| November 7 , 2007 |
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Vol 4, Issue 24
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Order of Distinction for Jamaica's Reggae Achievers
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(Pictured: Sir Clement "Coxsone" Dodd)
by Teino Evans
Twelve musicians and entertainers were honoured by The Jamaican Government, October 15th, Heroes Day, for their contribution to entertainment.
The 12 were honoured with the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) and the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St. Andrew.
They were recognised for their outstanding work and for their contribution to music locally and internationally.
Those honoured with the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander included Orville Richard 'Shaggy' Burrell, who was honoured for his contribution to the music industry, and Clement Seymour 'Sir Coxone' Dodd, who was honoured post-humously for his service to the Jamaican music industry. The award was collected by his wife.
Byron Aloysius St. Elmo Lee, who was unable to attend the ceremony because of illness, was also honoured for his contribution. his award was collected by his son.
Clarence Linberg 'Count Prince' Miller received the OD for contribution to music and the international entertainment industry for over 50 years, while Norman Frederick Rae accepted his award for contribution to the development of the Jamaican theatre and for public service. Arthur Stanley 'Duke' Reid also received a post-humous award for service to the Jamaican music industry.
Shaggy told The Gleaner following the awards that for the first time in many years, he was nervous.
"Me is a man wey nuh normally get nervous pon nutt'n, but mi get nervous dis morning. An jus fi get recognise fi what yuh do ... is probably one of the best awards mi get wey mi feel good. An fi si sey me, at such a young age can deh inna di same company like a Burning Spear, weh mi feel fi him, it did long overdue, and Sir Coxone Dodd was also honoured and man like Luciano, it was a great feeling,"
Shaggy said.
And those honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer were Ewart 'U-Roy' Beckford, for contribution to the development of Jamaican Music for over 40 years; Dr. Carlene Dorothea Davis-Cowan, who was honoured for contribution to music and community development; Jepther 'Luciano' Washington McLymont, for contribution to reggae music; Theodore Miller, for contribution to Jamaican music; Johnny Arlington Moore, for pioneering work in popularising Jamaican music, and Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney, for contribution to the development of Jamaican music and culture.
"I feel honoured to know that the people really accept my contribution and show some appreciation yuh nuh. I give thanks that they acknowledge me yuh nuh and they don't wait until my teeth dropping out my head, or mi grey up. They give me when I'm young and prime and ready to take on some new ventures in the business," Luciano said when The Gleaner contacted him.
"That is a good sign yuh nuh - cause a jus 15 years mi in the business and it's really a great achievement after 15 years, it's a very good achievement, I'm very proud of it," Luciano said.
When contacted, Dr. Carlene Davis said, "as a family, we just finished praying and we're giving thanks because it's really a humbling feeling. It's based on a work of distinction and coming from the head of the country, it speaks volumes to the work that I have done. So it's truly humbling and appreciated and it's also an encouragement to me and the rest of the persons in the music industry, but all honour to God, because it is He who initiated it all and we just followed through."
Mrs. Dodd, who collected the post-humous award on behalf of her late husband, said, "I'm overwhelmed with proudness, his work was well recognised and for everything he did with the younger artistes then like Ken Boothe, the Marleys, Bob Andy - all of them came from that stable - I'm very grateful for it. If he was alive, he would be well pleased and I know he is looking down, he is well pleased. And I was really proud to see the Burning Spear, he too came out of our stable."
(Reprinted from the Jamaica Gleaner)
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Zimbabwe: Interview With Reggae Star Lands Film-Maker in Trouble With CIO
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by Henry Makiwa
State security agents on Thursday (November 1) seized equipment belonging to a top filmmaker who had quizzed visiting Jamaican reggae star Luciano about his support for Robert Mugabe's chaotic land reforms.
Award winning film-maker Tawanda Gunda Mupengo lost a tape containing recordings featuring Luciano to state agents, for allegedly asking the musician, the "wrong" questions. Mupengo is famed for winning numerous international awards for his works including 2006's feature film Tanyaradzwa.
