THE TRIAL of reggae superstar Buju Banton has again been pushed back, leaving the Jamaican to spend more time in an American jail before  getting a chance to clear his name.

 

This has left the legal team of the reggae icon frustrated.

 

"The trial was pushed back to September 20 despite our objection," David  Oscar Markus of Buju's legal team told The Sunday Gleaner.

 

"We are ready to go and Buju is looking forward to his day in court," Markus added.

 

United States District Judge James Moody Jr last Thursday granted a  one-week delay in the start of the trial based on a request by attorneys representing one of Buju's co-defendants, James Mack.

 

Mack's lawyers had written to the judge seeking more time to prepare his defence.

 

"The court grants this continuance to allow defendant Mack additional time to prepare for trial. The court finds the ends of justice served by  the continuance to allow the defendant more time to prepare outweighs  the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial,"  the judge said in his ruling handed down last Thursday.

 

This is the fifth change in the scheduled start of a trial for Buju, who  has been languishing in custody in Florida since last December when he  was arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine, and aiding and  abetting the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a  drug-trafficking crime.

 

Buju - whose correct name is Mark Myrie - Mack, and Ian Thomas were held  following a sting operation by US law- enforcement officials.

 

Latest album

Initially, their trial was set to begin on March 3, but due to  conflicting reports, the defence moved to start the trial on April 12.  The court granted the motion and set the trial to begin on April 19.  This was later shifted to June 21, and then to September 13.

 

The new trial date is just over one week before the scheduled release of Buju's latest album titled Before The Dawn.

 

The album will contain 10 tracks that comprise some of the more  prophetic songs written by Buju since his entry into the music business  more than 20 years ago.

 

The album's unofficial anthem is Innocent.

 

Available on CD and iTunes today, Angela Latti’s self-titled debut album reaches out to listeners from a unique triad perspective: That of a musical artist, an entrepreneur and a feminist. Angela’s 11-track album tackles important issues such as female empowerment, the complications of love, spirituality vs. religion, economic hardship… even straight up sex!  Whatever the topic, each song deals with a real-life issue. Yet, all the while, the songs have infectious beats you often can’t get out of your mind.

 

Angela Latti is a self-made woman who has made a comfortable place for herself in this world and uses her strength to uplift women and enlighten men through her music. In fact, the release of this album – from start to finish- was choreographed independently, released on her own Yemalla record label.

 

Her music mixes a number of genres and the self-penned lyrics, by all accounts, are moving! Several of her songs carry the theme of empowering women, yet many of her songs are simply fun and uplifting. Through her music, Angela aims to encourage women to have pride, confidence and ambition, but, at the same time, have a sense of humor and not take themselves too seriously.

 

For more information visit

Club Envy, reggae’s hotspot in Carson City is celebrating their one year anniversary!

 

Sunday September 5th

 

Featuring The Mighty Diamonds, live in concert

 

Doors open at 9pm, showtime 10pm

 

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door

 

All ages are welcome!

 

1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City NV

 

www.clubenvycarsoncity.com

THE 37th EPISODE OF NICHOLAS Da SILVA'S GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES 'DREAD AND ALIVE' FEATURING DREW MCINTOSH: JAMAICAN SUPER HERO

 

 

 

Drenched in sweat, a weary Maria toiled under the hot sun, plowing away feverishly at the rugged terrain of the Cockpit Country. Her muscles ached with each forceful strike of the shovel against the hard soil. To help pass time, she joined the other women singing a traditional Maroon song as they harvest the field. Maria didn’t know the words to the melody so she whistled instead. The women appeared to be having fun as they worked.

            “Enjoying yourself,” Juba asked, stopping to take a breather.

            “Oh yeah,” Maria replied jokingly. “There’s no place I’d rather be than right here.”

            “You’re too much,” Juba laughed aloud.

            As Maria continued to dig, she suddenly paused. Looking up into the sky overhead,

she thought  she heard a faint scream.

            “What is it, Maria?” Juba asked, concern in her voice.

