| February 3, 2008 |
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Vol 5, Issue 5
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Reggae Festival Guide Celebrates the Life of Bob Marley
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Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley OM (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, guitarist, and activist. He is the most widely known performer of reggae music. Marley is regarded by many as a prophet of the Rastafari movement, although he was baptized by the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica on November 4, 1980.
Marley is best known for his reggae songs, which include the hits "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Three Little Birds", "Exodus", "Could You Be Loved", "Jammin'", "Redemption Song", and "One Love". His posthumous compilation album Legend (1984) is the best-selling reggae album ever, with sales of more than 12 million copies.
Marley was born in the small village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica as Nesta Robert Marley. A Jamaican passport official would later swap his first and middle names. His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, (born in 1895), was a white Jamaican of English descent, who lived in Liverpool. Norval was a Marine officer and captain, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, a black Jamaican then eighteen years old. Norval provided financial support for his wife and child, but seldom saw them, as he was often away on trips. In 1955, when Marley was 10 years old, his father died of a heart attack aged 60. Marley suffered racial prejudice as a youth, because of his mixed racial origins, and faced questions about his own racial identity throughout his life. He once reflected:
I don't have prejudice against himself. My father was a white and my mother was black. Them call me half-caste or whatever. Me don't dip on nobody's side. Me don't dip on the black man's side nor the white man's side. Me dip on God's side, the one who create me and cause me to come from black and white.
Marley and his mother moved to Kingston's Trenchtown slum after Norval's death. He was forced to learn self-defense, as he became the target of bullying because of his racial makeup and small stature (5'4" or 163 cm tall). He gained a reputation for his physical strength, which earned him the nickname "Tuff Gong".
Marley became friends with Neville "Bunny" Livingston (later known as Bunny Wailer), with whom he started to play music. He left school at the age of 14 and started as an apprentice at a local welder's shop. In his free time, he and Livingston made music with Joe Higgs, a local singer and devout Rastafari who is regarded by many as Marley's mentor. It was at a jam session with Higgs and Livingston that Marley met Peter McIntosh (later known as Peter Tosh), who had similar musical ambitions.
In 1962, Marley recorded his first two singles, "Judge Not" and "One Cup of Coffee", with local music producer Leslie Kong. These songs, released on the Beverley's label under the pseudonym of Bobby Martell, attracted little attention. The songs were later re-released on the box set, Songs of Freedom, a posthumous collection of Marley's work.
In 1963, Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, Peter McIntosh, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith formed a ska and rocksteady group, calling themselves "The Teenagers". They later changed their name to "The Wailing Rudeboys", then to "The Wailing Wailers", and finally to "The Wailers". By 1966, Braithwaite, Kelso, and Smith had left The Wailers, leaving the core trio of Marley, Livingston, and McIntosh.
For more on Bob Marley's remarkable life visit wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley
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CRMA's Calling Nadine Sutherland's Name
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Latest CD is Nominated for Two Awards
2008 is off to a great start for Jamaica's beloved reggae diva Nadine Sutherland. Her critically acclaimed album Call My Name (released last May) is up for two Canadian Reggae Music Awards. The popular lead single, "Big Tingz", has been nominated for Best Reggae Single- International while the full album (produced by Kenroy "YahBreeze" Archibald and Nadine for Eight76 Records) is up for Best Reggae Album in the International category.
Nadine, who is headed to South Florida next week to perform at the highly anticipated Evening of Love & Togetherness Concert, was thrilled when she got word of the nomination. "Call My Name is such a special project, and when I see it being recognized I am happy. We never had a big budget like a lot of other labels and producers, not a lot of the big promotion dollars, so we have just really worked hard to let people know about Call My Name and get to hear the album. The response to the music is true and sincere, so I am thankful."
Call My Namewas released eight months ago and has yielded several popular singles; "Keep Me Safe", "Can't Tek It (a duet with Chrisinti)", "Remedy" and "Big Tingz" which is up for it's own award in the best single category. "Big Tingz" was also named one of the Top 100 Reggae Singles of 2007 in New York. The title track and new singles has just been released to radio and is already getting great response. At the time of its release numerous reggae music heavyweights including Merritone, Roger Steffens, Clinton Lindsay, and Rob Kenner took note of the album for it's creativity, production quality, and performances calling it the best work thus far for both Nadine Sutherland and Eight76 Records.
Discovered at the age of nine as the winner of the inaugural Tastees Talent Contest and sgined to Bob Marley's fabled Tuff Gong International label, Nadine is known for some of reggae's biggest hits ("Action", "Babyface", "Anything For You", etc.). This newest season of her journey represents Nadine at full bloom in multiple mediums. She will be back for this year as a judge on the mega-popular t.v show Digicels' Rising Stars, she is discussing several writing projects, and she and YahBreeze are already working on a follow-up to Call My Name. Nadine will also be visible during the upcoming awards season in Jamaica as a presenter. Of course, she will definitely be attending the 21st Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards March 30th in Ontario Canada.
