ReggaeTimes

                  By Baldwin S. A. Howe

Jamaica is again set to get another dose of the internationally acclaimed Australian singing / song writing duo, Air Supply.  The dynamic duo is immensely popular here in Jamaica.  On their recent visit to the island on Mother’s Day, June 15, last. They did a fantastic performance to the delight of over two thousand adoring fans, mainly female, at the Cable and Wireless Golf Academy, in New Kingston.

This time around, Air Supply will be performing at the National Indoor Sports Centre, situated at the in the National Stadium Complex on December 14.  This special performance will be in aid of the charity organization, Food for the Poor.

Air Supply will be the headline act on an event billed as, “Command Performance Children for Charity.”  The bill will also feature national based acts, John Holt, Karen Smith, Nicky Dillon, and Cameal Davis.  Popular band, Lloyd Parks and We the People will accompany the national based acts.

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Marvin Pitterson, the CEO of Golden Promotions, who promoted the, “To Mom with Love” concert and is the promoter of the upcoming “Command Performance Children for Charity” event told Reggae Times that proceeds from the event will go towards funding an education programme.  This also involves the construction of 15 basic schools.  The cost of this venture will cost approximately $30 million.

Marvin Pitterson, while speaking to us explained that,  “Being one of the leading entertainment promotions company in Jamaica, and the fact that we have been greatly supported by the Jamaican public at our many shows, we thought it fit to give something back to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.”

“We have decided to collaborate with Food for the Poor on this signature, “Command Performance Children for Charity”, event from which the proceeds will go towards assisting their realizing their $30 million goal for the school construction programme.

The CEO public affairs of Food for the Poor, Bradley Finzi-Smith, told Reggae Times that the concert would help the organization achieve its goal.  He said, “Since the beginning of the year we have sought partnerships with a number of corporate entities with two goals in mind.  First, the heightening of public awareness of our activities over the past 25 years, and second, to raise funds that will be used to build much needed basic schools throughout the island.

Youths from the Children for Charity programme will also perform at the stellar event.  “Children for Charity”, was initiated in June 2008.  The stated objectives of this programme is to foster philanthropy among school students by getting them involved is raising funds for other children in need.

                                                                                         By R.T.

Guyanese promoter, Lennox Lewis, the CEO of Conscious Mind Promotions, is currently exuding joy and happiness at the success of his recently held production, “A November to Remember”, which was staged at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday November 15, last.

The event was a resounding success although it rained very heavily on the night of the event.

In expressing his joy to the national media, Lewis said.  “It was great….just great.  I had over10, 000 people inside the venue and if it did not rain I would have had at least 20, 000.

The “A November to Remember” concert featured popular Jamaican dancehall artistes, Vybz Kartel, Spice, Erup, D’Angel, Bugle, Konshens and Future Fambo.  Mr. Lewis informed Reggae Time that it was the first time the artistes mentioned above were performing in Guyana and the people embraced them lovingly.

In Lennox Lewis’ opinion, “Spice” and “Kartel” did real good shows. “They mashed up the place.  If I have another show tomorrow and bring them back, it would sell out.”  He declared.

Lennox Lewis is one o Guyana’s foremost promoters.  Earlier this year he promoted a package, which included Busy Signal, Da’Vile, DeMarco, and Tony Curtis.  He said.  “On that occasion I got about 8,000 people and that was also an excellent show.”

In remembering his best production so far, Lewis informed that his most successful promotion so far was the package he produced which featured Guyanese reggae act, Natural Black, Tanya Stevens, and DYCR.  That, production, he said, attracted over 15, 000 patrons.

Lennox Lewis plans to visit Jamaica early next year, and he said his next production will be staged in February 2009.  Lewis said he is also now involved in the record producing side of the music business and is in the process of putting together a compilation album to feature quite a few artistes, including Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Gyptian and Natural Black among others.

                                                                  By Baldwin S. A. Howe       

“A Moment in Time”, the annual concert series which is the brainchild of internationally acclaimed reggae balladeer, Beres Hammond, will have its second staging this year at the

Grandstands at the National Stadium on Sunday December 28. The important and significant news however, is the fact that Scotiabank has decided to renew its relationship with the production by being the main sponsor.

The fact that, “A Moment in Time”, is a musical production that features excellent quality entertainment with the involvement of some of Jamaica’s most outstanding musicians in a show that is well choreographed and successfully staged, it is a natural fit to be appended to the image of Scotiabank hence the company’s endorsement. 

