AN added attraction has been introduced to the 2010 Rototom Reggae Sunsplash to be held for the first time in Benicassim, Spain from August 22 -25. As a booster, the organisers of the major summer reggae festival in Europe, have invited Jamaica Film Academy director, Barbara Blake Hannah, to present a three-night programme of the Best of the Reggae Film Festival.

 

After 16 years, this renowned brand of musicians, artistes and musical aficionados, usually assembled in Italy, if nothing else, will provide for Spain an extended celebration of its World Cup triumph two months ago.

 

Barbara Blake Hannah

Our Reggae Boyz (football team), is yet to enjoy such crowning glory, but no reggae festival, can boast authenticity without the Jamaican musical stalwarts, even though Europe is now producing its own sensations in the genre.

 

This is a fact the organisers of the Rototom Reggae Sunsplash who have been chased out of Italy by the authorities, have always recognised and have billed as they have always done, some of reggae’s finest ambassadors from yard.

 

The line-up for the 17-staging which is yet to be completed, so far include Anthony B, Big Youth, Bob Andy, Marcia Griffiths, Fantan Mojah, Glen Washington, Romaine Virgo, Alpha Blondy, Aswad, Alborosie, and many more to be added. And, as if for greater damage control because of the relocation, the Best of the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival has now been added.

 

Since 1972 when Jamaica’s first feature film The Harder They Come exposed reggae to the world on its soundtrack, a growing number of films have been made that focus on Jamaica’s reggae music culture.

 

In 2008 these ‘reggae films’ were gathered together in one place for the first ever Reggae Film Festival, held in New Kingston in February as part of Reggae Month.

The event was a collaboration between Jamaican filmmaker and film festival organiser Barbara Blake Hannah and British film archivist Peter Gittins of Reggae Films UK, with support from private sector sponsors and the Jamaican Ministry of Culture.

 

Sixteen feature and documentary films from Spain, Germany, Argentina, Canada, the UK and the USA were screened, at the end of which six Jamaican film pioneers appointed to head a Jamaica Film Academy dedicated to the objectives of the Jamaican film industry.

 

In 2009 a smaller programme premiered films from the USA, Serbia and a Spanish/Jamaican sports documentary that went on to win several international awards.

 

This year, the Reggae Film Festival saw the screenings of 22 films, a special daytime Children’s Programme and a Make-a-Film-in-24-Hours competition.

“Not only have filmmakers from all over the globe entered their films and travelled to Jamaica to present them and win awards, but the event has come to the notice of global reggae fans, international media and cultural organisations, several of which have established links for future collaboration,” she added.

 

Among the films to be shown are the Argentinian feature film Roots Time, award winning Japanese documentary Ruffn Tuff – Founders of the Immortal Riddim, a German documentary on Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the animated film Kina Sky and Not To Me, the first feature film by noted Jamaican film–maker Ras Kassa.

 

“The directors of the Jamaica Film Academy and Reggae Film Festival are honoured by the invitation and recognition by Rototom Reggae Sunsplash,” Barbara Blake Hannah said.

SPIRIT RISING

The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers

Golden Gate Park, Bandshell, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Saturday, August 21st 

11 am – 6 pm

** FREE **

 

Golden Gate Park will be ablaze with sacred energy, prayer, music and dance as the

Center for Sacred Studies & Cafe Gratitude host SPIRIT RISING, a fundraiser for The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.

 

Participants will be able to experience the sacred energy that surrounds the internationally acclaimed Grandmothers Council.  Mayan Grandmother Flordemayo and Takelma Siletz Grandmother Agnes Baker Pilgrim will be present to bless and inspire participants.

 

Performance & Prayer featuring:

-- Jamaican reggae artist RAS MIDAS, bringing a message of social justice,

love and unity

 

-- MC's WISDOM and NATALIA GARCIA

 

-- Drumming & Dance of all Nations

 

-- Members of Goddess Alchemy Project

 

-- SPIRIT WALK OF PEACE: A moving meditation around the perimeter

 

  of the Bandshell

 

-- Circle of Four Directions representing & honoring the Grandmothers

 

-- Inspirational speakers include Lynne Twist

 

Donations will be gratefully accepted at the circle and will be used to help bring all 13 Grandmothers along with their prayers to Japan, at their council gathering in October.  For more information go to the Events page at

Would you like to receive a box of 2010 Reggae Festival Guides to distribute to your friends and family?