            “I thought I heard Drew,” she muttered, staring out into the vast forest.           

“From out here? The sun must be getting to you, ‘oman!” Juba laughed.

            “No, really. I thought I heard him call for me.” Maria planted her shovel into the soil.

             “It’s just the humidity playing tricks with you,” Juba continued, “besides, he’s with the other children. He’s fine.”

            Maria hesitated, listening to the surrounding forest. “You’re probably right,” she said, convinced by Juba’s words. She quickly wiped sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, then picked up her shovel and continued to plow the rugged soil.

            A few minutes later, she heard the scream again, this time much clearer than before.

            “It’s Drew,” she said, her eyes wide with fear. Dropping her shovel on the ground, Maria raced back to the village.

            “Maria,” Juba yelled. “Where are you going? Wait!” Juba followed in pursuit.

When the two women reached the village, they began searching for Drew. Maria headed for their hut, hoping that her son would be resting inside. Sticking her head inside the doorway, she found the hut empty. She then headed toward the Kindah where she last saw him eating among the children. Juba, already in the Kindah, was searching among the children for Drew. He was nowhere to be found. The two women then raced toward the entrance of the village.

“Where could he be?” Maria said, shaking hysterically.

Juba could see Maria was terrified.

“I’m sure he’ll show up?” Juba said, trying to calm Maria down. “He’s probably on his way home now with the other children.

Maria folded her arms in front of her, clenching them tightly together as she stared out at the footpath leading to the village.

“Look there!” Juba yelled, pointing to the footpath.

 

 

Far from the tourist resorts, RiseUp travels to the heart of contemporary Jamaica and its flourishing underground music scene. On an island where reggae is considered the voice of the people and an outlet for survival, three aspiring artists - Turbulence (a charismatic lyrical master from the ghetto), Ice Anastasia (the wealthy "Vanilla Ice" from uptown Kingston), and Kemoy (a shy angelic songstress from the country) - seek to "rise up" into the legendary eminence of their iconic predecessors.

 

Deep in the Kingston ghetto where reggae was born, reggae music continues to be a key forum of expression for ghetto youths, who still face crippling inequalities, poverty, and violence. The award-winning film combines interviews with local underground musicians and Jamaica's music elite (including Lee "Scratch" Perry, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare) with an energetic and inspiring soundtrack that gives life to an entire nation. RiseUp is a celebration of struggle and the elevation of the human spirit. Critics are calling it “The new milestone piece in Jamaica’s film history” and “The best Jamaican film since the harder they come”.

 

You’ve heard of Bob Marley and Jamaica, but you’ve never experienced anything like this.

 

Welcome to the Jamaican underground music scene.

 http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=2480

SUNDAY SEPT 5TH 2010.... Richie Spice, Ishi Dube, Bascenta, King Hopeton, Soul Medic, King Jah and much much more come together to help battle the youth Homeless issue in the States Capital... This is an outdoor event. Tickets are 10.00 Until 11pm 8/30/10... You read it right $10.00... Get yours at brownpapertickets.c...om. For more information on camping or hotels please call 916-607-6995.. Tickets will go by incriments until the day of the show...get yours now!

Caramelizing flames and a  touch of smoke do wonders for vegetables.

TIP: Most veggies do well on the grill, but  some really stand out--asparagus, corn, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers (bell or  hot), onions, even cabbage  

 Wha’ Cha Need
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 18 spears fresh asparagus, trimmed
* 12 crimini mushrooms, stems removed
* 1 (1 pound) eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into wedges
* 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into  wedges 

Wha’Cha DO
1. In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the olive oil, parsley, oregano, basil, vinegar, kosher salt, pepper, and garlic. Place the onion, asparagus, mushrooms, eggplant, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into the bag. Seal, and marinate 2 hours       in the refrigerator, turning occasionally
2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate.      

Grill the vegetables 6 minutes on each side, until tender.