In a recent media statement, Mrs. Joan Forrest-Henry, director of marketing services at Scotiabank said.  “Our association with this event gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to assist in showcasing Jamaican culture and music through a variety of channels and ‘A Moment in Time’ is an excellent vehicle for us to do this.”

In a move to fulfil his dream to present his music in his homeland, to his loyal Jamaican fans, in a manner that his music was originally created to be delivered, Beres Hammond staged the first, ”A Moment In time” concert in December 2007.  The event, which received critical acclaim, was a showcase in which Beres Hammond delivered a unique, intimate musical experience augmented by appearance of quite a few other reggae superstars who have travelled the musical road alongside him.  Some of those who appeared on the first, “A Moment in Time” concert are, Marcia Griffiths, Big Youth, Freddie McGregor, Buju Banton and Dean Fraser among others.

In welcoming Bruce Brown, the president and CEO of Scotiabank, who paid a visit to his Harmony House recording studio facility, on Dumbarton Avenue recently Beres Hammond said. :  “It is truly wonderful that Scotiabank continues to demonstrate a commitment to the national music industry by their support of first-class Jamaican entertainment events.  “We are pleased and honoured that the bank has unhesitatingly agreed to return as a sponsor for our very special concert.”

In an early release to Reggae Times, Beres Hammond along with the event’s producer TEAM Solutions have given the promise that this year’s event will definitely surpass last year’s and patrons will again enjoy another exceptional and distinctively creative musical experience when, “A Moment in Time 2008”, unfolds on December 28, at the Grandstands at the National Stadium.

Tickets for Beres Hammond’s “A Moment in Time 08” will go on sale during the first week of

December.

It was a final sound clash like no other. Music, Guinness and a whole lot of vibes characterised the Guinness Sounds of Greatness finals held at Mas Camp last Saturday. In what can be described as one of the most competitive clashes ever, Rebel T outperformed Bodyguard to become the first winners of the competition.

Walking away with a quarter million dollars, the Guinness Sounds of Greatness trophy and bragging rights, Rebel T ended the night on a high, after a keen battle for the top spot.

Performing in front of a capacity house, Rebel T and Bodyguard entertained the crowd as they delivered hits after hits throughout three rounds of the competition. Guinness also had the crowd buzzing with bucket deals and cash giveaways, while early juggling by Area Code and Turbo Crown set the stage for what turned out to be an electrifying sound clash.

Beginning in the juggling round, Bodyguard was up first and frontman Junior Vybz, dressed in a white mid-calf pants and matching hat, encouraged the crowd to let loose, while team-mates Quick Mix and  Thuggy Thuggy released a slew of popular hits, to mostly enthusiastic responses from the crowd. After the allotted 30 minutes, it was time for the self-proclaimed Mad Ras from Rebel T to take the stage.

Making his appearance with his usual energetic antics, Mad Ras jumped and danced for much of their 30 minutes, even leaping off the stage at one point. During their set, the crowd responded with much fanfare as they waved their rags and punched the air to show their excitement. Judging from the crowd’s response, Rebel T seemed to have claimed that round.

The tune fi tune section brought just as much excitement, as the sounds dug deep and played a bunch of songs—from oldies to the more current hits. With tensions high and MC Elva reminding the sounds of the prizes, the clash took a more serious turn as the selectors unleashed their “secret weapons” in an attempt to secure points from the crowd. This was important as crowd response, coupled with the decision of judges Jack Scorpio and Isaiah Laing, would ultimately determine the night’s champion.

“Bodyguard is known as a clash sound and people know we as a juggling sound, but a clash mi come fi clash,” declared Mad Ras, as selector Kirky Mental happily gave the crowd what they wanted to hear. Bodyguard experienced a few technical glitches during their set, but this didn’t dampen the energy of Junior Vybz, who skilfully mastered the crowd. Despite this, the crowd had once again given this round to Rebel T.

“Mi hear Mad Ras a say wi mus go back a country go look after animal, a wha kinda ting dat him a say?” questioned Junior Vybz, shortly before they played their “newscast” in the final dub fi dub round. The newscast, a version of which was unleashed during the semi-final round in St. Mary, featured a farmer complaining about the disappearance of his animals, in which “Mad Ras” was a prime suspect. This elicited wild laughter and applause from the crowd, who grew quiet in order to hear every word. In response, Rebel T unleashed dub after dub featuring some of dancehall’s more popular artistes, including newcomer Konshens and seasoned artistes Sizzla and Vybz Kartel. In what can be described as the most competitive round in the final, both sounds certainly brought their A-game, eliciting deafening screams and whistles. The crowd it seemed handed this round to Bodyguard for their creativity and versatility.

