riffs, Rose cannot discuss any of the Black Uhuru classics, “Shine Eye
Gal” and “Whole World is Africa” without singing a few lines from each song.
Michael “Grammy” Rose
is gearing up for a U.S. tour with his former Black Uhuru band mates, Sly
Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass)—a mini reunion.
The “Showdown” tour
hits Yoshi’s San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 20.
Rose said that he is looking forward to performing at the upscale venue
that has hosted acts such as Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, George Clinton and of
course, Sly and Robbie, (multiple Grammy winners in their own right who have
produced everyone from Dennis Brown to Grace
Jones to No Doubt). Accompanying Mykal Rose and Sly and Robbie on the
“Showdown” tour are acclaimed keyboardist “Bubbler” Waul
and engineer Garfield McDonald.
Black Uhuru (a Swahili
word meaning “freedom) formed in 1972 in Waterhouse, Jamaica. Rose joined the
band in 1977; and together with Sly and
Robbie, vocalists Puma Jones, Errol “Tarzan Nelson Duckie Simpson, became the
quintessential protest band of the seventies and eighties, with revolutionary
albums such as “Sinsemilla,” “Red” and “Chill Out.” In 1985, Black Uhuru made
history as the first band to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for “Anthem.”
With his deft songwriting skills and exotic vocals, Mykal Rose literally put
Black Uhuru on the map.
“Reuniting with Sly and
Robbie is the highlight of this tour,” said Rose, who left Black Uhuru in the
mid eighties and established himself as a solo artist. “This is a show of the
past, present and the future. After this tour, in 2014, we are going to do an
album together.
“Each and every one,
stand guard, because this is gonna be a great show,” said Rose. “This summer,
we played the Garance Festival in France, to 60,000 people. If Europe is ready,
let’s see if the west coast is ready!”
Mykal Rose was born on
July 11, 1957, on what he described as a “Ben Johnson” day, a term commonly
used by Jamaicans for days when the household has no money and food is scarse.
Luckily, the circumstances surrounding one’s birth do not determine one’s
destiny.
Before joining Black
Uhuru, Rose recorded as a solo artist for Jamaican producers such as Niney the
Observer and Yabby You. Rose is a man who is keen on keeping up with all genres
of music. His dream is to duet with soul songstress Keyshia Cole. One of his
all-time favorite albums is Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life.” Rose
recently got a kick out of watching Bill Cosby dance to “Spongy Reggae” on the
Jimmy Fallon show—which exemplifies Black Uhuru’s influence on popular culture.
Last year, Rose recorded a version of “Beat It” for Easy Star’s “Thrillah: A
Reggae Tribute to Michael Jackson” compilation. Although he never met Michael
Jackson, Rose said that he is a huge fan.
“Yeah, mon, him great,
oh Jah Jah,” Rose extolled in patois. “Michael Jackson went to the extreme with
the music and gave the music justice
when he sang. Yeah mon, him dangerous!” Rose could not resist singing a few
lines from the Jackson/Paul McCartney duet, “The Girl is Mine.”
One interesting fact
about Mykal Rose is that he is an expert on holistic medicine. Rose has herbal
remedies for everything from staying fit to getting over a cold, to personal
hygiene to fertility. For instance, he
always carries fresh lemons, which he uses as an organic form of deodorant.
Rose is extremely proud of his five children, one of whom is pursuing a career
in nursing, another in civil engineering and another in music.
Like conscious reggae
artists of his era, Rose aims to make the world better for the youth. Rose believes that Black Uhuru recordings
should be available to students on college campuses for education and also for
upliftment. His latest album, “Showdown Inna Bloody Town” addresses the global
crisis of violence and gun culture. The album is extremely relevant in light of
the recent Washington D.C. Navy Yard killings, the Sandy Hook Elementary school
massacre in Newtown, Connecticut and other acts of senseless gun violence. For
instance, producer Siahvash Dowlatshahi wanted to change the title of the Black
Uhuru track “Youth of Eglington” to “Youth of Oakland,” due to the wave of
violence in the city.