 

 

We still have a few boxes that we want to get in to the hands of Reggae fans before the end of summer and you can help.

 

Simply click here and send me your name and shipping address (no P.O. Boxes because we ship via UPS). Type REGGAE DISTRIBUTION in the subject line.

 

There are 50 in a box.

THE 35th EPISODE OF NICHOLAS Da SILVA'S GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES 'DREAD AND ALIVE' FEATURING DREW MCINTOSH: JAMAICAN SUPER HERO

 

 

Under the sweltering sun, Maria, Juba and a group of elder women looked on as several young men began the grueling process of crop shifting or in layman terms, slash and burn. The men began chopping down numerous trees in a rugged area of the forest close to the village. Once the trees had fallen, the women assisted by setting fire around the trunks of the trees, letting them burn until the roots were decayed enough to be easily removed from the earth. The woman then joined each other plowing the land, tilling the rugged soil for cultivation and grazing cattle.

Maria, sweating profusely, her khaki shirt stained with grime and sweat, struggled with the rugged terrain, trying her best to make the soil ready for harvest. She was not use to this type of arduous labor. Her muscles ached. As she plowed the earth, she thought about what she would be doing back in Mo’Bay had she not accompanied Philip to the Cockpit Country. She thought about taking a drive down to the street market to buy fruits and vegetables. She thought about sitting in their backyard staring out into the Martha Brae River, watching the sunset.

 

Maria paused for a moment, taking many deep breaths, while looking up at the hot sun, trying to fight off the unbearable heat.

            “How are you doing over there?” Juba shouted.

            Maria sighed. “I’m surviving,” using her shirt sleeve to wipe sweat from her forehead. “You must remember, I’m a zoologist, not a farmer.” Maria joked.

            “Oh believe me, after a day’s work in the Cockpit Country, you’ll not only be a farmer, but a herder and a hunter as well.”

            “Don’t remind me.”

 

Meanwhile, Drew accompanied a group of children for a day of frolicking in the forest. Since they were too young to join the older boys in hunting, the younger ones spent their time roaming the treacherous forest, but always staying close or nearby the village. One by one, the children followed a trail, much wider than the beaten path normally traveled, venturing deeper into the forest. Cuffee was among the group. He approached Drew and introduced himself.

“My name is Cuffee.”

“I know,” Drew said, shyly.

 

There was an awkward moment of silence as the boys continued to follow the other children along beaten path into the forest.

 

“You came to my house in Mo’Bay!” Drew said, continuing the conversation. Drew  playfully let the palm of his hand glide over the surrounding underbrush.

“You remember?” Cuffee said, surprised.

 

Drew answered the warrior with a nod of his head.

At that moment Cuffee stopped in his tracks. He quickly looked ahead of the trail to see where the other children were, before continuing his conversation with Drew.

“Do you want to see something that only I have seen!” Cuffee’s voice was mysterious, almost as if someone else was speaking for him.

‘Huh?” Drew said.

“What is it,” Drew asked, a little hesistant.

            “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

            Flashing somewhat of a dishonest smile, Cuffee slowly stepped backwards, urging Drew to follow him.

            “What about the others?” Drew said, looking back at the children.

            “We’ll catch up to them later,” Cuffee said, signaling with his hands to follow him.

 

 

 

Sat. Aug 28 – Sun. Aug 29: IrieFest 2-Day Concert in Long Beach, CA

The big man himself, the legendary Beres Hammond returns for another stellar performance at the 2nd Annual Irie Festival slated for Saturday, August 28th- Sunday, August 29th, 2010. Performing on the same stage are special guest Inner Circle, Culture, Pato Banton, Mr.Vegas, The Lions, New Kinston, Aziatic, Kontiki, Quinto Sol, Eljai,Tribal Seeds, Half Pint, Leon and The Peoples and many more.