At the end of the night though, there could be only one winner. After much waiting the judges announced that the results were too close to declare a winner so the crowd would have to weigh in again. Elva asked the crowd to register their votes, not by shouts but by a silent show of hands. They complied and at the end of the night history was written in the name Rebel T.

“It is a great feeling knowing that Rebel T is on top. From I first step on the stage and I see how the crowd explode I know that we win,” declared Mad Ras. He says winning the competition has meant increased gigs for the sound, which has always been a “touring sound.”

“It explode our career all over the world because people been running down Rebel T for dates now, ever since we join this Guinness competition,” he said.

Jamaica’s most versatile band, Fab 5, will be in Monte Carlo this weekend to perform at the prestigious “IAAF Gala” at the Grimaldi Forum on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

The Gala is a live television event, beamed around the world, where the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) hands out their annual awards.  The feature event of the evening will be the naming of the IAAF Male and Female Athlete of the Year awardees.  Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, an international sensation, is expected to be crowned King of the Track for 2008, beating off the challenges from Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele and Cuba’s Dayron Robles. 

Veronica Campbell-Brown and Melaine Walker were both short listed for the Female Athlete of the year award but finished 4^th and 5^th in the voting.  It is believed that the invitation to Fab 5 is a direct result of the tremendous performance of the Jamaican team at the Beijing Olympic games and, in particular, the fantastic unprecedented performances by Bolt.  This year, the global television audience is expected to increase – due, again, to the popularity of the lanky Jamaican sprinter from Trelawny.

Standing L-R: Andre Palmer (trumpet); Frankie Campbell (Manager / Bass); Sidney Thorpe (keyboards); Romeo Gray (trombone).  Squatting L-R:  Donovan Palmer (keyboards / vocals); Asley “Grub” Cooper (Musical Director / drums / lead vocals); Glenroy Samuels (guitar / vocals).

Fab 5 will be accompanied by Marlon Simms, featured dancer and leading young choreographer with the N.D.T.C. and there is no doubt that at least some part of their performance will feature the now world-renowned, “gully creeper” and “nuh linga” dances.

Fab 5 have been a top Jamaican, dance, show and backing band ever since their formation 38 years ago (almost to the day), and remain in great demand in Jamaica and in the global Caribbean diaspora. Their recent “Fab 5 Live…” series is regarded as a musical history of Jamaican pop in four parts; and their recently-released BOX SET (including all 4 live CDs) has quickly become a heavy seller.

Fab 5 will be sure to represent Jamaica well in Monaco and will set the tone perfectly for the expected crowning of King Bolt.

For more information contact: 

Frankie Campbell

876-925-4057 (Tel)

fab5@cwjamaica.com (E-Mail)

The 11th anniversary of the vibes club, Asylum takes place on November 29 inside the popular party venue, Mas Camp on Oxford Road. Popular radio personality and newspaper columnist, Raggashanti will team up with dancehall artistes Shaggy and Cham, to host the event – a staple on the party calendar each year.

Hennessy, Pepsi and MacKersons Stout are the brands sponsoring this massive event, which has a $800 pre-sold, $1000 at the gate price tag. The party is set to feature top sound systems from all over the island, blasting good music for the thousands of expected patrons to enjoy all night long. As if the music that will be taking over the New Kingston night air on Saturday November 29 wasn’t enough for patrons to revel and enjoy themselves, Appleton Mug Madness deals will be available for only $700, which will allow patrons to drink Appleton mixes all night.

Owner of the Asylum Nite Club, Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung says that this year’s event is one that cannot be missed. “Boy, this year we’re going all out!” he exclaims. “There will be lots of surprises and giveaways for patrons. This year is the excitement year,” Chung explained.

Meanwhile, Earl Samuels, manager for the Knutsford Boulevard-located dancehall hotspot says that all entertainers and sound systems are welcome. “We need unity in the business now, and we need unity in the country. All entertainers, all disc jocks, every sound system, everyone is invited to Asylum 11th anniversary party, because its about entertainment and its about uniting the people and making sure they enjoy themselves,” Samuels contends.
Patrons will have lots to look forward to, such as a $10,000 cash prize every hour on the hour, as well as Digicel phone giveaways every hour as well. And if those weren’t enough, the first 500 patrons get a free bottle of MacKerson Stout upon entry.