On Friday, Mupengo confirmed the confiscation of his property but would not be drawn into saying much, citing the delicate balance of the matter. The filmmaker was in the company of cameraman James Jemwa when the agents confronted him and said he was making "diplomatic" negotiations to regain his tape.
A close friend of Mupengo said the CIO agents had given the filmmaker a "rough time".
"Mupengo provoked the ire of the state agents when he quizzed Luciano about his support of land reform and threats that had been made on the musician's life by people opposed to the land reforms," said Mupengo's friend who preferred to remain anonymous.
"The agents pounced on Mupengo and Jemwa forcibly grabbing their camera demanding the tape with the recording of the press conference. They said their questions were out of order and would harm the image of the country."
Reggae artist Luciano, who is in Harare as part of an attempt by government to spruce up the image of the battered country and improve tourism arrivals, had openly endorsed Zimbabwe's land grab as "noble" during the press conference on Wednesday. The Zimbabwe tourism Authority also claims it is wrapping up a deal to bring R&B queen Beyonce to perform in Zimbabwe.
Critics have noted that once again government has no real idea how to solve the political and economic crisis it has created. Persuading musicians to visit the country will do nothing to improve tourism.
(Reprinted from allafrica.com)
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Sarah Indio Releases Change
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Hawaii-based artist Sahra Indio’s award-winning CD CHANGE opens with a musical "remedy" of her own, a roots tonic to be used for a variety of curative purposes.
The vocals are soft and mellow as Sade and the music flows like water finding its level.
‘CHANGE’ puts the listener in a groovy state of mind for creative self-work! You will fall in love with Sahra’s voice. She produces every note in a warm bath of sincerity and heart and this openness carries her message aloft like a longboard bearing a whole family over the waves.
The songs cover such a range of moods... even though they are clearly centered on the theme of CHANGE.
Sahra is optimistic about the world and many will share the resonance of hope that people can make the CHANGES they need to keep on keeping on.
The world is in need of Sahra’s music and thanks to the musical prowess of producer Tuff Lion CHANGE is a great offering for the healing of the people.
"Reggae on the Farm" is the winner of the 2007 American Marijuana Music Award being voted BEST HEMP SONG!
For booking contact: April Steyert @ 828-274 1767
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Reggae Festival Guide 2008!
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It is never too soon to think about next year's magazine and advertising. Perhaps you require something more immediate in the form of on-line advertising on our popular website www.reggaefestivalguide.com or here on the e-guide newsletter.
For more information please write to advertising@reggaefestivalguide.com to be set up with an advertising representative.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MY SPACE!
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Link us on My Space! We are excited about this great marketing network. WE NOW HAVE OVER 2,000 FRIENDS! This is indeed a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide. Watch for concert footage postings, festival ticket giveaways, contests and more!
Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND!
Peace & Blessings
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Sonicbids Launches "Get A Gig Guarantee" Promotion
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Sonicbids, the leading site that helps bands connect with promoters, has kicked off a special year-long Get A Gig Guarantee promotion. Sonicbids’ mission is to help bands get gigs; based on the belief that independent music belongs everywhere – on festival stages; in video game consoles; on film screens; in college theaters; on the radio; in advertisements; on club stages and at sporting events. The Get-A-Gig Guarantee speaks to how important this mission is for the company by giving artist members a free 6-month membership extension if they do not secure at least one gig over the course of the next 6 months – no strings attached.
“At Sonicbids, we work all day, every day to help our artist community find opportunities and get gigs,” explains Panos Panay, CEO of Sonicbids. “The Get A Gig Guarantee is just another way for us to help artists develop their careers.”
The Get A Gig Guarantee is available to all members, new and existing. To qualify, artists must have an up-to-date Sonicbids Electronic Press Kit (EPK), and must send their EPK out 10 times per month (to promoters, talent scouts, etc.) and submit it for 3 or more gigs (at any cost).