“It looks like not even
mankind can solve the crisis,” said Rose. “It’s like war upon war, and people
want blood. We have songs like “Gunfighter,” about people who come to a party
and break it up. A man fyah and everyone
run, gone, and the fun done. There’s a time for war, and there’s a time
when people want to enjoy themselves.”
There are also some
creative dub mixes on “Showdown” such as “Bloody Dub” and Ethio-Jazz Version.”
“This album is more Afrocentric,” said Rose.
“It’s a different vibe for African brothers and sisters.”
On a lighter note, at
the end of our interview, Rose gladly entertained a fan’s curiosity about his
famous dreadlocks, which he usually keeps under a hat or wrapped around his
head like a turban.
“When I let my hair
down, it hits the floor,” said Rose. “It’s light as a feather, but heavy when
it’s wet. That’s why I have to sleep on a king size bed—so that I can let out
the whole of my dreads.
The Mykal Rose/Sly and Robbie Showdown Tour continues:
Sat Sept 21 Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
Sun Sept 22 Santa Monica Pier
Tues Sept 24 Seattle, WA – Neumos
Wed Sept 25 San Juan Capistrano, CA
– The
Coach House
Thurs Sept 26 Solano Beach, CA – The Belly Up
Fri Sept 27th Denver, CO –
Casselman’s
Sun Sept 29thNew York, NY – B.B. Kings
Mon Sept 30th – Asbury Park, NJ – The Saint
Tues Oct 1st – Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre
Monday, September 9, 2013
Keznamdi Now Playing On Streetwise Radio
Keznamdi's Bridging the Gap EP was released on April 30 and in less than 24 hours it move from number 27 on the iTunes Reggae Album charts to number 5 where he was only being beaten by Snoop Lion and Bob Marley albums.
The following week of May 7. Keznamdi's Bridging the Gap EP debut on the Billboard Reggae Album Charts as the Hot Shot Debut at Number 10.
Keznamdi's lead single 'Weekend' spent over a month on Entertainment Report's charts and peaked at number 2.
Keznamdi has been having tremendous success with his live shows; he launched his EP in Jamaica on June 18 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center to a crowd of over 500 people. He also did an up close and personal acoustic session at the Village Cafe on July 17 pulling over 300 paid patrons as the only headlining act.
Keznamdi recently performed on Reggae Sumfest's International Nights 1 and 2 with Jah Cure and Chronixx respectively.
Keznamdi is now in demand by some of Reggae and Dancehall' s biggest producers as he has recently voiced a new single with noted producer Don Corleon. Other producers working with Keznamdi are Yrevor Baby G James, Suku from Ward 21, TJ Records, Major Lazer etc.
Keznamdi will embark on a east coast promotional tour of the US for his Bridging the Gap EP in September.
Please see the links below for videos and performances:
Darkness - http://www.youtube.com/
EP Launch Coverage http://www.youtube.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
The new school year should see Jamaican students singing a different tune.
So believes Push Hitz Records' reggae/dancehall artiste Alkamis, as he prepares to put the finishing touches on his soon-to-be released Students single. The song, he said, is just a reminder to youngsters of the path they should follow.
"As the name suggests, it has something to do with the students. We a oppose and a propose, trying to get them on the right track. Trying to get them to know what them supposed to do and what them nuh supposed to do", said Alkamis.
The song touches on topics that are seen on a regular basis in high schools throughout the island.
"It's about things that we see every day from the youth in the schools. We touch the bleaching topic, the cellular phone topic, the pinch leave an inch, and even the economy," he shared.
Alkamis believes the song will be positively received as it is catchy and its message is one that everyone can relate to.
"Students, the nation need yuh - careful how yuh wheel and tun. Certain things yuh a do yuh doan need to, serious though yuh think it fun. It goes something like that, it's very catchy," said Alkamis.
European scene
The singjay who has found favour with reggae fans on the European scene is ready to step up his game and make his voice heard in Jamaica. Among Alkamis' previous releases are Can't Stop Loving You, Faith Inside, Badmind and Rain On Me. All have been positively received in the United States and European reggae market having good support from radio stations.