More plans for the Asylum Anniversary will be revealed in the coming weeks, however one thing is sure – all the stops are being pulled out to ensure that patrons are treated to to the party of a lifetime.

 The food will be exquisite and the atmosphere will mirror a real reggae revolution vibe.

For the first time in Jamaica, all-inclusive party fans will get a chance to enjoy the  exclusive ambiance of an all-inclusive party while at the same time being entertained by some of Jamaica’s most talented and popular reggae artistes.

After years of clamouring by ardent all-inclusive party fans, Rasta Rules will, on Saturday December 6, 2008, stage what will go down in history as the first all-inclusive party fused with a live concert dubbed It’s A Reggaelution. As the name suggests, It’s A Reggaelution will be an event like no other, featuring reggae superstar Buju Banton, the ever cool Tarrus Riley, international reggae band Rootz Underground and the strong one Etana live on stage at the Liguanae Club with master Spin Doctors Arif “Supa Coop” Cooper & Delano from Renaissance on hand to ensure the musical vibes are perfect.

Food and drink will be inclusive and the food will have a reggae theme with all the traditional and not so traditional menus on offer by Oregano caterers under the direction of master chef Chris McCurdy. An assortment of imported wines will also be available as well as noted vodkas, and Jamaica’s new beer Kingston Beer and other popular liquors.

The Liguanea Club will be accentuated by the stylings of renowned decorator Jackie Tyson, who has over the years developed a reputation of creating high class styles and themes fitting the tastes of discriminating party fans. Jackie is noted for decorating events such as Shaggy’s Platinum Party and Tempo’s Jamaican launch at James Bond Beach and many others.

“The It’s A Reggaelution concept is without a doubt distinctive. We will be using all the resources at our disposal to transform the Liguanae Club into a ‘high fashion meets reggae’ theme. This is a first for Jamaica and as such we are planning several surprises to please the eyes of our patrons”. – Jackie Tyson, Decorator Extraordinaire

Tara Playfair, CEO of Rasta Rules and the brainchild behind It’s A Reggaelution, is excited about being able to produce an event of this nature for the fist time in Jamaica.

“For years party fans have been asking for this type of event. It’s A Reggaelution is a style event, one that blends the best of an all-inclusive with the vibe of a live concert. It’s the spot where reggae, good food and drink come together at one cost. We at Rasta Rules are proud to be the first to stage such an all-inclusive exclusive event in Jamaica. The food will be delicious, the drinks plentiful and the atmosphere will mirror a real reggae revolution vibe. The artistes have been every enthusiastic about being part of making entertainment history in Jamaica and fans have already began lining up to get tickets which are limited due to the intimate vibe we are going for.”

Gates to It’s A Reggaelution will open at 8pm and performances will begin at Midnight (12am) with the show running until patrons have had their fill of quality music, food and drinks. A limited number of tickets have been printed and are available at Shimmer, Uppercut Barbers, Images Hair Salon, all Cooyah stores, Genius Pharmacy (Portmore) and for those who would rather have tickets come to them Just Call Delivery Service will drop off tickets and allow for payment via debit or credit card.

There will be thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer including high end cellular phones and cash. The first five ladies to enter the venue will receive a gift basket of assorted goodies from Cooyah, Wray & Nephew, Sky Vodka and Kingston Beer, just to name a few.

On Saturday December 6, 2008 history will be created in Jamaica with the first all-inclusive reggae concert, it will truly be a Reggaelution. Rasta Rules plans to make It’s A Reggaelution an annual event, showcasing the best talent in International & Local reggae artistes and delectable cuisine. With presold tickets being rapidly sold, the response so far undoubtedly says that It’s A Reggaelution will be one to remember

January 22 – 24, 2009 will see Rose Hall, Montego Bay come alive with the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival which is gearing up to be even more electrifying than in previous years. The Festival, which has hosted acts such as George Benson, Erika Badu, Kenny G, Dionne Warwick, Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, Shaggy, Third World and a host of other top-class local and international performers, is expected to live up to its reputation of being the premier event on the Caribbean’s entertainment calendar. London’s effervescent and multi-talented new artiste, Estelle; Grammy Award-winning star Lionel Richie; and hit-makers Atlantic Starr are just some of the acts which will grace the stage at the 2009 Festival.