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Lucky Dube Memorials Held in Johannesburg
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Slain reggae star Lucky Dube was hailed as an immortal legend of African music October 24th as fans, fellow musicians and heads of state paid their final respects at a memorial service in Johannesburg.
Hundreds of mourners packed into a hall in the artists' quarter of Newtown to bid farwell to the 43-year-old South African who was gunned down during an apparent botched hijacking on the night of October 18th in front of his two children.
"Lucky was a legend," said South African musician Sipho Hotstix Mabuse in an address to mourners which was relayed to crowds outside on a giant screen.
"He was right when he said: 'Rastas never die'," added Mabuse as some of Dube's biggest hits were played on loud speakers.
Dube, who recorded tracks in Zulu, English and Afrikaans, was one of the first artists to play reggae in his homeland and was widely admired abroad.
British pop star Peter Gabriel, in a message read out to the mourners, recalled the "extraordinary" talent of Dube who sold millions of albums in a career that spanned two decades.
"I am extremely upset to learn of the loss of such a wonderful artist in such an unnecessary and brutal way," said Gabriel, who first came across Dube as they jointly campaigned against the now-fallen apartheid regime.
"Lucky Dube was an extraordinary artist and mesmerising performer with whom I was very happy to tour. I will miss the unique artist with such a big heart."
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade sent a message of condolence saying he had learnt of his death with "great sadness" and condemned "this horrible act."
"Dube's death is a serious blow to Africa's cultural heritage," added Wade.
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said he had heard the news of the killing with "dismay and profound sadness".
"The loss is felt not only in South Africa but also in Africa and indeed the world," he said.
Dube's killing has provoked widespread condemnation in South Africa and beyond and renewed calls for the restoration of the death penalty in a bid to stem one of the world's higest murder rates.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has said the death of Dube should serve provoke a common commitment by the public "to confront this terrible scourge of crime" in a country where 50 people are murdered everyday.
Slain reggae star Lucky Dube was remembered at a memorial service by friends and family who railed against his senseless shooting death and his bandmates who entertained a dancing crowd outside by playing some of his songs.
Dube, 43, was gunned down in front of two of his children October 18th in an apparent carjacking attempt in suburban Johannesburg. Four men who were arrested in connection with the murder appeared briefly in court Tuesday.
"We have lost a legend, an icon," said Skipha Shabalala, lead guitarist with Dube's band, said Wednesday. "Why was this man killed in such a brutal and barbaric manner?"
Posters of the star with his trademark waist-length dreadlocks covered the walls of the packed Bassline, a popular downtown music venue. Seated on the floor, barefoot and dressed in white, were members of the Shembe, a Zulu Christian sect to which Dube belonged.
Outside, up to 1,500 fans — many wearing the Rastafarian colors of green, gold and red — gathered to watch the service on a large screen.
"Today we are here to mourn, but also to celebrate the life of someone who made us very proud as South Africans," musician Sipho Mabuse said.
Dube, who launched his career in the 1980s with criticism of the apartheid regime, went on to become a huge international star recording more than 20 albums and sharing stages with the likes of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Sting.
Ivor Haarburger, chief executive of Gallo Records, described Dube as an "enormous talent" who was a quiet and reserved man, but whose stage performances were "amazing."
"We as a nation are shocked and saddened at the news. With this senseless and disturbing act a great spirit has been taken from us. It is a loss felt by millions throughout the world," he said.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, recording an average of 50 murders each day. U.N. crime statistics say one in three Johannesburg residents has been robbed. Rapes and assaults also are common.
Dube expressed his concerns about crime in his lyrics, most notably his 1999 song "Crime and Corruption," in which he wrote: "Do you ever worry about leaving home and coming back in a coffin, with a bullet through your head?"
Messages of condolences were read out during the service, including statements from Peter Gabriel and the presidents of the Gambia and Senegal.
Interspersed throughout the service were performances by some of Dube's fellow musicians, as well as the artist's band. "I am sad. Even if the people who did this are arrested, they will still live," said musician Bhekumuzi Luthuli, barely able to sing for the tears choking him.