 

The event will be held at: Queen Mary Events Park located at 1126 Queen's HWY, Long Beach, CA 98802 Gates open 12noon and ShowTime is at 1pm. General Admissions is $49.99, 2 Day General admissions is $79, V.I.P. Admissions is $100 and 2 day V.I.P. passes are $170. Children under 10 FREE. For ticket info and vending call: (661)718-5566, for tickets log onto www.Tix4me.com and for updates visit www.Iriefest.net

Partial proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUM) Scholarship Fund. All donations are tax deductible to the full extending of state and federal law.

On September 18, 2010 Greenergy Productions, LLC will kick off one of the most talked about Reggae festivals on the East Coast – HUDSON VALLEY REGGAE FEST (ECO & WORLD MUSIC).  This important social awareness concert event will be hosted by Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa which occupies 250 pristine acres in Ellenville, N.Y., in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

 

 “Over the past few months, the resort has worked closely with the event producers to envision an event unlike any other in the upper Hudson Valley region,” said Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa, event coordinator, Rianna Sciullo.  “We look forward to a day of education, ecological awareness and a celebration of world music and culture.”

 

HUDSON VALLEY REGGAE FEST (ECO & WORLD MUSIC) is a day-long, family-oriented “GO-GREEN” event featuring many musical talents from many different cultures. The International talent onstage will include Jamaica’s No. 1 Dub poet, Mutabaruka; New England’s premier Reggae band, Soul Shot; Haiti’s own popular performer, Freedom; Bonga and the Vodou Drums of Haiti; Cuban artist David Sandoval’s band Delixilo; International Reggae artist Living Truth; musical ensemble, One World Tribe;  master African drummer/teacher, Kofi Donkor and Sankofa and dancers; Singer/songwriter Randy Niles; Hakum who will be speaking to the realities of the world, and Gigi and The Lend Me a Hand Band a 2008 Finalists Children's Music Web Awards for Best Album and Best Song.

 

We are also proud to have as a partner this year the well known organization Riverkeeper; whose duel mission is to protect the ecological integrity of the Hudson River and its tributaries and to safeguard drinking water for New York City and the lower Hudson Valley. For more than 40 years, Riverkeeper has been the leading clean water advocate.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of Riverkeeper’s leaders, along with executive director Paul Gallay, who will be speaking at the festival.

 

Greenergy Productions, LLC promotes environmental responsibility through music, hands –on educational programs and support for grass root community action.  It aims to create a network of “green ambassadors” through outreach to universities, junior and high schools, churches, community organizations and early childhood education.

 

Greenery Productions, LLC will donate part of the proceeds to the relief organization SAVE HAITI TODAY, founded by the Haitian artist Freedom who has also partnered with Macy Gray.   Riverkeeper will also be a beneficiary of the festival.

 

PLEASE CONTACT:

SHELLY@ROOTZMEDIA.NET
323.646.1175 / US Direct
323.292.0081 / Office
www.hudsonvalleyreggaefest.com

Kale is a super vegetable by all accounts. Great health benefits of kale make it hard to replace in a healthy menu. Kale is high in vitamin C and K, moderate in Calcium, and low in fat and calories. Kale contains beta carotene, and it has one of the highest amount of the antioxidants among all food measured.

 

Health benefits of kale:

Strengthens bones
Combats cancer
Protects your eyesight
Aids in weight loss
Boosts immune system

 

 

Calcium and vitamin K are two important nutrients that keep your bones strong; and both of them are found in kale.

People with low vitamin K tend to have low mineral density of their bones and experience more bone fractures. One ounce of kale daily provides four time recommended daily allowance of this important vitamin. Calcium from kale is absorbed by the body at a much higher rate than from many other foods. This quality makes kale an irreplaceable source of calcium for both vegetarians and vegans. Eating one ounce of kale a day may cut the risk of bone fracture by 30%.

 

 

Researches has found that vegetables from the brassica family - kale, cabbage, broccoli, turnips and brussels sprouts - are especially protective against cancer due to naturally occurring chemicals that block the cancer-forming process. Kale is a healthy food that prevents cancer or slows down its progression.