The new branding of the event as the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival was endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which now assumes the Title sponsorship of the festival. The change has given the Jamaica brand prime placement, a move which is expected to aid in positioning Jamaica as a premier event destination. Air Jamaica, original owner and promoter of the festival, remains committed to its partnership with the event, and will be the presenting sponsor for 2009.

Turn-Key Productions, the current promoter and producer of the festival, is happy with the name change. Walter Elmore, President of Turn-Key Productions remarked, ” we are excited about the name change as it reflect the confidence that the Jamaica Tourist Board has placed in us to stage a world class event which is worthy to be associated with the brand JAMAICA.”

A key feature on the line up will be the chart-topping O’Jays, whose I Love Music and Living for the Weekend seem ageless. The O’Jays celebrates 50 years as a performing group in 2009 and this anniversary debut in Jamaica promises to be spectacular. The group will also use their performance at the event to produce an anniversary DVD. Also included in the lyrical mix is Maxi Priest, known for such songs as, Close to You, Some Guys Have All the Luck and 1996 hit, That Girl featuring Shaggy. Maxi will use his performance at the festival to launch his new album which will hit the streets in 2009.

Vocalist Randy Crawford, accompanied by pianist Joe Sample, is also expected to be a hit with the audience. The two have had a long history starting with the 1979 classic Streetlife recorded with R&B veterans, Crusaders, of which Joe was a member. More recently the magical combination has again struck gold with the single Feeling Good, released in 2007. Randy has also worked with both Eric Clapton and David Sanborn to release the hit Knocking on Heaven’s Door and has produced other well known hits such as Give Peace a Chance.

Alto Reed, renown saxophonist of rocker Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band, will perform alongside several other legendary musicians as Alto Reed and the Blues Entourage. The combined musical talent of the group is without question and they are expected to excite the crowd with an amazing performance. Lou Gramm, former lead singer of the group Foreigner, and known for hits such as,” Midnight Blue”, “I want to know what love is“,” I Don’t Want to Live Without You” and “Say You Will” will also add his musical flair to the 2009 event. The 14-year-old Canadian sensation, Nikki Yanofsky who thrilled the crowd gathered at the Aqueduct on Rose Hall at the 2007 staging of the Festival, and who is now a top-selling recording artiste in Canada, promises to once again deliver a sizzling set at the upcoming event. The Festival, well known for its tradition of presenting a creative mix of musical genre on its worlds-class stage, will also feature the Cuban band, Los Van Van, whose music is a fusion of rock, funk, hip-hop, disco and Afro-Cuban sound.

There is no doubt that Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2009 will deliver all that is expected and more. The 40,000 plus patrons which attend the event over the three-day period is made up not only of Jamaicans, but also includes a wide range of visitors from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. With the increased attention that is being paid in promoting the 2009 Festival internationally, it is expected that the number of visitors to the 2009 event will increase, a fact which the JTB feels will greatly assist in filling the 4,000 new rooms which will be available between the Montego Bay and Negril areas by January.

The 2009 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival presented by Air Jamaica will be staged at the historic Aqueduct in Montego Bay from Thursday, January 22 to Saturday, January 24. Tickets for the Festival go on sale later this year. For more information and all the updates please visit the festival online at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com

For more information please contact:

                                                        By Baldwin S. A. Howe

Reggae Times regrets to have to report that veteran musician and bandleader, Byron Lee is dead.  He died yesterday at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Byron Lee, considered a shrewd and astute businessperson, is the pioneering bandleader of the popular, Byron Lee and Dragonaires band, which he formed in 1956.  Mr. Lee who was 73, has been, over the years, fighting transitional cell cancer and has received treatment in Miami, Florida, on several occasions.  He was recently further diagnosed with having bladder cancer.

 Hailed as a pioneer, Byron Lee celebrated a career that spans over 50 years.  Lee’s musical sojourn started when he learned to play the piano at an early age.  His interest in music took a pause, as he grew older and gravitated to sports.  Byron Lee later became a member of the Jamaica National Football team.  While being in this athletic phase he still found time for his music, which led to him teaching himself to play the bass, (this he did on a homemade bass he built.).  In 1950, He, along with his good friend, Carl Brady, put together the ‘skeleton’ of the Dragonaires band and began to perform at ‘gigs’ in and around their up-town communities.

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires came together officially in 1956, and from then went on to become one of the island’s top musical aggregations. The Dragonaires became one of Jamaica’s leading Ska bands and later gravitated to embrace other musical genres, such as, Reggae, Calypso, Soca and Mas among a few others.