TIP:  Most vegetables cook better and are less likely to stick if marinated first or  brushed lightly with cooking oil. For added flavor, sprinkle grilled  vegetables with fresh herbs.

Grilled Tomatoes and Mushrooms
Corn's  frequent companion, the tomato, might not seem well-suited for grilling, but it works surprisingly well.

 

Grilling also brings out the best in most mushrooms, especially portobellos.

Depending  on what you're grilling, you might want to cut larger veggies (like eggplants,  squash, and onions) into smaller pieces.

 

Small vegetables like cherry tomatoes or sliced veggies work best threaded  through kabobs. You can also wrap vegetables in heavy duty foil,  though cooking in foil cuts back on that appealing smoky flavor.

 

Grilling  times vary from veggie to veggie, but they're generally more delicate than  meats. So keep a close eye on your vegetables. Have  fun grilling!

For More Ideas go to Chef Mayra.com & Click on Recipes.         

 

For more cooking tips and recipes, why not take my next cooking class?

 

Email me for details on upcoming classes. 

 

Stay Lean, Green & SexyTM Chef Mayra

 

 

 

Mystic Roots has played their unique blend of reggae, hip-hop and Cali-style raggamuffin jams for the past decade.  Criss-crossing the country tirelessly performing  while keeping it positive, they self-release and promote all of their material.  Their latest release:  CALI-HI features 18 tracks  with guest appearances from Pato Banton, Barrington Levy, Zion from The Green, and many more.  This album is a double disc combo, one CD and one  bonus DVD called What's It Like?  - The Official Mystic Roots Documentary. 

 
Even though the CD drops online and in stores and online on Oct 5th,  the band is hosting a special exclusive CD release party THIS WEEKEND Friday, September 3rd in Chico, California for all of their loyal fans. If you wish to hear this album early, make the trip to CHICO! You can also pre-order a copy before the disc comes out!. You will get your CD/DVD shipped to your house one week earlier than the street date. just go to http://www.cali-hi.com to get it in the next few weeks!

 

There are two OTHER shows in Chico on the weekend to consider in addition to the release party.  The band is featured on this week's Synthesis weekly magazine cover in celebration of their latest release!

Concerts In The Park @ Downtown Park Plaza
Friday, September 03, 2010
4th & Broadway   Chico, CA 95928
(Across the street from the Post Office, Downtown Chico.)  530-345-6500
Mystic Roots Band Live
Doors: 6:00pm
Set Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
All Ages
Ticket Price: FREE!

LaSalle's (CD RELEASE PARTY)
Friday, September 03, 2010
229 Broadway   Chico, CA 95928
(Downtown Chico)  530-893-1891
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: Monk, Marko, the resonators
Doors: 8:00pm
Set Time: 11:30pm-1:00am
21+
Ticket Price: $7

 

Across from Craig Hall
Saturday, September 04, 2010
1405 W. 3rd St.   Chico, CA 95928
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: Bellyfull
Doors: 8:00pm
Set Time: 10:30pm-12:00am
All Ages
Ticket Price: $5

 

MORE CALI-HI Release parties!

Whiskey Dick’s Saloon
Sunday, September 05, 2010
2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd.   South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(across the st. from Taco Bell)  530-544-3425
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: Zion Roots
Doors: 9:00pm
Set Time: 11:30pm-1:00am
21+
Ticket Price: $10 adv/$15 dos

Vice Ultra Lounge
Monday, September 06, 2010
1251 Arroyo Way   Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 979-0132
Mystic Roots Band Live
Doors: 8:00pm
Set Time: 9:30pm-12:00am
21+
Ticket Price: $5

Caspar Inn
Thursday, September 09, 2010
14957 Caspar Road   Caspar, CA 95420
707-964-5565
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: Top Shelf
Doors: 5:00pm
Set Time: 11:30pm-1:00pm
21+
Ticket Price: $8

Shattuck Down Low Lounge
Friday, September 10, 2010
2284 Shattuck Avenue   Berkeley, CA 94704
 (510) 548-1159
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: Colin Kelly, Thrive
Doors: 9:00pm
Set Time: 12:00am-1:30am
21+
Ticket Price: $8 adv / $10 d.o.s.