 

As we age, we become susceptible to the macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Experts advice is to consume foods with carotenoids – antioxidants abundant in kale. Didi you know? Consuming 6 mg of lutein per day helps to reduce one's chances of AMD by 43%.

 

To meet this requirement, you need to eat only 1/3 cup of kale. Add fat from non-animal sources, such as flax oil or olive oil, to ensure maximum absorption of the carotenoids in kale.

 

They don't have to worry about their vitamins A,C, and K at all! Kale provides more than 100% of the recommended daily value. Manganese, Copper and Calcium content in kale is impressive, as you will see further.

 

1 cup of raw kale contains :
Calories - 33.
Weight - 67 g:
56 g from water,
1 g from fibre.
Remaining 10 g provide:

 

Vitamin K - 684%
Vitamin A - 206%
Vitamin C - 134%
Vitamin B6 - 9%
Thiamin - 5%
Riboflavin - 5%
Niacin -3%

Folate - 5%  

Manganese - 26%
Copper - 10%
Calcium - 9%
Potassium - 9%
Iron - 6%
Magnesium - 6%
Phosphorus - 4%
Zinc - 2%
Selenium - 1%
Sodium - 1%.

 

 

 

Till the Next TIME ~ keep it sexy babe with animal free cuisine

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Kingston, Jamaica 18th, Aug 2010) Any artiste who chooses aliases must never forget that a name is as relevant to its character as the lyrics. Over the years we have seen the positive and negative effect aliases have on characters example, Assassin (the character) is probably one of the most respected Dancehall artistes there is, he’s responsible, consistent and a true Dancehall star but the name (alias) does not fit the character and certainly have not created opportunities other artistes have benefited from such as working with corporate entities.  On the other hand an alias can be very effective, it can become a brand and sells the character such as the alias, Vybz Kartel.  The character is creative and trendy and has become one of Dancehall’s most influential artistes.  Aliases distinguish the character and identifies with their lyrical content.  In my opinion, choosing an alias is as important as making hits so artistes should be careful of the aliases they choose!

 

Upcoming Reggae artiste Isat performed for the first time on a major stage alongside his dad, vintage Reggae artiste Big Youth at Stur- Gav tribute to the late Sugar Minott, the show was held on Saturday August 14th at Mas Camp.  The crowd response was very encouraging and even prompt one industry insider to invite Isat to perform the following Monday at the weekly Uptown Mondays event which he did to yet another warm reception.   

 

Isat’s dream is to revive Reggae music making it once again an attractive brand to young Jamaicans.  The artiste is appalled by the fact that kids, teenagers and young adults in Europe, California and the rest of the world accept Reggae in its purest form but kid of similar demographic in Jamaica believes Reggae is Vintage.  Isat claim he is the man behind the music and will forever be singing and performing Reggae in its authentic form of love, spirituality and social commentary, “but modern” in other words Isat’s aim is present through his music “the current generation expression of Reggae.”

 

 

 In light of a major distribution deal with MSE (Media, Sports and Entertainment) that lead to the distribution of his single, “No Skylarking” featuring reigning Reggae Queen Marcia Griffith and young rapper Phaze Kryme to over 31 digital stores (including leading digital download stores Itunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, Limewire, Emusic, Verizon and Thumplay Inc.) Corner Stone Productions has completed yet another project on its agenda for Cush Hunta, that of shooting a medley video for Cush’s Ready Fi Buss and A De Same Thing” tracks.  The video, directed by Infrared was shot on location at Blaze Nightclub in Portmore and Cush’s hometown, Allman Town.  Ready Fi Buss is currently Cush Hunta’s most popular single and A De Same Ting is receiving consistent rotation on local radio.  The feedback from both songs has prompted the artiste’s management team to release a video to capitalize on the growing trend. Cush Hunta is schedule to perform at telecommunications giant LIME, Skool Aid event August 21 at Jamworld Centre in Portmore, St. Catherine.  LIME Skool Aid event will be day of music, entertainment and giveaways for kids going back to school.  Other performers on the event include Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Richie Loop, Etana, Chris Martin, Prodigal Son, DJ Nicholas and many more.

