| December 21 , 2007 |
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Vol 4, Issue 31
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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THE REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE STAFF WISHES YOU A JOYOUS SEASON!
ONE LOVE AND WARM REGARDS FROM:
JUSTINE, KAATI, AMY, ANTHONY, ROBBIN, DORIE, DORIS, KRISTINE C, KRISTINE S, LEANN & ARIANNE
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FREE CD Promotion for Your New Release!
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The first 20 artists/labels that send in their promotional material will get a FREE CD promotion with music right here on the Eguide that reaches almost 15,000 readers each week!
Simply send an mp3, a 200 word count description of CD, along with a song listing (we do not do reviews), and a scan of CD cover to: Justine@reggaefestivalguide.com. Please include your website information.
Put the name of the CD in the subject of the email.
Fans, be sure to check back each week for the hottest reggae!
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Upstate Reggae on the River (NY) Announces Festival Date
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Upstate Reggae on the River (URotR) has announced that the messenger, Luciano is headlining the first Annual Reggae and Caribbean Festival at Croton Point Park in Westchester County, New York is slated for August 23, 2008.
This festival will celebrate the best of African, Latino, and Caribbean entertainers in an area with little access to cultural Diaspora entertainment with a strong emphasis on the environment. It will be an all-day family event which will feature vendors selling food, arts and crafts as well as environmentally educational booths. There will also be a children's area for poetry, dance, art and workshops focusing on healthy lifestyle alternatives. Other acts are being confirmed.
The event is geared toward raising awareness to environmental concerns and preserving and sustainability in the Hudson Valley region and the Caribbean . The specific theme this year will be promoting New York’s recycling initiatives. In addition, Upstate Reggae on the River Inc., will be using concert proceeds to provide educational materials and equipment to select educational and environmental charities.
Co-promoter: Lauren Drummond is a well recognized entertainment and travel journalist, Drummond has written for the Jamaica Gleaner, The Danbury News Times, The Journal News, Caribbean Link and others. Drummond was the first Caribbean journalist to cover the Midem Music Conference in Cannes, France. She has been a driving force in a host of entertainment projects including the Sonia Moodie tribute concert, The Dennis Brown Memorial Org, the Westchester Reggaefest, and helped with promoting the Caribbean showcase at the Midem Music Conference. She was awarded by the International Reggae and World Music Awards for her contributions to the community and is a member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) and the National Association of Female Executives.
Her partner Sarah de Traeger has spent many years working in the music industry, from doing graphic illustration for bands, merchandising, promoting music, and lately, she has become a DJ Sarah de Selektor. De Traeger has been working with Phoenicia Green, a recycling program in the Pheonicia Elementary school , which has lead to her playing a key role in revamping the entire Onteora School District in upstate New York.
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BUJU BANTON INNA HEIGHTS - 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
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Gargamel Music, Inc., in association with Penthouse Music and VP Music Group, is proud to announce a very special Buju Banton release: The Inna Heights - 10th Anniversary Edition, set to drop worldwide on Tuesday, January 8th.
The follow up to Banton's classic 'Til Shiloh album, Inna Heights, originally released in November 1997, furthered the artist's exploration of Roots Reggae with such spiritually enriching tunes as "Destiny," "Hills & Valleys," "Give I Strength" and "Close One Yesterday." The album received rave reviews from a host of international media outlets, including Rolling Stone magazine:
"The gruff voiced Banton blazes a wider - and far more colorful - social and stylistic path on Inna Heights... He delivers uplifting prayers to Jah ('Hills & Valleys'), unexpected tributes to single mothers ('Single Parent') and chilling a cappella dramas ("Circumstances"), while alternating swatches of shuffling ska with slow grinding lovers' rock and, in the case of 'Love Dem Bad' (his scorching chat session with Red Rat), bare backed, dancehall rhythm riding."
Digitally-remastered, the Buju Banton Inna Heights - 10th Anniversary Edition boasts 3 previously unreleased tracks from the time period: "Bad Boy," "Politics Time Again" and "Situations" featuring Morgan Heritage. The 2 Disc Deluxe package also includes a Bonus DVD containing 40 minutes of live performance footage and the accompanying music video for the smash hit single "Destiny."
I am especially pleased to share the Inna Heights - 10th Anniversary Edition with my fans around the globe who have faithfully supported my work throughout the years," says the icon, Banton, who is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his hotly anticipated Roots Reggae album Rasta Got Soul, scheduled for a Spring 2008 release on his Gargamel Music label.
