Newport Yachting Center Getting Ready To Fire Up

2012 Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival 

NEWPORT, RI.  – The Newport Yachting Center event venue and marina is getting ready to fire up its 3^rd Annual Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival to take place Saturday, August 11^th from Noon to 10:00 p.m. The Festival will feature reggae legends Barrington Levy and Junior Marvin, as well as Bushman, Taj Weekes & Adowa (Taj Weekes photo at left) and the Mighty Mystic and The Thunder Band. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 the day of the Festival and can be purchased online at www.newportwaterfrontevents.com or by calling the Newport Yachting Center Box Office at (401) 846-1600. There is no reserved seating for the Festival. Flexible general admission allows concert attendees to come and go during the day and night.

The Festival gates will open at Noon and the schedule will be as follows: Courtyard Festival Stage– Mighty Mystic and The Thunder Band (Noon), Taj Weekes & Adowa (2:00 p.m.) and Bushman (4:00 p.m.); Main Stage – Junior Marvin (6:00 p.m.) (Junior Marvin photo at right) and Barrington Levy (8:00 p.m.).Newport’s favorite homegrown band, The Ravers, will provide a free performance just outside the gates beginning at 11:00 a.m. to kick off the all day celebration.

“We’ve secured a host of incredible internationally-acclaimed acts from Jamaica this year to provide the authentic island grooves and, with our new open air patio, there will be even more space to enjoy Newport Harbor and our amazing views,” said Michele Maker Palmieri, General Manager of the Newport Yachting Center.  (Mighty Mystic photo at left.)   “Like last year, it’s general admission and guests are able to come and go through our gates to enjoy what Newport has to offer and then head back to the Festival on their own schedule.” 

(Barrington Levy photo at right.)  For more information on the Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival, please visit www.newportwaterfrontevents.com or contact Michele Maker Palmieri, General Manager at the Newport Yachting Center via email at mpalmieri@newportyachtingcenter.com or call (401) 846-1600, Ext. 222. To receive future 2012 Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival news, become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/waterfrontevents for the latest news!

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Mid West Reggae Festival August 10-12 Cleveland, Ohio

Features Soja, Midnite, Don Carlos, and More!

Due to unforeseen difficulties Friday is being canceled. Saturday will remain the same. Sunday is being switched over to the Beachland Ballroom with Midnite, Dubtonic Kru and Lloyd Brown. Full refunds will be available for any purchases for Friday, Sunday or weekend passes.

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Junior Toots - East Coast Tour This Month!!! 

Reggae-Roots/Ska artist Junior Toots, started  his 15 city 2012 “A little Bit of Love” Tour at Musikfest on Monday Aug, 6th in Bethlehem, PA. Son of renowned Reggae artist Toots Hibbert, of the Toots and the Maytals, Junior Toots is bringing his positive message & live show to the East Coast and will be performing songs from his new album “A Little Bit of Love.” Backed by The Awakening Band from Boston, each show is unique and includes performances by Irae Divine, Sol Atash & more guest artists. For complete details, check www.JuniorToots.com

TOUR DATES

New Shows to be added soon. Please check www.JuniorToots.com for details & more info.

Link to FB Event for East Coast Tour:  https://www.facebook.com/events/272755289500622/

Check out the new album, "A Little Bit of Love" on iTunes or Junior Toots site

~One Perfect Love~ 

08-09pd

The Queen Mary Presents the 2^nd Annual Shoreline Jam

The Wailers The Lions, Passafire, L.B.D.A and More Perform on the Waterfront 9/1

Long Beach, Calif.  – The Queen Mary is pleased to announce the second annual Shoreline Jam festival on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Top reggae, world, rock and pop artists including Ballyoo!, The Wailers, Tribal Seeds, The Lions, Passafire, L.B.D.A. and Black Uhuru will perform on the beautiful grass shoreline in front of the historic ship to celebrate Labor Day weekend. Local Artist will also perform, including Beyond I Sight, Sono Vero, Brewfish and Phat Reggae Dub. 