 

HIGHLIGHTS! Nesbeth depart Kingston to perform on Calgary International Reggae Festival on Saturday August 21st.  On his arrival, he is expected to do several interviews including a live television performance on City TV channel 8 backed by the Ultimate Crew Band from Toronto as well as interviews on

Virgin Radio 98.5, CJAY 92.1 and AM 1060 Classic Country.   

 

 New Image Promotions
 2a Derrymore Road
 Kingston 10
 Tel.: 1-876-871-3080 or 302-6590
 Web: http://www.newimagepromotions.blogspot.com

Wed, Sept 1

Cal Neva Resort, Crystal Bay, NV (north Tahoe)

9:30 pm (Doors Open at 8:30 pm)

$20.00 advance

all ages

 

530-583-2801 or 775-337-8344

The 14^th annual Earthdance Festival will take place at the renowned Black Oak Ranch, a property rich in native history and old growth oak trees. The ranch has been home to Earthdance for the past 8 years, but due to expanding audiences, the festival will be moving to a larger facility for 2011.  Often described as a festival that combines the artistic liberation of Burning Man with the socially responsible conscience of the Oregon Country Fair, the festival has gained international recognition as one of the best “boutique” festivals on the west coast of the USA, with sell out shows each year. 

 

For 2010, Earthdance Northern California will unite with over 350 locations in 60 countries across the world to create the most conscious global festival of our time. To make this year a “grand farewell” to remember, the festival will present an incredible line up of conscious musicians, visual artists, DJ's, speakers and activists, who believe in a sustainable future for our planet.  Working with the theme of “unity in diversity”, the festival will host 5 music stages and will feature high profile conscious artists from many genres of the international music scene, including World, Electronica, Hip Hop, Folk and Jazz.  Also included will be an indigenous elder’s council, made up of indigenous elders from many nations, who will share wisdom and sacred ceremony.

 

An important part of the festival will be a compelling educational component called the “Activist Alley”, where festival patrons can interact with both local and international non-profit groups. These organizations will share information and workshops on relevant global and local issues, inspiring local participants to take a stand for the future of our planet.

 

A highlight of the festival will be a synchronized global link up, taking place on Saturday the 18th, when at 4pm (PST), Earthdance California will synchronize with over 350 locations in 60 countries. At this precise moment, a specially created song called the “prayer for peace” will be played in every location at the same time.  The festival will also feature a wide variety of ‘Healthy’ vendors supplying many types of international foods and eco wares. Shaded camping and HOT showers are also available to festival attendees.

 

Part proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Earthdance non-profit, A California based 501c3 organization.

Jamaican Reggae Tops Inaugural Lonely Planet Awards
Lonely Planet, the popular tourist guide company, has rated and assessed the top tourist destinations in the world for its first ever awards.

 

The global brand, which found its feet 30 years ago, has found that UK holidaymakers rate value-for-money accommodation and cheap train travel at the top of their list. More than 3,500 people voted in the polls, which were conducted in association with Explore, an adventure operator.

 

Scotland’s wild beaches were considered the ‘most under-rated’ British day trip, closely followed by the UK’s cities and also Dorset’s coastline. Abroad, reggae on Negril’s beaches in Jamaica was awarded the ‘greatest cultural experience’ of them all, topping Italy’s opera scene and Cuba’s salsa dancing.

 

Meanwhile, The Mayan temples of Tikal, Guatemala, were considered to be the world’s best historical experience. The cultured area fought off stiff competition from the renowned Taj Mahal and even Egypt’s pyramids. In terms of food and cuisine, Italy reigned as top dog.

 

The dream year-out trip was yachting around the world, while dream celebrity travel partners were Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Michael Palin. The poll also assessed where people would like to emigrate to, with New Zealand and Australia ranking highest.

 

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s travel editor, said days out in Britain don’t have to be traditional seaside jaunts or tours of stately homes: "Brits are fast discovering some of the country’s lesser-known attractions and Scotland’s stunning beaches are, quite rightly, recognised as one of the best."

 

Mr Hall reiterated that the more unusual award winners are a clear indication that holidaymakers should try something a little different for summer 2010.