Students will open the ears of the young and old to his music with its uplifting, informative and educational content.
listen the song on youtube http://www.youtube.
song available for free download http://www.
"As the name suggests, it has something to do with the students. We a oppose and a propose, trying to get them on the right track. Trying to get them to know what them supposed to do and what them nuh supposed to do", said Alkamis.
The song touches on topics that are seen on a regular basis in high schools throughout the island.
"It's about things that we see every day from the youth in the schools. We touch the bleaching topic, the cellular phone topic, the pinch leave an inch, and even the economy," he shared.
Alkamis believes the song will be positively received as it is catchy and its message is one that everyone can relate to.
"Students, the nation need yuh - careful how yuh wheel and tun. Certain things yuh a do yuh doan need to, serious though yuh think it fun. It goes something like that, it's very catchy," said Alkamis.
European scene
The singjay who has found favour with reggae fans on the European scene is ready to step up his game and make his voice heard in Jamaica. Among Alkamis' previous releases are Can't Stop Loving You, Faith Inside, Badmind and Rain On Me. All have been positively received in the United States and European reggae market having good support from radio stations.
Students will open the ears of the young and old to his music with its uplifting, informative and educational content.
listen the song on youtube http://www.youtube.
song available for free download http://www.
Follow links
Instagram: Alkamismusic
Twitter: Alkamismusic
Facebook http://www.fb.com/
ARTIST BIO – Orlando “Alkamis” Johnson
When you hear the name Alkamis, you’re immediately struck with curiosity that this unique name belongs not to a rapper or a dj, but to one of Jamaica’s rising crooners. What will keep you his is soulful voice, set to destined to be a part of Jamaican music near and far.
Raised in Lampard, a fruitful farming district in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, Orlando Johnson started his musical career, singing at church and entertaining his supportive family (which includes nine siblings). As Orlando grew and his voice became stronger, so did his performances.
Outgrowing the church choir, Orlando started performing at stage shows, concerts, school programs, and parties. He began experimenting lyrically with clean topics ranging from history, love, and current affairs, voicing on RnB tracks as well as Dancehall riddims and Reggae ‘One Drop’ style tracks.
In 2005, Orlando saw the vision to pursue his musical talents professionally. Around this time, the stage name “Alkamis” was birthed. While in a session with Gumption Band, it was noted that “Orlando could put lyrics together like a Chemist” and the name Alkamis has stuck ever since.
Shortly after Alkamis linked with Askhelle from Vision House, who’s been a helpful hand in toward a professional career. In 2010 he was introduced to producers of Push Hitz Records; Delano Smith and Desmond Hepburn by a family member named Yvette Johnson. Within the last few years, Alkamis has recorded “No Love Again”, “Faith Inside” and “Can’t Stop Loving You”, as well as “Rain On Me”, “Forever”, ”My Turn”.
Inspired by Beres Hammond, Spragga Benz and Wayne Wonder, Alkamis has crafted his own sound combining the sweet melodies of ‘One Drop’ Reggae with a mix of soulful RnB. To showcase his talent, Alkamis would love to collaborate with veteran U-Roy and sultry singer Alaine.
At present Alkamis will be releasing the video for “Rain On Me” and prepping for his debut album. While the rising crooner is respectful that his professional career is taking a greater leap,
he wants people to understand his artistic mission and that is “create long lasting music, bringing positive inspirations across the world. Making people enjoy, appreciate, and change their lives through music”
Alkamis can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alkamismusic and Twitter at www.twitter.com/alkamismusic. For general information please contact puzhhitz@gmail.com .
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Common Kings
I first
heard the song “No Other Love” on Streetwise Radio and loved it. I knew I had
to hear more from this amazing band. As I listen to and found out more about
this group of fantastic musicians, I knew this talented band was going on my
playlist. The Common Kings makes me want to listen to them while sitting on the
beach sipping on a cool drink. The band consists of Bass Player Lui Kirimaua
(Ivan), Lead Singer Sasualei Maliga (Junyer), Drummer Jerome Taito (Rome), and
Lead Guitar Player Taumata Grey (Mata). All the members
of the Common Kings heritage are from the islands of Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and
Hawaii but they are from Orange County, California. Some of my favorite tunes
are “Wade In Your Water”, “Alcoholic”, “Fly” and “Fall In Love”. If you like
good Island soul music tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to the Common
Kings you will become a fan. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on
MyGen365, Live365, Athena365, iTunes and Pandora.