Don't miss Nadine Live in Concert Sunday February 10th 2008
Love & Togetherness at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, Florida
also featuring Taurus Riley, Coco Tea, Ken Boothe & many more
Visit the Eight76 Website and Join the Movement! www.eight76records.com
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Music Industry Players Fear Looming Monopoly
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by Yasmine Peru
Producers, managers and artistes in the reggae music industry have expressed shock and distress at the recent release by VP Records that they have made an offer to buy out competing record company, Greensleeves.
When contacted by the Observer, a number of them were caught off guard, as it was the first they were hearing the news and said they "needed to really formulate a response". The initial responses, however, were mostly the same lament, "So VP have the monopoly, now."
One artiste manager, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had heard the rumour about six months ago and "had suggested to somebody" that they make contact with another company which would be equally interested in acquiring Greensleeves. "This monopoly thing can't work," he emphasised.
A number of local artistes had been signed to Greensleeves, but the word is that they contracts had expired. Efforts to reach two such artistes, Vybz Cartel and Macka Diamond proved futile.
VP representative in Jamaica, Yolande Zanders, was unable to give any further comment, as she said that the principals of the company were at Midem, France, at the annual music expo and would not return to their New York base until next week, "at which time they will issue a comment."
It was in March 2006 that Zest Group PLC, acquired the entire share capital of independent reggae record label and music publisher Greensleeves Records for £3.25m in cash and shares. This acquisition made the Zest Group, one of the largest independent reggae publishers and record labels in Europe.
Greensleeves is based in Isleworth, Middlesex, and has a promotions office in New York. The company has an established presence in a number of the specialist reggae markets throughout the world and, in particular, the UK, the USA, Japan, France, Germany, Benelux, Canada and Scandinavia.
Greensleeves was founded in 1975 and the Greensleeves record label was launched in 1977. For over 27 years it has been one of the companies at the forefront of the constantly evolving reggae genre of music. Initially 'roots' reggae was its main focus, with artistes such as Dr Alimantado and Augustus Pablo being closely associated with the label. In the early 1980s Greensleeves launched the first record of 'digital' reggae emanating from Jamaica, Wayne Smith's Under Me Sleng Teng, and released many digital recordings over the following years including Gregory Isaacs' Rumours.
Greensleeves has a comprehensive reggae back catalogue - 400 albums and 900 singles - from the 1980s onwards.
Reprinted from Jamaica Observer
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MEMORIES WANTED!
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE WANTS YOU! Each year we publish a section in our print magazine that centers around reggae memories. REGGAELECTIONS wants you to submit your favorite reggae memory for consideration in this year's publication.
The memory can be about most anything including your the first time you saw your favorite artist, or went to a festival, or met the love of your life through reggae. Please limit to 150 words or less and include a high resolution photo for consideration.
Email to: justine@reggaefestivalguide.com by February 29, 2008.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MYSPACE!
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Link us on My Space - We have nearly 3000 friends. Are you one of them? Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND!
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BOB MARLEY MOVEMENT'S CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL
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The Annual Ragga Muffins Festival - 4 Big Shows!
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Buy your tickets today! Go to www.raggamuffinsfestival.com
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Important Disclaimer
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Please note RBA Publishing Inc. is not able to accept responsibility for any losses or damages to any person acting on information contained on these pages, or warrant that information contained within articles, etc. are bona fide. Please check any details carefully before parting with any money.
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Wayne Wonder Meets I-Wayne Tour Dates
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Wed February 6 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theater
Thurs February 7 - Jacksonville, FL - Club Rain
Fri February 8 - Miami, FL - Florida Memorial College
(Wayne Wonder with band only)
Sat February 9 - Fort Myers, FL - Vinnie's Cuisine
(Wayne Wonder with band only)
Sat February 9 - St. Marteen - Celebration Village (I-Wayne appearance only)
Sun February 10 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Cafe
additional Wayne Wonder Dates (after tour - track dates)
Wed February 13 - Bladensburg, MD - Crossroads Entertainment Complex
Sat February 23 - West Palm Beach, FL - Mai Tais
www.WayneWonder.com
www.myspace.com/waynewonder4life
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3rd Annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute
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A benefit for the Daily Bread Food and the Ernestine's Women Shelter
www.nufunk.ca presents...