 

710 Beach Club
Saturday, September 11, 2010
710 Garnet Ave.   San Diego, CA 92109
 (858) 483-7844
Mystic Roots Band Live
Playing With: NATIVES OF THE NEW DAWN
Doors: 9:00pm
Set Time: 11:30pm-1:00am
21+
Ticket Price: $8

 

For more information visit:
http://www.mysticroots.com

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.

Now into its fourth year at Upstairs at the Ritzy above Brixton's Ritzy Cinema, Catch A Fire is one of the longest running reggae nights in South London.

 

Newly refurbished, Upstairs at the Ritzy now offers a two level space for drinking and dancing, a well appointed bar and top of the range sound system. On the first Sunday of every month, we bring together the best in reggae on the decks with the best live reggae acts around.

 

On Sunday September 5th, Catch A Fire is proud to present Empress Kandake & the Borderline Band. Rasta Roots Reggae Empress Kandake lived and worked in Jamaica for 10 years, studying at the Music House in Kingston 6  and performing alongside artists such as Capleton, Damian Marley, and Bunny Wailer, to name but a few.

 

Backing Empress Kandake are the Borderline Band, featuring: Winston 'The Fox' Joseph on drums, Ann-Marie on bass, Beni D on guitar & Brother Ketts on keyboards. Firm favourites at Catch A Fire, Borderline are a tight hard driving four piece reggae band with a rock solid rhythm section, who have backed some of the biggest names on the reggae scene, including Michael Prophet, B B Seaton, and Ras Negus.

 

Catch Empress Kandake's vibrant stage shows at:

 

 

 

Zinc Fence on the decks, serving up the best in Jamaican music from ska to dancehall.

 

Admission free, 8-12 pm. The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JG
0207 733 2229  Brixton BR & underground, 200 yards. All Brixton Road buses

TESTIMONIALS ON THE 2010 CHARLEMONT REGGAE FESTIVAL 

 

editors note: Mark your calendar for next year's festival!

 

Greetings Sister Elizabeth and Ras Jahn,
I just want ot express to you both again how totally
irie and positive the festival was. It always is, but this year a likkle sweeter somehow.

 

I observed a couple of things in the crowd that really struck me  heartically and am trying to put it to poem or maybe just a narrative.   It was impressed upon me in a lasting way how necessary this kind of  event is and the music that powers it, now more than ever.  I don't  think I've quite had that kind of take-away feeling from a festival  before.  I have certainly felt the peace, love and holaness that is  Rasta at some concerts over the years, but this was a deep deep feeling  at Charlemont.  It was like a 9 hour prayer, a renewal, and we all  contributed to a force of loving opposition to the division, xenophobia, and hostility running rampant in this nation of late.

 

So thank you again for being the energy to bring the festival to reality.  Keep in  touch about other events that I might not hear about over here, and  about promoting next year.  May the Most High Jah bless and keep you in  strength, love and unity—Karen  

 

 

From the heart of the Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble I am deeply touched and will forward this to the band members.

 

And, I felt the same way as Karen....the weather was perfect, the  people were chill, the bands were great. Imagine what it would have been like had all the bands been able to play their full set!!

 

Indeed it  is a great opportunity for me to be able to give the young students in the ensemble the opportunity to feel the vibrations of such  hearticalness.  We, over at Berklee, spend WAY too much time over  intellectualizing and analyzing music, some times to the point where the meaning is squeezed out of the music, dig? It's a great reminder for  myself and for my students that music is indeed about something MORE  than music, as brother Bob (Marley) said. And these days it should be  very much about an entire movement away from what the world has been  running on for decades if not centuries, which is GREED, severe  inequality, intense ignorance and oil.  It's been said many times over  that it's the artists, philosophers, musicians and poets who have the  creative depth and wear with all to point entire societies in a new and  more healthy direction.  These days we're needed more than ever. Maybe  we can actually help people CHANGE THEIR MINDSETS.