In another heartbreaking moment, two of Dube's seven children took to the stage at the end of the service to read out a statement from the family.
"We are going to miss you forever," said a sobbing Laura, holding on to her elder sister Bongi.
Then as Dube's band broke into song, the crowd outside paid tribute to their hero the only way they knew how — by taking to their feet and dancing.
"Love those who gimme war," they cheered as the band played the title song from Dube's latest album "Respect."
"I love those who hate me. I bless even those who curse me. Gimme, gimme respect," they sang.
(Reprinted from Associated Press and Agence-France Press)
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Reggae Stage Names, L-N
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This list was originally compiled by Papa Pilgrim (RIP), noted reggae DJ, writer and founder of Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (www.reggaeambassadors.org)
In the last issue, we included stage names beginning with K-M.
La Diva Yaurela Ann Conor
Lady Apache Sharmalee Thompson
Lady Complainer Daisann McLane
Lady G Janice Marie Fyffe
Lady Patra Dorothy Smith
Lady Saw Marion Hall
Lady Shabba Sharon Peterkin
Lascelles & Hortense Lascelles Perkins & Hortense Ellis
Latty Guzang Lascelle Gourzong
Laurel Aitkin Oliver Stevens
Lazo Lazarus J. Finn
Lecturer Manley Martin Edwards
Lee Milo Lee Spence
Lee Perry Rainford Hugh Perry
Leggo Beast Trevor Douglas
Lehbanchuleh Norbert Clarke
Leroy Turner Leroy Brown
Lexus Dread Owen Britton
Lieutenant Stitchie Cleveland Laing
Linval Thompson Phillip Alphonso
Lion Youth Clarence Williamson
Little Bimbo aka Garnett Silk Garnett Smith
Little Joe aka Ranking Joe Joe Jackson
Little John John Morris
Little Kirk Kirk Anthony Davis
Little Lenny Nigel Grandison
Little Major Curtis Wright
Little Roy Earl Lowe
Little Youth aka Sulton Ali Donaly Campbell
Lizard Clive Hunt
Lizard Keith Logan
Lloyd & Devon Lloyd Robinson & Devon Russell
Lloyd Charmers Lloyd Tyrell
Lloyd Coxsone Lloyd Blackwood
Lone Ranger Anthony Waldron
Lord Creator Kentrick Patrick
Lord Fly Bertie Lyons
Lord Kitchener Aldwin Roberts
Lord Laro Kenneth Lara
Lord Sassafrass Michael Johnson
Lord Tanamo Joseph Abraham Gordon
Lorna Gee Lorna Gayle
Louie Culture Lewin Brown
Louie Rankin Leonard Ford
Lovindeer Lloyd Lovindeer
Luciano Jepther Washington McClymont
Luckie D Michael Kennedy
Lloydie Slim Ivanhoe Smith
Lynn Taitt Nearlin Taitt
Maasai Abdul Mateen
Macka B Christopher McFarlane
Mackaruffin Dave Anthony McAnuff
Mackie Ranks Andrew Grant
Mad Professor Neil Frazer
Mad Roy Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace
Madhouse Dave Kelly & Janet Davidson
Madlads George Allison
Mafia & Fluxie Leroy & Dave Heywood
Majek Fashek Majekodunmi Fasheke
Majestic Clarence Thompson
Major Jackie Knockshot Samuel Hamilton
Major LLoyd Errol Gordon
Major Mackeral Garfield Dixon
Major Worries Wayne Jones
Manazart Alexander Bernard
Mandingo Martin Williams
Mao Mikey Chung
Mararita Anita Mahfood
Marcia Griffiths Linneth Marcia Griffiths
Mark Jah-Jah Brown Mark Bryan
Martin Campbell Martin Harris
Marty Dread Martin Hennessey
Mas Mikey Chung
Matador Lloyd Daley
Matisyahu Matthew Miller
Matuzalem Vincent Greenaway
Max Romeo Maxwell Smith
Maxi Priest Max Elliott
Maxie Lancelot McKenzie
Medikal Michael Godfrey
Meeky Melody Nigel Hylton
Mega Banton Garth Williams
Mellow Melvin Reid
Mellowman aka King Mellowman Earl Clarke
Merciless aka Sugar Demus Leonard Bartley
Merritone Winston Blake
Messenjah Selah Everton Clarke
Michael Flint Michael Crosby