3rd Annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute
Saturday, February 9th, 2008
Lee's Palace
529 Bloor St. W (at Bathurst)
TTC: BATHURST STATION (on Bloor Line)
A benefit for the Daily Bread Food and the Ernestine's Women Shelter
$10 w/ Canned Food Donation $15 at the Door
$9 Advance (in Stores Jan 9th)
SHANTI BABA, PLAY DE RECORD, SOUNDSCAPES, ROTATE THIS, UPRISING BOOKSTORE & ROACH0RAMA
FACEBOOK LINK HERE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8227721898
Featuring Live!"The House of David Gang" featuring guest Reggae Horn Section
featuring top reggae vocalists:King Selah, Michael Garrick, Tanny Medows, Meghan "Makaya" Kelday, High Plains Drifter, Uncledropsi, Jah-Lin & Lionheart of The Irie Band Mr. Flowers & The Flux Mobb Black Child, Lyndon John X, Dr. Dfunkt with reggae dj' & selectas: The MUVA SOUND SYSTEM, DJ VIOLET & SUPERHEAVY REGGAE
Tickets available at Shanti Baba, Uprising Bookstore, Soundscapes, Rotate This, Play De Record and online at http://www.nufunk.ca & http://www.ticketweb.ca
Doors open at: 9pm Show at: 9pm
This special evening of music is sponsored by: www.canadianreggaeworld.com, www.roachorama.com, www.fusicology.com, www.hiddenjungle.ca, Shanti Baba, www.nufunk.ca and more
More information and Group tickets can be arranged by emailing info@nufunk.ca
presented in association with: www.nufunk.ca www.myspace.com/nufunk
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EARLY BIRD TICKETS FOR SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL ON SALE NOW!
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Early-Bird Tickets are now available via mail order. 3-Day Early-Bird Music Tickets are only $115.00 each (children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a paid adult). To take advantage of this offer, your check or money order must be postmarked before March 1, 2008. Send your check or money order, along with a 41 cent stamp (no envelope) & your address (please print legibly) to:
SNWMF 2008
PO Box 208
Ryde, CA 95680
Camping Tickets On Sale
SNWMF is pleased to announce that Advance Camping Tickets are available, via mail order. Camping Tickets will also be sold at the gate, but if you are purchasing advance music tickets, we strongly encourage you to also purchase a camping ticket so as to minimize any delays in entering the venue. Advance Camping Tickets are $50.00 for cars, $125.00 for RVs and $250.00 for RVs with Hook-Ups. RV Hook-Ups are extremely limited and are sold, via mail order, on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is for 3-Day Music Ticket holders only, and each vehicle occupant must have a 3-Day Music Ticket. Remember: Only one Camping Ticket required per vehicle. Send your check or money order to the address above.
Please visit www.snwmf.com for more information!
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Reggae Festival Guide 2008 Magazine Now Accepting Advertising Reservations
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Reach 100,000 reggae fans this spring with an ad in the 2008 Reggae Festival Guide magazine. Affordable and effective!
For rates, deadlines and dimensions, simply email advertising@reggaefestivalguide.com or call 775-337-8344.
The Reggae Guide Sez.....Ride the RFG Express To Success!
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UPCOMING RENEGADE CONCERTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON
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Mon, February 11 - PREZIDENT BROWN
Sawtooth Ridge Cafe, Tahoe City, CA
Monday, Feb 18 - ANTHONY B
Harlows, Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, February 20 - ANTHONY B
Miners Foundry, Nevada City, CA
Thurs, Feb 21 - GREGORY ISAACS
Opening act Zion Roots
Harlows Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, February 27
MIDNITE AND PREZIDENT BROWN
Mateel Comm. Ctr, Redway, CA
Friday, February 29
MIDNITE AND PREZIDENT BROWN
Historic Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
For more info or to order tickets visit www.renegadeshows.com or call 530-583-2801.
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Joseph Israel ON TOUR
Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem band kick off their upcoming tour in St. Louis, MO, at the Broadway Oyster Bar, on February 6, 2008, which would have been Bob Marley's 63rd birthday.
As Joseph Israel notes: "February is a great month to celebrate reggae music," notes Israel. "It is the time of the great Bob Marley's birth, and African-American history month...and it always seems that people are ready for the roots music to come warm their souls."
Other confirmed dates are Iowa City Yacht Club, Iowa City, IA, on February 7; The Wild Hare, Chicago, IL, February 9; Iowa State University at The Maintenance Shop in Ames, IA February 10; Kansas City, MO's The Record Bar February February 14th ; The Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS, February 16 and The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE on February 17th. Giving a nod to Bob Marley and The Wailers Joseph Israel notes: "It's been awhile since we have played in the Midwest and all music lovers should spread the word: this Joseph Israel Zion Train is coming your way."
Additional tour dates are as follows:
February 20, The Snorty Horse, Springfield, MO,
February 21 VZD’s Oklahoma City
March 1 The 15th Annual Caribbean Festival at Bayfront Park in Miami, FL
March 2 Jacksonville, FL at Free Bird
March 3 16 Taps in Wilmington, NC
March 4 The Emerald Lounge in Asheville, NC
March 5 The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA
March 6 Sullivan Hall (formerly the Lion’s Den) New York, NY
March 8 The Java Barn, Canton, NY
March 9 Bill’s Bar, Boston, MA
March 10 The Stone Church, New Market, NH
March 11 Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
March 12 The Blue Gator, Athens, OH
March 13 Annie’s, Cincinnati, OH
March 15 George’s Majestic, Fayetteville, AR
May 24, Desert Rocks Festival, Moab, UT
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FEBRUARY: AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH!
Dennis Brown born February 1, 1957
Robert Nesta Marley born February 6, 1945
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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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