For more information about Buju Banton, simply log on:
www.myspace.com/bujubanton
www.myspace.com/ gargamelmusicinc
www.youtube.com/gargamelmusic
www.gargamelmusic.com
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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. After just one year, WE NOW HAVE OVER 2,700 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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Government of Jamaica Declare February Reggae Month
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The Government of Jamaica is to declare February Reggae Month, according to Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.
She was speaking at the launch of the Reggae Academy Awards held recently at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
"I really want to say to you that the Government will be announcing, at the highest level, a declaration of February as "Reggae Month" and it will be announced and presented in a manner that will impact not only in Jamaica but across the world," she stated.
The Recording Industry of Jamaica (RIAJ), will host activities covering the entire month of February, highlights of which will include a three-day reggae film festival, the Africa Unite concert and documentary.
According to Minister Grange, the film festival is intended to be the
foundation of Jamaica's film academy that will archive films for research, screening and education.
Scheduled to run from February 15th to the 17th, the film festival will feature movies that have reggae music as the subject, storyline or content; focusing on film as an aspect of Jamaica's music culture," she said. Minister Grange added that the festival will be co-ordinated by journalist/cultural activist Barbara Blake Hannah, who was responsible for co-ordinating Jamaica's first film festival in the 1970s.
Further, she said, "The interesting thing about February of next year, is that there will be a number of other activities taking place during that month. And I'm encouraging as many organizations, companies and individuals to plan your activities around that month to enhance and to complement the other activities that are now being announced."
The minister also highlighted a special event to be co-hosted by Chris Blackwell and Rita Marley at Strawberry Hill on February 6, the anniversary of the birth of late reggae legend Bob Marley.
Grange announced that the Africa Unite film and concert will be presented by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, at James Bond Beach in Oracabessa.
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Mega-Lineup Announced for Rebel Salute
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The 15th Annual Rebel Salute is set to take place on Saturday, January 12th at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The Caribbean's largest Roots Reggae Festival features music with clean lyrical content, in an alchohol and meat-free environment. For more information visit www.tonyrebel.com.
The Line-up is as follows:
Artists:
Ini Kamoze
Monty Alexander
Capleton
Luciano
Junior Reid
Queen Ifrica
Tarrus Riley
Etana
Jah Cure
Tony Rebel
Jimmy Riley
Richie Spice
Collie Buddz
Busy Signal
I Wayne
Lutan Fyah
Chalice
Leroy Gibbon
Sugar Minott
Demarco
Errol Dunkley
Ray Darwin
Terry Linen
Edi Fitzroy
Louie Culture
Choc'late
Spanner Banner
Steele
I-Octane
Malijah
History Man
Honey Comb
Torch
Patriot
Leaf of Life
Junior Rebel
Aaron Silk
Ernie Smith
Pluto Shervington
Lenky Roy
George Nooks
Fire Pashon
Duane Stephenson
I-Maroon
Andrew
Wada Blood
Emcees:
Mutabaruka
Big A
Ron Muschette
Flames
Bands:
Live Wyya
Team Band
Music by:
Sky Juice
Metro Media
Ilaweh
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Billboard Year-End Top Reggae Albums Charts
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More than 26 years after his death, Bob Marley continues to sell records, topping Billboard's year-end Top Reggae Albums chart.
The list-capping title, "Forever Bob Marley" (Madacy Special Products/Madacy), is a set of songs from the reggae great's pre-Island Records days.
Bob Marley & the Wailers also come in at No. 9 with "Africa Unite: The Singles Collection" (Island/Tuff Gong/UMe/IDJMG) and No. 10 with "Gold" (Tuff Gong/Island/Chronicles/UMe), both selections of such fan favorites as "Stir It Up" and "Get Up, Stand Up."
Carrying on the family tradition, Marley's sons Stephen and Damian claim the No. 2 and 3 rungs on the year-end reggae albums chart with "Mind Control" (Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic/UMRG) and "Welcome to Jam Rock" (Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic/UMRG), respectively. The brothers also rank at Nos. 3 and 4 on the Top Reggae Artists year-end chart.
For the second year in a row, New Yorker Matisyahu tops the Reggae Artists chart, continuing to garner new fans with his mix of hip-hop and reggae, as well as his lyrics about his Hasidic Jewish background. His three albums, "Youth" (Or/Epic/Sony Music), "No Place to Be" (One Haven/Or/Epic/Sony Music) and "Live at Stubb's" (Or/Epic/Sony Music), are Nos. 5, 6 and 11, respectively, on the Top Reggae Albums chart.