Michael Prophet Michael George Haynes
Michigan & Smiley Anthony Fairclough & Errol Bennett
Mickey Tuff Michael Richards
Mighty Chalkdust Hollis Liverpool
Mighty Sparrow Francisco Slinger
Mikey Boo Mikey Richards
Mikey D Michael Dawkins
Mikey Dread Michael Campbell
Mikey General Michael Taylor
Mikey Spice Michael Theophilus Johnson
Millie Small Millicent Small
Milo Lee Spence
Milton Morris Milton Henry
Miss Lou Louise Bennett Coverly
Mixman Dennis Bedeau
Monty Montgomery Monty Neysmith
Monty Morris Eric Morris
More Ears [Matumbi] Glaister Venn
Moses Livingston Livingston Edwards
Mother B aka Cedella Booker Cedella Malcolm
Mr. Bojangles Marvin Pitterson
Mr. Mutton Gary Johnson
Mr. Peck Gregory Foster
Mr. Vegas Christopher Smith
Munga Honourable Damion Rhoden
Mutaburuka Alan Hope
Mykal Somer Dwayne Somersall
Myrie & Marshall Errol Lewis & Errol John Marshall
Mystic [Mystic Revealers] Billy Wilmont
Mystic MC Mustapha Coker
N.Y.K.E. Newton Thompson
Nahki Naoki Yamaguchi
Naja Nkosi Desota Barker
Nambo Ronald Robinson
Nando Boom Fernando Brown
Nasio Nasio Fontaine
Natural Black Mortimer Duke Softley
Navvie Nabbie Mark Williams
Negus/Flacko Robert Palmer
Nicodemus Cecil Wellington
Nigger Kojak Floyd Anthony Perch
Night Nurse Amy Wachtel
Nikki Burt Nicole Marcella Burt
Niney the Observer aka Winston Holeness George Boswell
Ninjaman aka Uglyman Desmond John Ballentine aka Lynval Balentine
Nitty Gritty Glen Agustus Holeness
NiyoRah Nigel Olivacce
Notch Norman Howell
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Burning Spear Receives Order of Distinction, Readies New Album for '08
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(Left to right: Bootsy Collins, Burning Spear, and Bernie Worrell in
studio)
Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney was bestowed the Order of Distinction (O.D.) upon him by the Jamaican Government earlier on Heroes Day, in recognition of his service through music to the Jamaican society. “This award was a long time coming and was forst initiated by journalist Devon Evans from St Ann, my home parish, and I am glad to receive the honor,” says Spear. Rodney has led the way musically, in keeping with another Jamaican hero, Marcus Garvey‘s spirit and message alive, and in advocating through his songs. Through the teachings of Garvey, combined with his own life experiences, Burning Spear has endeavored to educate, inform, and uplift people around the world with his message of self-determination and self-reliance for all African descendants.
Spear has also been busy in the studio the past few months recording tracks for his all-new studio album targeted for early 2008 release. Joining him in the studio performing on several of the album tracks were Parliament-Funkadelic legends bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell. Spear comments, “I think I needed something different for the new album and the vibe working with them was very strong like we had worked together for many years.”
A new 2 disc, 25 track compilation titled the Burning Spear Experience from Burning Music Productions was released recently with rare unreleased tracks, alternative versions and live concert recordings spanning Spear’s career. All tracks on the compilation were chosen by Burning Spear himself. Included is a limited edition bonus DVD and is available exclusively at the Burning Spear Store on his official website, Borders Stores, and all leading music outlets. Burning Spear’s catalog of releases is available on is own Burning Music Productions and Think Indie distribution companies.