Baltimore band Ballyhoo! performs at Shoreline Jam straight off of the 2012 Vans Warped Tour. They were garnered as one of MTV’s “Top 100 Bands to Watch” and had multiple songs recently featured on the popular video game Rock Band. The Wailers is one of the most renowned reggae bands of all time. Collectively the group has sold over 250 million albums and has performed for millions of fans across the globe since 1969. Ubiquity Records artist The Lions is a Jamaican-inspired reggae outfit coined by XLR8R as a “cohesive, rhythmic and cinematic” artist. The band emulates a spectrum of global sounds spawning from Ethiopia, Columbia and Africa to create a funky reggae explosion like no other. Passafire recently released their fourth rock-progressive-dub studio album titled “Start from Scratch.” The Savannah, Georgia based band has shared the stage with music legends like 311, The Wailers and Michael Franti. L.B.D.A. are local Long Beach heroes that formed a unique 10-piece dub-reggae-ska-rock sound in 1997. After much success the group formally disbanded in 2002 and is back together for a special appearance at Shoreline Jam. Hailing from Jamaica, Black Uhuru is one of reggae’s all time super groups. The band was the first to win a Grammy in the reggae category when it was introduced in 1985. Tribal Seeds is an award-winning reggae group from San Diego known for their spiritually driven, refreshing rock infused with roots sound. Tribal Seeds have toured through the world sharing the stage with artists such as Dave Matthews, Jack White and Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

Specialty food and beverage vendors will be on-site at The Queen Mary event park during the festival. Doors for the event will open at 11 a.m. The live music will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. Tickets for Shoreline Jam are $35 general admission and $75 for VIP access that includes VIP admission, four drink tickets, exclusive VIP lounge access and complimentary parking. Tickets for Shoreline Jam are now on-sale at http://shorelinejamqm.com.

The majestic QUEEN MARY ^SMoffers you the chance to step back in time aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in history. Going back to the days where steamships were the quickest and most elegant way to travel, THE QUEEN MARY was the first choice for the elite of high society. Today, you can journey back in time and enjoy the authentic and unique experience offered at our Long Beach hotel and attraction. http://queenmary.com

08-09

Snoop Dogg Changes Name to Snoop Lion,

Releases Reggae Album - Listen

Snoop Dogg is bringing a new name to go with his new reggae-inspired sound.

The 40-year-old artist said on Monday, July 30, in New York that he was "born again" after a visit to Jamaica in February, according to The Associated Press.

The rapper will now go by Snoop Lion and said during a recent press conference that he will be embracing reggae instead of the gun culture that was once a prominent subject in his lyrics in an attempt to make music that his "kids and grandparents can listen to."  The "Drop It Like It's Hot" rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, is releasing a new reggae album in the fall called "Reincarnated." The album's lead single "La La La" can be heard below.  Snoop told reporters that while he was in Jamaica, he connected with Bob Marley's spirit and is now "Bob Marley reincarnated." Marley's son Rohan was on hand at the conference and gave the rapper his blessing.  The name change happened during the rapper's 35-day trip to Jamaica when he visited a temple and was renamed Snoop Lion. He was also reportedly given the Ethiopian name Berhane, meaning "light of the world."

"I feel like I've always been Rastafarian," Snoop said, according to the wire service, which notes that the change to Lion is "likely a reference to the Lion of Judah, a religious symbol popular in Rastafarian and Ethiopian culture."  One of the new tracks on the album called "No Guns Allowed" features his daughter and includes the lyrics, "No guns allowed in here tonight, we're going to have a free for all, no fights."  "As a 40-year-old man ... I've got to give them something," he said. "That's what you do when you're wise."  The rapper denied he was retiring from hip-hop but added that he is "tired" of the genre because it is no longer  challenging.  "Reggae was calling ... it's a breath of fresh air," he said. "Rap isn't challenging; it's not appealing."  The album will be followed with a documentary of the same name, also produced by Vice. It features Snoop making music and will include some personal elements of his life, a producer of the film said. It will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.  The rapper, who is a noted marijuana enthusiast, was recently banned from Norway for two years after getting caught in June for trying to enter the country with a small amount of cannabis.  Check out the single "La La La" from Snoop Lion's new album below.

http://www.youtube.com/user/westfesttv?v=5x__9qYCNMQ 

08-09

Is Jamaica Still the Reggae Capital of the World?