LM
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
GHANA HONORS NANA RITA MARLEY DURING NATION’S EMANCIPATION DAY CELEBRATION
HONORARY CITIZENSHIP GRANTED FOR PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Los
Angeles, CA (July 29, 2013) –
In August of 2013, on Ghana’s
Emancipation Day, the country will recognize an icon of the Diaspora,
Nana Rita Marley, widow of the late superstar, Bob Marley. This
historic event will take place at the nation’s annual Golden
Jubilee celebration of OAU/AU and the Pan-African History Festival
(PANAFEST), wherein Sister Rita (Nana
Afua Adobeya1) will be granted
honorary citizenship of Ghana along with a Ghanaian passport.
In
the words of H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennett/ Head of Mission, AU Diaspora
Africa Forum, “We are thrilled to see the Ghana government
recognizing the tremendous contribution Nana Rita has made to Ghana
socially as well as economically. This is a historical day for
those of us from the diaspora. Congratulations to our beloved
Nana Rita Marley,” adds H.E. Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, “Indeed Mrs.
Rita Marley continues to leverage her unique name recognition to
showcase Ghana and talk up Ghana’s pan-Africanist role and tourism
potential at every opportunity.”
Fifty years
after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech
and the passing of Dr. W.B. DuBois, and more than 32 years after the
passing of her husband, the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley, Mrs.
Marley has now accomplished the main part of their dream: returning
to Africa not as slaves, but to give back to the less privileged.
ABOUT RITA
MARLEY
The talented
Rita Anderson was born in Cuba and raised from an early age in
Trenchtown, Jamaica, destined to become the matriarch of the musical
Marley family. Now, for over 30 years, Rita Marley has been a
principal figure on the music scene and has maintained a prominent
role.
Mrs. Marley
has worn many hats to manifest her continued commitment to her
husband Bob Marley, her family and her people, as well as to fulfill
her mission to enlighten, educate and entertain through
her music. She is the
benefactor of many humanitarian causes and the Rita Marley
Foundation. RMM’s operations are based on the principles of love
and compassion, with its work geared towards the alleviation of
suffering in less fortunate communities.
Establishing
a second home in Ghana in 1993, she began the task of working with
the local Elders and Chiefs towards the provision of a road, a water
supply and electrification. An on-going task since then is the
development of the school and the health care center. Today, she
continues her mission of sharing, caring and working together with
all Africans, supporting activities in Kenya, Ethiopia and Jamaica.
Learn more at: http://ritamarleyfoundation.org/.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Tarrus Riley
Two words to describe
Tarrus Riley amazing and conscious. I love the way he sings about
issues in this world. This 34 year old Jamaican American born in
Bronx, New York City and the son of reggae singer Jimmy Riley. Has a
gift just like his father. Tarrus debut album Challenges came out to
in 2004. Since then he has put out three more albums Parables in
2006, Contagious in 2009 and Mecoustic 2012. I heard the song “Stay
With You” on Streetwise Radio I really like the song and had to
listen to more from this wonderful artist. I found more songs that
are going on my playlist like “Shaka Zulu Pickney”, “She's
Royal”, “"Superman", “Beware”, “Front Door”,
“Something Strong”, “Paradise”, “Human Nature”, “Gimme
Likkle One Drop” and “Sorry Is A Sorry Word”. This amazing
artist is going to be at Reggae On The River August 1st
thru 4th 2013. You
tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to Tarrus Riley songs. You can
also listen to Streetwise Radio on Athena365, MyGen365, Live365,
iTunes,Gilroy Radio, and Pandora.
LM
Friday, July 12, 2013
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)