Tune in to the brand new Burning Sound radio station at LIVE365.com. Watch for upcoming live shows, unreleased tracks, new dubs, rare tracks, re-mixes, interviews and more from the legendary Burning Spear. All brought to you by the man himself, Winston Rodney. Keep The Spear Burning !
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New Location Announced for Reggae Explosion 2007
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MBIG Music announces the new location for this year’s Reggae Explosion 2007 has been moved to GOLD COAST SKATING RINK - 2604 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale on the same date Saturday, November 17, 2007. The top international superstar artists in Reggae Dancehall music will be headlining this year’s Reggae Explosion 2007 including Sizzla Kalonji, Spragga Bemz, Mad Anju, and King Yellowman.
Joining the line-up is Red Square artist Greg Hines plus Patri and up and coming artists Calibe, Trevor Offkey, Twyce, Mitch and David Chin all backed by Jamaica’s legendary bands: Firehouse Crew and Sagittarius Band. Swatch Intl Sound (Passa Passa - Jamaica) will be providing music alongside Supa Sound, Gambino Sound, Daddy Al, and D-Nyce.
Reggae Explosion 2007 will bring the true island vibes with reggae fans set to party into the early morning hours. Advance tickets are $32 and can be purchased at all leading independent outlets, by phone (954) 609-9802 and online at MBIGMusic.com. Don’t miss this year’s premier concert event for South Florida brought to you by MBIG Music, Red Square Productions, and Kalonji Music.
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Restore Humanity to Host Benefit For Orphanage in Kenya
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Restore Humanity is hosting a benefit and silent auction on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at George's Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. The event features a live performance from Universal Recording Artist Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem Band. The festivities kick off at 7pm and all proceeds go to benefit Restore Humanity (501C3) a non-profit organization that facilitates direct aid to partner groups in South Africa and Kenya. Tickets are available on-line at www.restorehumanity.org.
The event will feature a silent auction which includes donations form the likes of a Peabody Hotel getaway in Little Rock, connoisseur wine baskets, and original paintings.
The event also features the launch of a 5-song Teach Your Children Restore Humanity EP recorded by Joseph Israel featuring acoustic versions of classics such as "Teach Your Children" by Crosby Stills, Nash & Young, and Bob Marley and The Wailers' "Johnny Was," which will be available as a digital downloads from all major digital music services, beginning November 20th. The artist will donate all royalties to Restore Humanity and its current project, the launch of an orphanage in the Nyanza province in Kenya, an area hardest-hit with the AIDS pandemic.
The founder of Restore Humanity, Sarah Fennel, happens to be related to Joseph Israel, who is Ms. Fennel's older brother. This pairing has resulted in a great opportunity to get music fans involved in non-profit giving. A digital booklet that discusses the mission of Restore Humanity is available with the purchase of the entire EP. For a sneak preview of the new songs, visit myspace.com/JosephIsrael.
As Joseph Israel notes, "I recorded these songs when I began performing in the acoustic setting and it was our A&R representative's idea back in May 2007 to match the digital release of these songs with a portion to benefit Restore Humanity."
Ms. Fennel is pleased that her brother's record company has come on board noting,"Universal is an organization that has been around for a long time. For them to have that confidence help raise awareness is great," adding, "I truly believe if we know better, we will do better, so education is crucial. I know that if people become educated, they can find their own way that they can help."
Restore Humanity was granted non-profit 501(c)3 in March 2007 with its purpose to start or help fund projects that will provide a solution to a problem in the world. This could be in the form of building houses, providing medical support, food, or other essentials, along with providing psychological and emotional support to people who have been through genocide and war. Restore Humanity's outreach focus is on educating the public about the grim realities that many people are living each day.
The goal for this year's fundraiser is to raise $50,000 to start an orphanage in the Nyanza province. The orphanage will serve primarily AIDS orphans in this area which has an HIV rate of 15% which is more than any other region in Kenya. The facility will serve 25-40 children and will provide outreach for other children in the area.
The actual structure is already in place and requires renovations. The land and the structure for the orphanage are a donation from the local Opot family. The facility will be staffed by a certified social worker who specializes in crisis counseling. Medications will be provided by partner non-governmental organizations.