 Byron Lee was actually in the contest for the title of leading the longest surviving band.  , (the current titleholder on record is the Mick Jagger led Rolling Stones, sprouted in the 1960s.).  Lee and his band are among the first set of leading Jamaican musicians who have assisted in making Jamaican music a major phenomenon worldwide. In the 1960s, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires along with a team of Jamaicans, including dancers, made the trip to the New York World’s Fair, thereby being among the first set of musical ambassadors from Jamaica.  At that time, the mission was to expose the world to the Jamaica invented, “Ska” music.  In 1990, after being a major ‘star attraction‘ at other Caribbean countries’ annual Carnival events he introduced, “Jamaica Carnival” to the nation .

Some of Byron Lee’s chart-topping hit songs from the Ska genre are, “Dumplings”, “Jamaica Ska”, and “Soul Ska.” Some later hits done in the Soca genre are, “Tiney-Winey”, “Tatie”, “Soca Butterfly”, “What A Feeling”, “Whine Down”, and “Soca Bogle” among many others.

Byron Lee was recently the receipient of the, “Order of Jamaica” honour during a special ceremony held at his bedside at University Hospital of the West Indies.  The Governor General, Sir Kenneth and Prime Minister Bruce Golding personally conferred the honour on him.  The Order of Jamaica is the nation’s fourth-highest honour.  Lee also received the Order of Distinction is 1982.  The Jamaican Government later upgraded this honour to Commander Class in 2007. 

Byron Lee is survived by his wife, Sheila; his sons. Byron Jr., and Edward John; his daughters, Deanna, Judith, Julianne, and Danielle; as well as his grandchildren, Amelia, Alexander, Jessica, Victoria, Amanda, Jaden and Dylan.

Reggae Times would like to join the many people worldwide in extending our condolences to Byron Lee’s immediate family and to express that all music loving people will sadly miss him.

 On Saturday November 15th, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Judah Tribe reggae band will release the highly anticipated and controversial song Judgment. The song has garnered the attention of media and music industry insiders because of its fiery lyrics. The FREE performance will take place at 9:00PM as part of the BAMcafe Live music series. BAM has hosted many notable talents including; Langston Hughes, Paul Simon, Patrick Stewart, Mark Morris, Paul Goodwin and many others.

Starting today, until November 15th, Judah Tribe will be offering FREE downloads of Judgment from the band website www.JudahTribe.com. Judgment was written as a tribute to Sean Bell who was killed by NYPD officers on his wedding day. The song features lead guitarist of Judah Tribe, father-in-law of Sean Bell, Les Paultre. The release of the single will coincide with the 2nd anniversary of the incident.

Just too easy, to pull the trigger,
Just too easy, to gun down a brother or sister,

Limited copies of the Judah Tribe album sampler will also be available at the BAM bookstore. The CD contains Judgment, the highly political Sleepwalker and the love song Sometimes Love.

About Judah Tribe
With a style reminiscent of the golden era of reggae music, Judah Tribe has honed its unique blend of soul reggae. Judah Tribe has captured the imagination of fans; comparisons to legends such as Bob Marley & The Wailers and Steel Pulse are not uncommon.

The music of Judah Tribe has been heard inside the walls of the United Nations as well as at many prestigious events including; Chase Sounds of The City at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Target 1st Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, the Boston Music Festival & the CMJ Music Marathon. Judah Tribe has also been featured at the Danny Simmons Corridor Gallery, S.O.Bs and Galapagos in New York City.

Judah Tribe is led by singer/guitarist Josh David. Josh David has toured extensively with Little Jackie, Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest and has played with internationally renown artist Stevie Wonder, Common, Rene Neufville and Joy Denalane.

Together with music director & keyboardist Eric Toussaint, aka The General, Josh David has crafted a unique sound that is stirring lots of conversation. With members stemming from Cameron, Jamaica, France, Haiti and the United States, Judah Tribe is developing a truly international following.

Their music takes me back to the days of The Wailers, Jacob Miller and the real reggae giants.
[Renowned reggae artist Ed Robinson]

The music of Judah Tribe is ready for the world
[Winston Watson of the legendary reggae group The Meditations]

About BAM
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is recognized internationally for its innovative programming of dance, music, theater, music-theater, opera, and film. BAM, America’s oldest performing arts center in continuous operation, has presented performances since 1861, and attracts an audience of 500,000 people each year.