Longtime star Sean Paul's "The Trinity" (VP/Atlantic/AG) reaches No. 4 on the Top Reggae Albums chart for 2007, dropping from the No. 1 spot in 2006. Paul also comes in at No. 5 on the Top Reggae Artists recap.
Elsewhere, VP's "Reggae Gold" compilations continued to do well, with the 2006 edition rounding out the album chart at No. 15 and the 2007 edition coming in at No. 8.
Controversial artist Beenie Man, who has been accused of inciting violence against homosexuals in the past and was cited by a Jamaican court for tax evasion earlier this year, ranks at No. 14 on the Top Reggae Albums chart for "Undisputed" (Shocking Vibes/Virgin) and No. 10 on the Top Reggae Artists chart.
Here are the top-selling Reggae Records for 2007!
# Title Artise Label
1 Forever Bob Marley Bob Marley Madacy Special Products/Madacy
2 Mind Control Stephen Marley Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic/UMRG
3 Welcome To Jamrock Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic/UMRG
4 Youth Matisyahu Or/Epic/Sony Music
5 The Trinity Sean Paul VP/Atlantic/AG
6 No Place To Be Matisyahu One Haven/Or/Epic/Sony Music
7 Collie Buddz Collie Buddz Columbia/Sony Music
8 Reggae Gold 2007 - Treasure of the Caribbean Various Artistes VP
9 Africa Unite - The Singles Collection Bob Marley And The Wailers Island/Tuff Gong/UMe/IDJMG
10 Gold Bob Marley And The Wailers Tuff Gong/Island/Chronicles/UMe
11 Live at Stubb's Matisyahu Or/Epic/Sony Music
12 Too Bad Buju Banton Gargamel
13 Raised by the People Notch Cinco Por Cinco/Machete
14 Undisputed Beenie Man Shocking Vibes/Virgin
15 Reggae Gold 2006 Various Artistes VP
Reuters/Billboard
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Jah Cure Performs Before 15,000 in Port Of Spain
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Love reigned supreme December 16 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain/Trinidad/Tobago, as Jamaican reggae artist Siccature "Jah Cure" Alcock shared his sonic antidotes for pain and suffering with more than 15,000 patrons.
"The Next Chapter in the Life of Jah Cure", as it was dubbed was hosted and produced by Crab Connection and lived up to expectations in attracting the largest audience of any concert this year.
It was announced that he would film the performance of his new single "Freedom" as part of a video.
Cure, 29, was released on parole from a Jamaican prison on July 28, after serving eight years of a 15-year sentence. He was arrested in November 1998 on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery and subsequently found guilty and jailed.
Maintaining his innocence throughout his trial and imprisonment, Cure recorded three albums and many singles, which topped the Jamaican charts.
The singer was preceded on the night by a host of Trinidadian and Jamaican acts, including: Royal Daintes, Levi Myaz, Everton Blender, Fantan Mojah and the veteran, Pinchers.
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26th IRAWMA TO BE PREMIERED AT WILD HARE CLUB, CHICAGO
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The official premiere of the film recordings 25th and 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will be shown on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 7:00pm, at the Wild Hare Reggae Club, 3530 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois.
This will be a double bill Awards showing of reggae’s best on stage. The evening 7:00pm to 10:00pm will, also serve as a fundraiser for the 27th Chicago Music Awards, coming at the Park West Theatre, on January 27, 2008
Produced by Martin’s International and Associates, and sponsored by American Airlines the 25th and 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards, took place at the world famous Apollo Theater located at 253 West 125 Street, New York City, in May 2006 and 2007.
Top reggae artists featured will include: Damian Marley, Sean Paul, Luciano, Nas, Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Half Pint, Marcia Griffiths, Dean Fraser, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Machel Mantano, Doug E. Freash, Muta, Cheville Franklyn, Leon and the Peoples, Gyptian and many more.
More than 150 entertainers and music industry professionals were nominated in this coveted IRAWMA’s, while others have been selected for special awards by music industry experts across the globe.
The three segments of the showing are: The Red Carpet arrival, presentation and concerts. Hip Hop legend Doug E. Fresh will be the host of the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards, while the Nab Tri International African Dancers will entertain the crowd with vibrant movements and colorful traditional attire during the VIP reception.
Top celebrities walking the red carpet will include Congressman Charles Rangel, Congresswoman Una Clarke, Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Damian Marely, Sean Paul, Doug E. Fresh, Chevelle Franklyn, Machel Montano, Luciano, Ce’Cile, Lady G, Tarrus Riley, Leon & The Peoples, Half Pint, B.B. Seaton & the Gaylads, Alaine, Dean Fraser, Da’Ville, Ruff Stuff, Katalys Crew, Mutabaruka, Ed Robinson, Winsome Benjamin, among others.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE 2008 NOW ACCEPTING AD ORDERS!