Sarah Fennel recently returned from Kenya to establish plans for the building renovation for the orphanage. As she considers the purpose of fundraising she recalls, "When I was there two children died... a lot of these kids are living day by day. A small girl we met named Helen, six years old had difficulty breathing, her grandmother said she had been sick like that for months. We took a nurse up there, gave her a perscription for antibiotics for $12.00 and within a day she had regained her strength. It is amazing what a small amount of money can do."
ABOUT RESTORE HUMANITY
The origins of Restore Humanity are in South Africa. Sarah Fennel volunteered there after a life-long interest in Africa brought her to be of service. "Since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated with Africa. Over time I learned about the atrocities and other conditions there. I was always planning to make a trip and when it became time to go, I was drawn to go to South Africa. I stayed there for three months and it changed my life. I had homestays, and I felt so welcomed and was shown love everywhere I went." Her original thought was to start a non-profit, especially after she learned that one she was working with was embezzling money. She felt that perhaps she could make something happen and get things done in the right way. While in South Africa she made the necessary connections and kept in touch with everyone.
In the Fall of 2006, she carried out plans to ship a container from Houston to South Africa that contained clothes, books and other school supplies. At that time the laws in South Africa had been changed to prohibit used clothing from entering the country. This was in order to bolster the faltering textile industry there. As a result the shipment was held at the port. Ultimately the clothing in the shipment was diverted to victims of the hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast in the Fall of 2005.
The shipping company proceeded to cover the cost of the shipment completely. With this windfall, Sarah Fennel was able to return in January 2007 with funds to buy clothes, backpacks and other school supplies and food, thereby contributing directly to the economy there in South Africa.
The organizations that Restore Humanity shared the latest resources with include Knysna Hospice in Knysna outside of Capetown, a facility which provides care primarily for terminally ill AIDS patients and their familiies. And the other organization that benefited from the January 2007 visit is Masizame, a children's shelter that helps orphans transition to community life.
As Sarah Fennel looks to the future she encourages us to get involved noting, "Many become discouraged by the enormous amount of problems plaguing people all over the world. However, the more we are educated and become aware, the more we should stand up and help in whatever way we can, not shy away in fear."
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House of Reggae Booming with Live Shows Every Week
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After an extremely successful grand opening weekend in early October, the newly operational HOUSE OF REGGAE (1693A St-Denis Street) is now booming with live music with everything that is reggae in Montreal. From live shows every week, open mic jam sessions, various DJs, dub-poetry evenings, merchandise from the Montreal Reggae Festival, full course Caribbean meals, specials on all types of Caribbean drinks, tickets for Montreal reggae events, and much more…the House of Reggae thrives to be the one-stop-shop for everything reggae in Montreal.
With the increasing student population in the downtown area, the HOUSE OF REGGAE also offers FREE WiFi Internet where students can bring their laptop and study over a cup of Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain coffee or a choice of our many teas from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM every day, making it the only reggae venue in Montreal of its kind equipped with a full Restaurant, Bar, Café, Lounge, Private Terrace, and Live Concerts every week.
House of Reggae Weekly Schedule
Mondays – Community Fundraising through Music
Tuesdays – Open Mic Jam Session
Wednesdays – Open Mic Jam Session
Thursdays – LIVE BAND night
Fridays – LIVE BAND night
Saturdays – LIVE BAND night
Sundays – Roots, Rock, Café night with special DJs on rotation
Menu at a glance
The House of Reggae also boasts a number of specialty Caribbean dishes, such as: Stew/Jerk Chicken, King Fish, Red Snapper, Jerk Chicken Wings, Caribbean Soup, Fried Plantains, Ital, Vegetarian, Egg/Spring rolls, Quesadillas, Rhum Cake, and Banana Bread. The House of Reggae will also serve up Jamaica’s most famous coffee in the world, Blue Mountain Coffee, along with various types of teas, chais, as well as traditional Caribbean beverages such as, Carib, Sorrel, Ginger Beer, Guava, Mango, Ting, Pineapple, Vita Malt, and Jamaica’s famous Red Stripe.