Warrior King

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Arts and Entertainment consultant Lloyd Stanbury is of the opinion that Jamaica has lost its status as the capital of reggae music.  According to Stanbury, there are many countries performing better than Jamaica where reggae music is concerned.

"Jamaica is not the capital of reggae ... various places have claimed to be and they have various reasons to state their claim," Stanbury told The Sunday Gleaner.

Abidjan, the former capital of Cte d'Ivoire in West Africa, is one of the places the consultant mentions.  According to Stanbury, he was conducting a music workshop in the Ivory Coast when he was enlightened by the locals that they were the new capital.  "I was there for a couple weeks to conduct a music workshop and I was invited to go to a live reggae club. During my stay, they told me about some of their artistes who are successful reggae artistes internationally, and because of the success of such artistes they believe they are the capital of reggae," he said.

Bob Marley of Africa.  Two of those artistes, Stanbury says who have developed a huge following in the Ivory Coast are Alpha Blondy, hailed as the 'Bob Marley of Africa', and Tiken Jah Fakoly.  Stanbury also took a jab at the local Reggae Sumfest Festival, saying it was neither the biggest nor the greatest reggae show in the world.  "Sumfest is not the biggest reggae show in the world and it is not the greatest in the world either by any means. The greatest reggae shows in the world are in Cologne, Germany, called Reggae Summer Jam, and in Spain, which is Rototom Sunsplash," he said.   According to the consultant, at present Jamaica only satisfies one indication of what could make the area the reggae capital.

"If we were only looking at where the most reggae music is produced per capita then Jamaica would be the capital, but if we are looking at which place has the most reggae available, such as live shows, it would have to be France, and if we are looking at the size of the festivals, it would have to be Germany. Jamaica only has two festivals, which are Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute, and one of them is a one-day show, while Ivory Coast can say that they are the capital because they play a lot of reggae and they have produced two of the biggest reggae artistes," Stanbury said.  It is Stanbury's view that one of the failings of the island is the amount of interest in reggae there is.  "We don't value our own things. We devalue our product and allow outsiders to pick them up. As Jamaicans, we prefer foreign things, and that is our problem," Stanbury said.  "When you visit Jamaica, you can't find anywhere for live reggae music, the government and the private sector have not put enough things in place to develop the music, yet the Jamaican government, through the tourism industry, invested US$450,000 with a promoter who was promoting a foreign show to get Celine Dion to perform, and they won't do the same to develop reggae music," he said.  On a more positive note, Stanbury said that Jamaica could reclaim its title as the capital of reggae through the works of emerging talent such as Protoje, Raging Fyah, Rootz Underground, among others.  "I believe reggae is in safe hands for the future with the new youths, but today it doesn't look pretty. Give thanks to Edna Manley (College of The Visual and Performing Arts) for the new reggae bands," Stanbury said.

Reggae artiste Warrior King also shared his view on the topic. According to the artiste, other countries are more accepting of reggae music than Jamaica.

"I heard that France is the capital of reggae, but really and truly real roots reggae is more accepted in France and those places. That is why you find reggae artistes going to those places. I think Jamaica is still the capital because we are the foundation, but reggae music is just more accepted in other places," Warrior King said.

