[Newsletter] Reggae News and More!

February 1,2007

www.reggaefestivalguide.com

Vol 4, Issue 4

News Flash
On Tour
Ital Statistics

About Us

Memories of Bob Marley by Valorie Murray

Let your gentleness be evident to all......

As I reminisce on one of my trips within Jamaica to Tuff Gong and Trench Town, I can't help but think about how bless I am. I look forward to these memories like they were yesterday. How pleasant and wonderful it was to be able to see the music studio where the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley and his bredrens made these songs of freedom that continue to warm our hears and keep our feet moving, letting us forget our pain as we vibe his music, Songs such as "Get Up Stand Up", "No Woman No Cry" and "Soul Rebel".
I can go on and on with these songs. With each song in my heart, I could just picture Bob with his hand at the side of his head, thinking and thinking. As I sat on the chair in that studio I could not help but fee the rush of energy flowing the air, so musical. I close my eyes and I try to listen carefully as he said "Yes mi' fren'"...............

Someone offered me a glass of lemonade, it was a Natty Dread. As I sipped on the cool fresh lemonade, I could only think on these words, 'take my soul and suss me out'....it was like I was seeing Reggae music in a different light, the freedom it gives and the upliftment, geting my culture through music, Reggae Music, made the victory sweeter.

I could never go astray walking out of the recording studio. There were so many people: young men catching the vibes, some singing, some jus a dj. Them in a dem own world, just a throw out lyrics. Brother Knowledge invited me to take a walk down Trench Town. We took a taxi and as I looked around driving through the streets I myself was holding the same mystical vibes, because out of this mass of confusion arose this great man.

Trench Town walk was sweet: 1st St. 2nd St. and on the way to 3rd St. I saw where Georgie light the fire, sat down and cook cornmeal porridge, logwood burning through the night. By the way, if you never had cornmeal porridge, you must try it! Walk good.....Talawah

Editors note: Valorie Murray is the founder of Talawah Journal

Contribute Your Reggae Memory

THE 2007 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE IS IN THE WORKS....IF YOU HAVE A REGGAE "REGGAELLECTION" THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS YEAR'S GUIDE WE WANT TO RECEIVE IT. Submissions can include the time when you traveled across many timezones to check out an reggae show, the time you met your favorite artist, or the time you met the love of your life to the tune of reggae music.

Please email high resolution photo (photo not guaranteed for publication) and 1-2 paragraphs to justine@reggaefestivaleguide by March 31, 2007. If your piece is included, you will receive a copy of the magazine in the mail.

Roots Reminder

NOTE: After February 9, 2007 prizes will no longer be distributed for the Before the Legend Sweepstakes which ended in September of '06. Please visit our website at www.reggaefestivalguide.com to see if you are a winner and claim your prize. Thanks!

Renegade Productions WINTER REGGAE Line-up

HOTLINE: 530-583-2801

Sunday February 18
Michael Franti and Spearhead
also Keller Williams
Montbleu Resort Showroom
Stateline (South Lake Tahoe), NV

Wednesday February 21
Steel Pulse & Eek-A-Mouse
Radisson Hoetl Ballroom,
Sacramento, CA

Friday February 23
Eek-A-Mouse
Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay, NV

Sunday February 25
Steel Pulse & Eek-A-Mouse
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV

Tuesday February 27
Morgan Heritage & Eek-A-Mouse
Historic Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR

Join Reggae Festival Guide On My Space

Link us on My Space! We give thanks for the steadily growing group of friends we have already made there. Since the last issue we have added another 100 friends. What a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide. Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our friend!

REGGAE AND ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2007

Black History Month at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame puts Reggae music in the spotlight with a series of events. All but one of the events are FREE and all are All Ages with a reservation call 216-515-8425 or email edu@rockhall.org. For more information check out www.rockhall.com.

February 6 Black History Month: Evening with Ennis Edmonds
Opening the month's programs is a lecture by Kenyon College Professor Ennis Edmonds on the subject of "Rastafari and Reggae: A Marriage Made in Jamaica."

Februrary 7 Jamaican Music on Film: An Evening of reggae cinema

February 20 Hall of Fame Series with Chris Blackwell
In 2001, Chris Blackwell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

February 21 An Evening with Mikey Dread
Mikey will perform with his band and discuss his decades-long career.

February 23 The Mighty Diamonds and Dub Flex (10$ admission)

February 26 Evening with Roger Steffens
Preeminent reggae scholar and collector will present an evening of unrelease filmed interviews and performances by many legends of reggae.

February 27 Evening with Toots Hibbert
An evening of music and conversation

Numerous Events To Commemorate Bob Marley's Earthday

There are countless events that celebrate the life of Bob Marley. Here are a few of them coming up in the next week.