 

Inna Universal Riddim,
Matt Jenson

 

www.mattjenson.com
www.rebeltumbao.com

 

 
Greetings Ras Jahn...

 

Just wanted to say Charlemont was great - you always do a great job.  Also, I was serious about next year and doing a DVD for you - as we get closer we can figure out all the necessary details.  Also,  I'm kind of looking to get back involved in the music scene of  Northampton/Amherst.  As I reflect in life - even working with all the  other people I've worked with - the best times have always been working  alongside you.  I've never formally said this to you - but I owe all  I've done in music to you - as you nurtured a seed of an idea in my head and here grows the plant which wouldn't be without you.  Anything I can  do to help you up in the area - please just let me know - be having pay  or no pay associated with it - so long as I can work it into my  schedule I'm all for helping out.  One last thing - as for Charlemont as a whole - I'd love to be able to help you with it next year - I can  imagine the work that goes into it - and if there is anything along the  way I can do for you starting from this point on to help with next  year's festival; I would definitely be interested in giving you as much  help/support as I can.  Times like Charlemont allow me to reflect - and realize some of the things I should be more involved in - never  forgetting where I came from.

 

One Love, Matthew

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 On August 1st 2010 Canadian Reggae artist and 2008 Juno nominee Lyndon John X (LJX) released his sophomore album Brighter Days with a self titled debut track that is sure to set airways ablaze from Toronto to Japan and satisfy LJX fans new and old with positive vibes that express hope for the future.

 

After the immediate success of Two Chord Skankin’, Lyndon toured Europe and performed at the Montreux Jazz Fest, one of the most renowned music festivals worldwide and the Blue Balls Festival in Switzerland, where his music was received to great acclaim.

 

Lyndon feels Reggae has and will forever be a revolutionary tool to broadcast injustices and project hope for the future on a global level.

 

The song ‘Brighter Days’ has also been entered into David Suzuki and CBC Radio 3’s current “Playlist For the Planet” competition which aims to help save the world, one song at a time and believes “every revolution needs a soundtrack.”  

 

“Once you get to understand the lyrics the message starts to penetrate” - LJX

 

CD Release Party – Friday September 10th @Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON

 

Inquires: Julie Chambers: stunningjewel@hotmail.com  

(519) 721-8883

 

Media & Advertising: Melissa Bessey:

melissabessey@rogers.com  

(647)588-6413

 

Release date     August 1, 2010
Genre:               Reggae
Additional genre:   Roots
Site where they can purchase:    

 

This Day in Reggae and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
 September 3

THANKS AND PRAISE TO THE MOST HIGH

 

 

 Friday-Sunday, September 3rd-5th 2010

O Burgo-Culleredo A Coruña

Friday-Sunday, September 3rd-5th 2010

Lafayette Louisiana

Friday-Saturday, September 3rd-4th 2010

Portland OR

Friday-Saturday, September 3rd-4th 2010

FRANKFURT HESSEN

Saturday, September 4th 2010

O Burgo (Culleredo) A Coruña (Galiza)

Sunday, September 5th 2010

Mountain WI

Sunday, September 5th 2010

cocoa florida

Sunday, September 5th 2010

Dayton Ohio

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

Black Mountain North Caroina

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

Friday-Sunday, September 17th-19th 2010

Laytonville California

Saturday-Saturday, September 18th-18th 2010

San Diego CA

Saturday-Sunday, September 25th-26th 2010

Fort Myers FL

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Houston Texas

Saturday-Sunday, September 25th-26th 2010

Las Vegas Nevada

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Brixton London

Sunday-Monday, September 11th-12th 2011

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

Friday-Sunday, September 17th-19th 2010

Laytonville California

Saturday-Saturday, September 18th-18th 2010

San Diego CA

Saturday-Sunday, September 25th-26th 2010

Fort Myers FL

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Houston Texas