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As the end of 2007 approaches, it is now time to consider budgets for next year.
Be sure to include the 2008 printed magazine in your plans!
If you require something more immediate, we offer year-round prime real estate on the home page (and repeated on every page) of our top-ranking website: www.reggaefestivalguide.com.
You can also advertise here on the e-guide newsletter and reach over 12,600 weekly subscribers!
For more information please write to: advertising@reggaefestivalguide.com to be set up with an advertising representative or call 775-337-8344.
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Attention Photographers: Your Photo Could Be The Cover of the 2008 Reggae Festival Guide Magazine!
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The RFG team is now gearing up for the 2008 issue of the Reggae Festival Guide magazine!
We’re searching for a vertical, hi-resolution, outdoor shot for our cover that is colorful and sharp and gives the feeling of festival, fun, music, etc… one that imparts the essence of the Reggae festival vibe.
If your photo is selected you will be a published photographer in the largest Reggae magazine in the United States!
If chosen, your photo will not be used for any purpose without written permission.
Email examples ASAP to our editor at Anthony@ReggaeFestivalGuide.com
A web link also works well for viewing if available.
Note: Only the cover shot will receive compensation. Photos are also being considered to use within the magazine articles as needed. Credit is given in the masthead and next to published photos.
Thanks in advance.
Anthony Postman/Editor
Reggae Festival Guide magazine
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UB40 Performs to Sold-Out Crowd in Wales
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Generations to come may not quite believe the success of a reggae group hailing from the West Midlands, U.K. and not the West Indies, but UB40 have consistently proved that you don’t have to be black to make good reggae music.
Their sell-out concert December 17 at Cardiff International Arena in Wales mixed a party atmosphere and celebration of the genre with a polished performance by the band.
And never was this more true than halfway through the two-hour set when Maxi Priest introduced the group and Ali and Robin Campbell took back seats at their own show.
The fun-loving crowd bopped as if they were on a sun-kissed Barbados beach rather than the packed aisles of the CIA as the Birmingham band introduced a string of new songs – and some of their well known hits.
It was the crowd pleasers Rat In Mi Kitchen, Kingston Town, Red Red Wine and their 1993 chart-topping cover of Elvis Presley’s (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You that drew the most adulation, the group showing that when your fan base is this dedicated, critical acclaim matters not.
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UPCOMING RENEGADE PRODUCTIONS CONCERTS
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www.renegadeshows.com
530-583-2801
80s U.K. Ska Sensation - THE ENGLISH BEAT Featuring Dave Wakeling
Fri, January 25
MontBleu Resort, Stateline, NV
All Ages
Friday, February 1
Miners Foundry, Nevada City, CA
All Ages
Sat, February 2
Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
All Ages
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Gregory Isaacs with the Live Wyaa Band
Feb 16 - Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Convention Center
Feb 18 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Sports Arena
Feb 19 - Santa Barbara, CA - SoHo
Feb 20 - San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brew
Feb 21 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's
Feb 22 - Santa Cruz, CA - Civic Auditorium
Feb 23 - San Francisco, CA - Bill Graham Civic
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Happy Solstice, the Root of Christmas 12/22
Robin Campbell, vocalist, UB40 born December 25, 1954
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Reggae Festival Calendar!
CLICK ON FESTIVAL NAME TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE
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Magnum GT Taylor Christmas Reggae Extravaganza
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Hotline: 876-381-1640
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2nd Annual Reggae Jam Concert
Monday, January 1, 2008
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Hotline: 415-286-4190
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$1000 Slanggmedia All Star Dance Competition
Saturday-Saturday, January 12-19, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hotline: 416-333-1342
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2008 African Music Festival POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Hotline: 305-416-5977
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Reggae Legend Birthday Bash
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.
Hotline: 269-271-5219
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27th Chicago Music Awards
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Park West Theater, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Hotline: 312-427-0266
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Bob Marley Soul Rebel Celebration
Saturday-Saturday, February 2-9, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Hotline: 404-250-4703
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8th Annual Chinese New Year
Saturday-Sunday, February 2-10, 2008
Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica
Hotline: 919-618-2985
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Bob Marley 63rd Birthday Celebration in Zion
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tel Aviv, Israel
Hotline: +97295557772
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Raggamuffins Festival
Saturday-Sunday, February 16-17, 2008
Long Beach, California, U.S.
Hotline: 310-515-3322
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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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