About the House of Reggae
The House of Reggae is a classy live music resto-bar and lounge with a beautiful outdoor terrace that features live band and acoustic performances every weekend from reggae artists and musicians across Canada, and is open from 11am-3am every day of the week.
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Mikey Dread Battles Brain Tumor
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(Editor's Note: This press release comes directly from Dread At The Controls, Reggae Festival Guide sends our prayers and positive vibes to Mikey Dread and his family)
For months now, many of you have made inquiries about Mikey Dread. Mikey believes that it is important that his fans, friends and supporters know about his current health condition and the treatment he is currently undergoing, and what has happened to him since July, 2007.
The bad news is that Mikey Dread has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is in the care of the best doctors at Duke University in North Carolina and is undergoing chemotherapy. Mikey is working towards recovery and does not give up his faith in God. God is watching out for him.
There is certainly good news coming out of the DATC camp. The good news is that Monika's and Mikey's son was born healthy and strong on October 12, 2007 and he will run "Dread at the Controls" in the future.
Mikey Dread's fans can contact him through email:
mikey@mikeydread.com
www.myspace.com/datc
www.myspace.com/mikeydread
www.myspace.com/lifeisastagecd
www.mikeydread.com
According to Mikey Dread, "Dread at the Controls reggae music and dubs music continues to break down the walls, internationally."
My respect and love still stand to you.
Respect,
Mikey
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UPCOMING RENENGADE CONCERTS SHOWS
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Junior Reid
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Harlows, Sacramento, CA
9:00 pm (Doors Open at 8:30 pm)
21 and over
$20.00 advance
Friday, November 30, 2007
Historic Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
9:00 pm (Doors Open at 8:00 pm)
All ages
$20.00 advance
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Watch the Sean Paul Video for "Watch Dem Roll" on You Tube
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This is on the new Stephen McGregor rhythm called "Tremor"
Check out this link on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrvjQNJrRug
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Soul Majestic
Visit www.soulmajestic.com or call 866-372-9033 for more info and updates
Joseph Israel & The Jerusalem Band
Wed 11/7/07 The Soiled Dove Denver CO
7401 E. 1st Ave.
Denver CO 80230
Doors 7pm
Showtime 9pm
Tickets $12 adv Reserved $18
Ticket info 303 830-9214
www.soileddove.com
Thurs 11/8/07 Hodi's Halfnote Fort Collins CO
167 N. College
Fort Collins CO 80524
Doors 8pm
Showtime 9pm
Tickets $7 adv $10 D.O.S
www.hodishalfnote.com
Sat. 11/10/07 Sherpa and Yeti's
320 S.Main St
Breckenridge CO 80424
Doors 9pm
Showtime 10pm
Info and tickets www.sherpaandyetis.com
Sun 11/11/07 Sandbar
2161 N. Frontage Rd
Vail CO 81657
Doors 9pm
Showtime 10pm
Tickets $10 Adv $12
Info and tickets www.sandbarvail.com
Mon 11/12/07 Mesa Theatre
538 Main st
Grand Junction CO 81501
Doors 8pm
Showtime 9pm
Tickets $10
Ticket info www.mesatheatre.com
11/14/07 The Fox Theatre
1135 13th St.,
Boulder CO 80302
Doors 8:30pm
Showtime 9:30
Tickets $10
Tickets and info www.foxtheatre.com
11/15/07 Jackpot Music Hall
with special guest: Jah Roots
943 Massachusets St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
Tickets and info: www.thejackpotsaloon.com/
11/17/07 George's Majestic Lounge
Restore Humanity Benefit
519 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville, AR 72701
Tickets and info: www.restorehumanity.org
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November's bright stars
November 11, 1961 Lindon "Half Pint" Roberts
November 14, 1960 Admiral Tibet
November 17, 1955 Edi Fitzroy
November 21, 1954 Everton Blender
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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.
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