08-09

Mateel Thanks Community & Attendees For Supporting Reggae On The River

Northern California -  The Mateel Community Center would like to thank the Southern Humboldt community and all attendees of the 28^th Annual Reggae On The River, held recently on the weekend of July 21/22 at Benbow Lake State Recreation Area. Blessed with beautiful weather and irie vibes, the event brought together artists and fans from around the globe for a weekend full of roots reggae and world music on the banks of the Eel.

The largest annual fundraiser of the non-profit Mateel Community Center, the event helps underwrite the many varied programs and services the center offers throughout the year and we are so proud, especially after all the hurdles we’ve encountered in rekindling the great ROTR tradition, that the fans keep coming back and that the festival has been able to maintain its longstanding role as the lifeblood of the MCC. Of course, the festival is equally important to the myriad non-profits who fundraise through the event and to the local and regional vendors who sell their wares, not to mention the Garberville business community, which sees hotels filled and stores patronized. It gives us joy that the festival can spread the love so far and it is the attendees to truly thank for this. 

Celebrating the festival’s final year in Benbow and with plans afoot to return the show to its original French’s Camp location near Piercy in 2013, we’d like to give a special thanks to the Benbow community for allowing us in their neighborhood over these past 5 years. We are well aware of how greatly this event impacts Benbow residents and appreciate all the feedback we’ve received about how we can do more to address these concerns in the future. Thankfully this is an area that will be greatly improved in 2013, as the French’s Camp venue has ample space for parking and camping the 6000 paid attendees we are proposing. This venue change will also eliminate the need to shuttle thousands of people to private offsite campgrounds, which regrettably proved problematic at times again this year.

We’d like to make it absolutely clear to anyone who attended (or thinks they attended) Reggae On The River that this event was held exclusively at the Benbow Lake State Recreation Area and was truly a beautiful gathering which went off with few incidents and was conducted in accord with CA State Park guidelines and with high marks from local law enforcement. We regret to hear from attendees and neighbors who have shared with us their negative campground experiences and we are saddened to have this reflect poorly on ROTR. We also want to assure both attendees and neighbors that the Mateel Community Center is totally committed to presenting a safe, family-friendly event, conducted with respect for the neighborhood and in accordance with permit guidelines. Again, we look forward to 2013 for this, when concert and camping will again be united in a single site entirely under the creative and operational direction of the Mateel Community Center.

Until then, thanks to all who helped make ROTR 2012 such a wonderful experience and big ups to our sponsors, vendors, performing artists, volunteers, coordinators, community/ agency partners, and, most importantly, our ticket buying patrons. We thank all of you for your support and look forward joining together again for the 29^th Annual Reggae On The River as we head home to French’s Camp.

Sincerely,

Justin Crellin

General Manager

Mateel Community Center

(and on behalf of the MCC board and staff)

08-09

Christafari Returns to Their Roots of Worship with New Album

Reggae pioneers Christafari have returned to their roots with the release of their latest album, Reggae Worship: A Roots Revival (Lion of Zion Entertainment), which is now available at all major digital retailers including iTunes, GospelReggae.com and select stores. Christafari pioneered the genre of Gospel Reggae with their first album,1993's Reggae Worship Volume 1, which catapulted them onto the Billboard charts. 

On Reggae Worship: A Roots Revival, Christafari reworks classic hymns, reinterprets many of today's top worship anthems and gives us a handful of original worship songs that truly capture the band's signature sound. 

"It's our rootsiest and most worshipful album to date," says Christafari founder and frontman Mark Mohr. "Just imagine your favorite worship songs by artists like Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith and Brenton Brown, done in a reggae style, plus a handful of new Christafari originals." 

As expected from Christafari, the album's 17 worship tracks feature an arsenal of guest appearances from the top names in the genre, including Dominic Balli, Avion Blackman, Jennifer Howland, Sherwin Gardner, Monty G, Tiago Costa, Solomon Jabby, Vanessa Mardueno, Dillavou and 'Imisi's David Fohe. 

