[Newsletter] Reggae News and More!

February 8, 2007

www.reggaefestivalguide.com

Vol 4, Issue 5

News Flash
New CD's in the Mix
On Tour

About Us

Santa Cruz Dayz featuring 2 Nights of Reggae This Year!

SANTA CRUZ DAYZ ROCKS THE SANTA CRUZ CIVIC WITH TWO NIGHTS OF REGGAE MUZIK!
photos (L-R) Soul Majestic, The Gladiators and Steel Pulse

The lineup is a crucial mix of legends and today's hottest artists.

Thursday February 2/22 features Steel Pulse, Eek-A-Mouse, Morgan Heritage and A Tribute to Joesph Hill with Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill (son of Joseph Hill), Resination, Green Up Sound and Mtn Lion Sound

Friday February 23 features Bunny Wailer, Midnite, The Gladiators featuring Al Griffiths, Jr., The Twinkle Brothers with Della Grant, Soul Majestic, Prince Rastan, Massive Sound Intl and Bigga Happiness.

There are limited 2-day passes available for this event. These passes along with single-day tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online or by phone at 831-420-5260 or at the Santa Cruz Civic Box Office.

Contribute Your Reggae Memory

THE 2007 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE IS IN THE WORKS....WE HAVE AN ONGOING SPECIAL SECTION THAT INCLUDES YOUR STORIES. IF YOU HAVE A "REGGAELLECTION" THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS YEAR'S GUIDE WE WANT TO RECEIVE IT. Submissions can include stories like 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, etc.

Please email 1-2 paragraphs and a high resolution photo as a .jpeg (photo not guaranteed for publication) to justine@reggaefestivaleguide.com 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 Hotel 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!

AFRICA UNITE DEBUTS IN NORTH AMERICA

"How Good and how pleasant it would be, before God and Man, to see the unification of all Africans."

-Bob Marley

The feature documentary AFRICA UNITE will make its North American debut on April 7 at the 14th annual New York African Film Festival, the location is the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center and the time is 8pm. The film, starring Rita Marley, Danny Glover, Angelique Kidjo, Lauryn Hill and Marley's children Ziggy, Cedella, Sharon, Stephen, Ky-Mani, Julian and Damian, is produced and directed by Stephanie Black (LIFE AND DEBT, H-2 WORKER).

The documentary highlights the vision for African unity that Bob Marley was devoted to throughout his music career and presents an inspiring tribute to a man who defined his own aim as "spreading the message of unity and equality to end the needless suffering of mankind."

On February 5, 2005, over 350,000 people gathered in the historic Meskel Square of Addis Abeba, Ethiopia to celebrate what would have been Bob Marley's 60th birthday. The twelve-hour concert, featuring a host of internationally acclaimed artists, is interwoven throughout the film, highlighting the singer's global influence. American Lauryn Hill passionately debuts new material, Benin-born Angelique Kidjo jumps into the audience during "Mama Afrika", and legendary Jamaican artist Bob Andy serenades Ethiopia. The concert culminates with a specatular nighttime performance by Rita Marley and the I-Threes and all of Marley's sons singing their father's songs.

Crucial to the Afirca Unite vision, the film also focuses on UNICEF-sponsored symposia and youth-oriented workshops that were held during the week-long celebration. Taking their inspiration from such Bob Marley songs as "War" and "Get Up Stand Up", these sessions deal with issues including conflict transformation, youth and woen's empowerment, the prevention of corruption, awarensess and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other major diseases, and the centrality of human rights. Speaking at a symposium dedicated to dialouge with youth, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover, whose production company Louverture Films executive produced the film with Tuff Gong Pictures, stesses that "It takes time to build, years to organize, and that's what we have to commit ourselves to. In Guinea, Kenya, in too many other countries, less than 30% of children go to school. It is a human right to have an education. And that begins right here with you. Bob Marley would've loved to have been with us today....He loved Africa, and the fact that we are here to carry on this work is the most important.

"The message of AFRICA UNITE is for Africans to take our lives into our own hands and to realize that we are better off together than divided," says Ziggy Marley. "We know the history of Africa. Believe the dream of the unity of Africa is something we can accomplish. It is possible and we should do it."

"It's our aim with this documentary to further Bob Marley's eternal message of hope and struggle across continents and generations," agrees producer/director Stephanie Black. "We know that change occurs when we refuse to be silent in the face of injustice and inequity, and AFRICA UNITE is a call to action catalyzed by Bob Marley's musical legacy."

Roskind's One Love Events

(photo: Smoki Museum)

Robert and Julia Roskind (aka Ras Kind) are back from another adventure. Their recent event was part of their initiative the Gathering of the Healers with the theme: 2012: A Mayan Message of One Love.

The recent event was held in Prescott, Arizona and it's purpose was a benefit for Native American activist Leonard Peltier, now imprisoned for over thirty years. Paintings by Leonard Peltier are on display at the Smoki Museum there until April 8. The event included performances by Casper and the 602 band, Native Roots and Travis Terry.