SAVE THE DATE:

Friday, August 20th - a benefit performance by
The Caribbean Allstars

Justice for Oscar Gran

"Jail Killer Cops"
Humanist Hall - 390-27th Street Oakland - music, food, fun!!
doors open at 6 pm, music at 7:30 pm

 

 

The 2010 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE  is available to read onine in digital format, page-by-page:

 

 

Artists and Labels! FREE PROMOTION TO OUR 35,000 SUBSCRIBERS:

 

To have your new release featured in the Reggae e-Guide (weekly electronic newsletter published by Reggae Festival Guide magazine), send:

-name of artist

-mp3 of one song attached

-name of song

-name of CD/Album

-.jpeg image of artist or CD cover attached as low res .jpeg

-200 word description of song or CD

-release date

- genre: reggae

additional genre:

site where they can purchase:

 

send to: eguide@reggaefestivalguide.com

 

Note: must include all 10 elements in one email to be accepted.

 

NO ZIP FILES, NO DOWNLOADS PLEASE an no PDFs

 

I Grade Records is pleased to introduce, Black Gold, the debut solo album by Toussaint. Most well known as the former lead singer of the Stax Records and Blue Note recording group Soulive, Toussaint is poised to bring forth his unforgettable blend of soul and roots to the world. Black Gold embodies a unique combination of the American soul of Toussaint’s upbringing and the African-Caribbean roots he has gravitated towards. His compelling storytelling and seamless vocal range (as heard on the standout tracks “Roots In A Modern Time”, “Unforgettable”, “Black Gold”) are a perfect match for the cutting-edge, soul-tinged roots grooves assembled by Virgin Islands-based I Grade Records (Midnite, Dezarie, Pressure, Niyorah). Black Gold will be released digitally on August 10 through Zojak Worldwide, and distributed physically through VIROOTS.COM, Ernie B’s Reggae and VP Records starting August 24.

 

The musical arrangements on Black Gold were largely crafted by the Zion I Kings production team, consisting of Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred (I Grade Records), Jah David (Zion High Productions), and Digital Ancient (Lustre Kings Productions). Alongside these accomplished producers is an all-star cast of musicians including Dean Pond, Tuff Lion, Santa Davis, Jawge Hughes, Youssoupha Sidibe, Johnny Trama, Eli Winderman, Balboa Becker and Padraic Coursey. The 15 tracks on Black Gold are a true soul-roots treasure that seamlessly blends the best of American soul singing traditions and the depth of live instrumentation roots reggae.

 

 

After a while,

 

 

04            3            12            How We Do It – Elephant Man feat Bounty Killer(2wks@#1) D-1 – CR203/Adidjaheim/Notnice

 

 

 

Thursday-Saturday, August 19th-21st 2010

Calgary Alberta

Friday-Sunday, August 20th-22nd 2010

Ottawa Ontario

Saturday, August 21st 2010

Chicago Illinois

Saturday, August 21st 2010

Sebastopol California

Saturday, August 21st 2010

Woodstock New York

Sunday, August 22nd - Friday, September 3rd 2010

CHRISTIANIA COPENHAGEN

Friday-Saturday, August 27th-28th 2010

Selma Oregon

Friday-Saturday, August 27th-28th 2010

Bratislava SLOVAKIA

Saturday, August 28th 2010

Berkeley California

Saturday-Sunday, August 28th-29th 2010

Olympia Washington

Saturday-Sunday, August 28th-29th 2010

Rio Nido CA

Saturday, August 28th 2010

Hamm NRW

Sunday, August 29th 2010

London

Sunday, August 29th - Saturday, September 4th 2010

Asheville NC

Tuesday-Friday, August 31st-6th 2010

Southern St James

Friday-Sunday, September 3rd-5th 2010

O Burgo-Culleredo A Coruña

Sunday, September 5th 2010

Mountain WI

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 201

Black Mountain North Carolina

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

Portland Oregon

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

black mountain/asheville north carolina

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

London united kingdom

Sunday-Saturday, September 12th-18th 2010

Santiago Atitlan Lake Atitlan

Saturday-Saturday, September 18th-18th 2010

San Diego CA