On Saturday February 3, 2007 The Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas will host their annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash with Shantytown Underground and the Mau Mau Chaplains and DJ Manny. The Shantytwon Underground is a ten-piece band that plays classic "golden age" 70's style reggae that features a horn section and a femael backing duo. This year Shantytown will be combining songs from Exodus and other works throughtout Marley's career in their second set, which will feature all Bob Marley music.

Also on Saturday February 3 Steamers Pub in Vancouver, British Columbia will host a Bob Marley Birthday Bash with Reggaelution. Bob Marley brought reggae music to the world, his birthday is always a good reason to fire up a celebration and give thanks and praise to Jah and reggae's prophet. Reggaelution has Jamaican roots and a love for reggae which will set a proper tone for what promises to be an inspirational event.

On Bob Marley's Birthday, February 6, 2007, the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California is the site of a gathering at his "star". From Noon-1pm people will gather to play music, and share his memory. The location of the star is 7080 Hollywood Boulevard, at the Southeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea. The even is hosted by one of the star's original petitioners, Barbara Barabino from KDAY 93.5FM. The star was inaugurated on his birthday in 2001.

The 3rd Annual Bob Fest, 2007 will be held on February 9, 2007 at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Kapolei in Hawaii. The artists featured are Lauryn Hill, Capleton, Pepper, Dawn Penn and many more, with over 30 bands and DJ's on 4 stages.

Bob Marley Day Proclamation ceremony in Toronto to be held on February 4, at the Train Studio (by invitation only) This press event will commemorate the life and achievements of Bob Marley by the city of Toronto and guests include former Speaker of the House and Canadian Ambassador to Dominica the Right Honorable Alvin Curling. This event is an annual affair to proclaim February 6, " Bob Marley Day" in Toronto.

Obelisk Entertainment and ESM/Urban Space present a tribute to legends including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Curtis Mayfield and Jimi Hendrix. The house band is Sound Power and the vocalists are Toronto reggae artists including the legendary Leroy Brown, Odel , Bird Dellony of the Reggae Cowboys, Tanya Mullins and TK 2000. The event will be held on Wednesday February 7 at the Mod Club Theatre in Toronto.

Four sons of Bob Marley will hold a concert promoting peace to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the musician's birth next month. The event dubbed "Smile Jamaica" will take place on February 10 at Marley's birthplace of Nine Miles in St. Ann, Jamaica. The concert will feature Stephen Marley, Ky-Mani, Damian and Julian and shares the same name of a 1976 show staged by the government of former socialist Prime Minister Michael Manley to promote harmony between politically aligned gangs.

Remembering Dennis Brown from Blakka's Box

A former child prodigy, Dennis Emmanuel Brown was a star from the tender age of 12. Between the time of his first hit "No Man Is An Island" in 1969, to his untimely demise in 2001, Dennis produced an enormous catalogue of albums and singles, and earned the undisputed title of "Crown Prince of Reggae". This title is particularly special given the fact that the King himself Mr. Marley declared D. Brown (as he is also known) as his favourite singer. Brethren and long time associates like Winston "Niney" Holness and Ossie Hibbert, will attest to the fact that both Marley and Brown in the early days were always seen as royalty even before they became big superstars, as they both had a charisma, which made them stand out among their phenonmenally talented contemporaries.

He was a singer's singer. I remember a time when almost every young singer whether deliberately or sub-consciously, would be trying to sound like Dennis Brown. And his influence can still be heard today. Richie Stephens, George Nooks, Anthony Johnson , Luciano, Frankie Paul, Bushman and Natty King are only some of the excellent Jamaican singers whose vocal delivery is in my opinion, either heavily influenced by, or very reminiscent of the tyle and sound of Dennis Brown.

Apart from the countless original hits to his credit, Mr. Brown's unique style when doing cover versions basically made every song his own as he put his trademark slurs and applied his delightful vocal gymnastics all over those songs. He was a prolific performer, had incomparable talent, and was a kind, humble and gentle person. He also had an abundance of that good old thing that we Jamaicans call "mannas". This February, let's play more of his music so Dennis Brown, Crown Prince of Reggae can live on, and sing on!

Excerpt from the Jamaica Star- www.jamaica-star.com

Sierra Nevada World music Festival Announces Preliminary Line-Up

There are few outdoor festivals in North America that combine, reggae and world music, great food, two stages and camping over a three day period. Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, held in Boonville, California fits the bill. The event is a Summer Solstice celebration and it takes place this year on June 22,23 & 24. Tickets are now on sale and the preliminary lineup is as listed below.