The next event series the Roskinds are producing is to be held at several prisons near their home in North Carolina. There are several consious artists scheduled to perform and the message of intention to these incarcerated individuals is a simple one: If you are teaching love behind prison walls, you are freer than when you were teaching separation and anger outside the walls.

Julia and Robert Roskind are authors of Rasta Heart, The Beauty Path, and The Gathering of the HealersMemoirs of an Ex Hippie. For more information check out their website: www.rastaheart.com

2nd Annual One Love Reggae Festival

This is the second annual event to be held in beautiful Laguna Beach and it is aimed at rasing awareness on the current state of our oceans. It takes place on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2007 from 7:30pm-11pm at Club M, 680 South Coast Hwy (Laguna Beach, California). The theme is "Love The One You're With" (singles are welcome)

The organizers believe that reggae music is the music form most associated with love and also that the event features the top reggae scene this side of Miami. The event also acts as a tribute to Bob Marley.
Reggae is the "music of the ocean" as the "One Love" that connects all of us.

Last year's concert received a wonderful response. The event is designed to secure new volunteers for this year' s Earth Day Beach cleanup. The aritsts on deck this year include: members of Common Sense, World Anthem, Rebel Rockers and A.D. D. For more information check out: www.helpbluewater.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.

Zedicus : : Zedicus

Zakki Jawad, the founder of Zedicus is an Ethiopian-born musician based in the Washington DC area. He has been performing in world music and reggae circles for close to twenty years. This is his first solo release and it has the maturity of a great songwriter mixed with the sensibilities of modern pop music.

Zakki has spent a good deal of his life living in different countries around the world including in Africa, Middle East. These experiences have resulted in the broad range of styles and influences evident on this album.

Performing Songwriter magazine included this well-received debut in it's "Top 12 Independent Releases" feature in the July/August 2006 issue.

Zakki has performed and/or recorded with world-renowned artists such as Maxi Priest (UK), The Itals (Jamaica), Omar Hakim (US), Jean-Marie Tala (Cameroon), HR (from Bad Brains) Dave Wakeling (English Beat), Midnite (Virgin Islands) Gigi, Mahmoud Ahmed & Aster Aweke (Ethiopia).

Zedicus performs regularly in and around Washington with a few longtime bandmates dubbed "Abysinnia Roots"." The shows are energetic and fun and over time have resulted in a devoted fan base.

Zedicus will open up for the legendary Steel Pulse March 9 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. To hear music and read more about this group, check out www.zedicus.com

Midnite Crosses North America

February 9 Charleston, SC Music Farm
February 10 Decatur, GA Club Seduction
February 11 Daytona Beach, FL The Ocean Deck Beach Club
February 12 Boone, NC Canyons of the Blue Ridge
February 15 Asheville, NC Grey Eagle (All Ages Show)
February 16 Tijuana, Mexico El Foro (Tribute To The Reggae Legends Festival)
February 18 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arena (Ragga Muffins Festival)
February 19 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena (Tribute To The Reggae Legends)
February 21 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
February 23 Santa Cruz , CA Santa Cruz Civic (Ragga Muffins Festival)
February 24 San Francisco, CA Bill Graham Civic (Ragga Muffins Festival)
February 25 San Luis Obispo, CA The Graduate
February 28 Hawaii, Big Island Palace Theatre (All Ages)
March 1 Hawaii, Moloa'a, Kauai One Love Gardens (All Ages)
March 2 Hawaii, Oahu Hawaii Adventure Water Park (All Ages)
March 3 Hawaii, Oahu Hawaii Adventure Water Park (All Ages)
March 4 Hawaii, Maui Maui Arts and Culture Center (All Ages)
March 5 Hawaii, Maui TBA (Intimate Evening with Midnite)
March 7 Ashland, OR Ashland Armory (All Ages)
March 8 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom (All Ages)
March 9 Seattle, WA Ibex Club (All Ages)
March 10 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Richards on Richards
March 13 Eugene, OR Wow Hall (All Ages)
March 14 Eureka, CA Club Indigo
March 15 Grass Valley, CA Miner's Foundry
March 19 Taos, NM� (Venue TBA)
March 20 Denver, CO Quixote's
March 21 Vail, CO 8150
March 22 Denver, CO Cervantes
March 23 Boulder, CO Trilogy
March 24 Puerto Rico Tito Puente Amphitheatre

Midnite's website is: www.midniteband.com

Reggae Festival Calendar! CLICK ON THE FESTIVAL TITLE TO GO TO WEBSITE (note: not all festivals have a special website)	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
Conscious Vibe Presents Toots and the Maytals Saturday, March, 10 Jacksonville, Florida Hotline: 904-476-7708	Penang International Reggae Festival Friday, March 23 Batu Ferringgi, Malaysia Hotline: 603-79557717
Reggae Fest 2007 March 31-April 1 Lake Worth, FL Hotline: 561-582-4401	Western Consciousness Saturday, April 28 Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica Hotline: 876-957-7543

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.