In promotion of this album, Christafari will be leading worship at mega churches across the nation with heavy support from the Calvary Chapel network. A launch event is scheduled for July 28th and 29th at the 14,000-member Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque, before heading across the USA and then on to New Caledonia, Fiji, Brazil, Belize, Guatemala and the Virgin Islands. Multiple music videos are being shot for release in the coming months, along with heavy radio promotion and social media campaigns. 

With over a half million albums sold worldwide, Christafari is the all-time top selling Gospel Reggae artist. The band continues to tour worldwide, performing more than 100 shows each year reaching more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.christafari.com. 

08-09 

The 3^RD Annual Beneficial Reggae 2012

Proudly presented by Tap Nat Muzik LLC

August 18^th and 19^th 2012

(I-taweh photo left.) The 3^rd Annual Beneficial Reggae2012 is to be held once again at the beautiful Frey Winery, nestled in the stunning Redwood Valley in Mendocino County, California. This year’s show will be held in the Tomki Meadow, where families and friends will come together and leave their worries behind to enjoy an impressive, conscious, musical line up, and an exciting array of hand-picked craft vendors and international cuisine. Gates will open at 11:30 AM Saturday and Sunday.

Each year Tap Nat Muzik, a production/promotion company and music label owned by reggae artist I-taweh and his wife Kristi Cunningham, put on a show in order to raise money for a worthy cause. In 2010 with the help of Adam and Kim Frey, and parents from River Oak Charter School, they helped raise approximately $17,000 for the school’s 8^th grade class. In 2011 they raised money for the African Birth Collective. The beneficiaries for Beneficial Reggae 2012 are MCAVHN (Mendocino County AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Network) and Mother Health International. MCAVHN’s mission is to stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and to care for those living with, affected by, or at risk by reducing harmful practices and promoting healthy lifestyles. Mother Health International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to respond and provide relief to pregnant women and children in areas of disaster, war and extreme economic poverty. Thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s festival, Tap Nat Muzik hopes to raise $30,000 to divide between the two non-profits.

CAMPING

Although Tap Nat Muzik hopes to include camping at the festival in the near future, this year there will NOT be any camping on site. There are a few nearby campgrounds and hotels which will fill up fast so make your reservation right away.

SPONSORS

SUPER 8 MOTEL http://www.super8ukiah.com/

MENDOCINO GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE SUPPLY http://mendocinogreenhouse.com/

MENDOCINO BREWING CO. http://www.mendobrew.com/

BRANDON KIGHT VISUAL CREATIONS http://brandonkight.com/

STAY POSITIVE SOUND http://sppmusic.com/

ANDERSON VALLEY BREWING CO. http://www.avbc.com

LAGUNITAS BREWING CO. http://www.lagunitas.com/

LOCATION

Approximately 10 miles North of Ukiah on Highway 101

FREY WINERY 14000 TOMKI RD., REDWOOD VALLEY, CA 95470

GATES OPEN AT 11:30 AM SATURDAYAND SUNDAY. MUSIC STARTS AT NOON. SHOW ENDS MIDNIGHT SATURDAY AND 10PM SUNDAY

Website: www.beneficialreggae.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beneficialreggae

08-16pd

Jimmy Cliff LIVE at MontBleu Casino Resort’s New Outdoor Amphitheatre Saturday, August 25, 2012

LAKE TAHOE, NV – MontBleu and PR Entertainment Present the legendary Jimmy Cliff in the brand new MontBleu Amphitheatre located at the MontBleu Casino Resort in Lake Tahoe. Special guest artists include The Storytellers, UpRising, Josh White, Eph Bee Cee, Squarefield Massive and J*Ras. General admission tickets are on sale now for $39.50 by calling MontBleu, 775-588-3515, at the Box Office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com Special family pricing available: Accompanied children 12 and under are just $10.00, and kids 6 and under are free. 