Carlinhos Brown, Ojos de Brujo, Tony Rebel, Derrick Morgan, The Ethiopians, The Maytones, Queen Ifrica, Clinton Fearon, Stone Love, Downbeat The Ruler, Chezidek, Elijah Emanuel, & Aba Shaka.

For more information like artist lineup updates and to join the lively message board visit www.snwmf.com.

How Does Now Sound? RFG '07 Takes Root

The time is NOW TO ADVERTISE in the 2007 Reggae Festival Guide which comes out in May. If you have questions please visit our website at www.reggaefestivalguide.com or call 775-337-8344. We can also provide excellent exposure through banner advertising in this enewsletter which reaches 10,000 people or our popular website which receives thousands of hits each week.

Jus Goodie & The River Jordan Band

Jus Goodie and the River Jordan Band will hit many Western states. Check out their website at www.jusgoodie.com. This tour is co-sponsored by Pure Anywear (www.pureanywear.com) and Ras Farms (www.rasfarms.com)

February 2 Red Cliff, CO Mango Grill
February 3 Grand Junction, CO The Spotlight (with Lion Vibes)
February 5 Salt Lake City, UT Monks House of Jazz
February 6 Jackson, WY The Mangy Moose (with Joseph Israel)
February 7 Ketchum, ID Whisky Jacques
Febuary 8 Bozeman, MT Zebra Cocktail Lounge
Febuary 9 Pocatello, ID 1st National Bar
February 10 Hood River, OR River City Saloon
February 11 Portland, OR Berbati's Pan
February 14 Eugene, OR 21 Latitude
February 15 Eureka, CA The Red Fox Tavern
February 16 Chico, CA Lost On Main
February 17 Squaw Valley, CA Zen Bu
February 18 Mammoth Lakes, CA Sherwin's Folly
February 20 Caspar, CA The Caspar Inn
February 21 Santa Rosa, CA The Last Day Saloon
February 22 San Francisco, CA Mojito's
February 23 Fresno, CA Babylon Billiards
February 24 Lake Tahoe, CA Tahoe Underground
February 25 Sacraemento, Ca Marilyn's On K
March 1 Provo, UT Owl Bar
March 2 Ogden, UT Brewski's
March 3 Edwards, CO Rumpus Room
March 4 Boulder, CO Trilogy Winebar
March 7 Fort Collins, CO Hodis Half Note
March 8 Pueblo, CO TBA
March 9 Albuquerque, NM Rallis 4th St.
March 10 Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe Brewing Co.
March 11 Durango, CO The Summit

King and Crown Prince of Reggae are born

Robert Nesta Marley born February 6, 1945

Pam Hall born February 1, 1954

Dennis Brown born February 1, 1957

The Legends Tribute Obelisk/ESM Urban Space present February 7, 2007 Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hotline: 416-837-9980	Ragga Muffins Festival Saturday February 17 and Sunday February 18 Long Beach, California Hotline: 310-515-3322
FI WI SINTING Sunday February 18 Buff Bay, Portland, Jamaica	Tribute to the Reggae Legends Monday, February 19 San Diego, California Hotline: 619-230-1190
Soundsplash Eco Reggae Friday-Saturday, February 23-25, 2007 Soundsplash Eco Reggae Raglan, New Zealand 64 7 825 7332	Santa Cruz Dayz Thursday-Friday, February 22-23 Santa Cruz, CA Hotline: 831-429-1325
Conscious Vibe Presents: Sugar Minott Friday, February 23 Jacksonville, Florida Hotline: 904-476-7708	Ragga Muffins Festival Saturday, February 24 San Francisco, California Hotline: 415-864-0815
14h Annual Bob Marley Movement Festival Saturday, March 3 Miami, Florida Hotline: 305-665-5379	Conscious Vibes Presents Toots and The Maytals Saturday, March 3 Jacksonville, Florida 904-476-7708

The weekly E-Guide is a wonderful resource for those who live, love and enjoy reggae and its vibrant culture. It encompasses the music, energy and spirituality that define this unique and diverse community worldwide. You can expect CD releases and industry news, band tours, inspirational pieces, reggae trivia and of course, upcoming reggae festivals.

The Reggae Festival Guide Magazine is an annual publication which comes out in May. RBA Publishing (also home of sister publication Blues Festival Guide) prints 100,000 copies of the magazine which spotlights festivals throughout the year, feature stories on festivals around the world, radio DJ listings and stories with messages of upliftment.

For years, the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on May 2, 2004, the webmaster of ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, Kristine Cummins partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing), and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.

The readership is now over 10,000 reggae fans and counting. Each week, The Reggae Festival E-Guide reaches members of the Reggae community around the world. The E-Guide is currently edited by Reggae Festival Guide's Marketing Director, Justine Ketola. Click here to email Justine.