Opening acts include The Storytellers,a collective of Sacramento's finest Roots, Reggae and Ska musicians,and UpRising, a 7-member reggae and culture ensemble that hails from the Great Battle-Born State of Nevada, comprised of members from the South Pacific island Tonga. Their rich harmonies common to traditional Tongan folk and culture music can be heard in their songwriting and performances. Also on the bill is Josh White, one of the hottest urban artists in the country who is celebrating the #1 single in Hawaii right now, and Eph Bee Cee(Fam Bam Crew) a regional Polynesian Reggae band who will open up the evening’s festivities with island roots reggae, along with DJs Squarefield Massive and J*Ras, both from Sacramento. 

Doors open at 5:00p. First act starts at 5:30p when doors open. Tickets are $39.50, and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, and at the MontBleu Box Office, or online www.ticketmaster.com. You can also purchase by phone by calling MontBleu Resort, 775-588-3515. This is an all ages event. Food and Beverage concessions and a sponsor/vendor village located inside the amphitheatre. Special family pricing available: Accompanied children 12 and under are just $10.00, and kids 6 and under are free. 

MEDIA: For High-Res Photos, interviews, or more information, please contact PR Entertainment, 310-374-9090, ext 200, or email paul@prentertainment.net.  

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Red Fest 2012 September 8, 2012 11am-10pm

About Red Fest Music Festival 2012

Red Fest is an all-ages music event designed to promote quality music in beautiful Red River, New Mexico.  There will be food and drink vendors as well as 2 bars available at the festival. We would like for you to join us for this fantastic musical event in the inviting Southern Rocky Mountains!

Free admission for children 10 years and younger

A free Fun Jump will also be available for children

09-06pd

Joseph Israel has Two Shows This Week

in Northern California!!!

Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem band are bringing their roots to Northern Cali with 2 shows this August 9th at the Ukiah Brewing Company in Ukiah, CA and August 11 at Pier 23 in San Francisco. These shows will feature new Joseph Israel music from upcoming CD "Kingdom Road" performed for the first time. Also joining the band for these shows is one of reggae's greatest bass players Christopher Meredith, who helped co/produce Israel's debut CD " Gone are the days" at Tuff Gong in Kingston, Jamaica. "This is the first time we've toured with Chris since -07 and we are looking forward to jam again" says Israel. These shows you do not want to miss! Joseph Israel and band are back on the road in October/November with CD Release Parties in Fayetteville, Arkansas 10/14/12 and Philo, CA. 11/3/12. more western tour dates for late fall soon TBA..

Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem band shows:

Thurs. 8/9 @ Ukiah Brewing Company/ Ukiah, CA

Sat. 8/11 @ Pier 23 w/ DJ Irie Dole/ San Francisco

08-09

Wayne Stoddart :: Three Cs

Wayne Stoddart hot new single Three Cs speaks to decisions and their consequences or rewards. For every decision good or bad there is an effect,(the cause/effect principle). The song is performed on a mellow 70s Wailers-like one drop roots reggae rhythm. It is reggae music in its purestform; a timeless classic for sure!  There is definitely a Bob Marley and the Wailers influence on this track. This is understandably so as the song is produced by Aston Barrett Jr. son of Wailers Bassist and Nephew of the drummer Aston & Carlton Barrett respectively.

The new single is penned and performed by multi-award winning vocalist and song writer Wayne Stoddart and introduces the Reggae Force Band which consist of American reggae “white-chick” bassist Alaina Reed, Aston Barrett Jr. and veteran keyboardist  Peter “Pan” Williamson.  Simply put, it is pulsating reggae music, beautiful soul searching poetry and sweet melodic vocals. We say A+ for this one!

Three Cs: http://youtu.be/gjw0hJf-PmY

For more information visit: 

Email: info@waynestoddart.com 

More Wayne Stoddart:www.waynestoddart.com

www.undilutedmuzik.com

http://www.youtube.com/waynestoddart

http://www.facebook.com/wayne.stoddart

http://soundcloud.com/waynestoddart  

08-09