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Reggae Journalist Sheelah Moody and actor - Robert Townsend with the RFG.
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I
got a photo op with acclaimed director/actor Robert Townsend at the San
Francisco Black Film Festival 2012 at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre in
June.
Remember, Townsend played a Jamaican con artist, Mauby, in the film "Mighty Quinn" co starring Denzel Washington?
Have a great weekend!
Shelah
.
Send us a photo of you with the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine! eguide@reggaefestivalguide.com It can be of you at a festival or performance. It can be of you or a performer. It could be of you and a performer. We're interested to see who's hands the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine ends up in......
One Love Ya'll,
Yvonne Varner, Reggae Festival eGuide Editor
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Asfa Hits the Charts in Jamaica
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 New kid on the block Asfa is making waves with the latest entry on the Jamaican Top 25 Reggae Charts. His second singleNot The Life came in at number 23 and is steadily climbing up the survey.
The singer grew up in Bedward Gardens in a small community known as Dread Heights and since debuting with the singleMother I in
March of this year has been building a following ever since. After
introducing himself with his first song which he did as a special
tribute to his late mom the artist answered the call of his fans for a
follow up. The result is Not The LIfe. The song is done on a
bouncy one drop called the Question Riddim and the theme is a cry from
the oppressed due to exploitation by financial institutions. In it he
sings "This is not the life for me, tired of living in misery,too much "
corporatocracy", " which rings familiar in this age of rising national
debt which is often times shouldered by the very poor. The song is
receiving heavy rotation on radio and the video has just been added to
the Hype TV playlist. Asfa's growing legion of fans can also support his
efforts by buying the song as it is available on all major online
stores.
Asfa, since
launching his career has made promotional appearances on Hype TVs Up
and Live and was interviewed on Richie Bs radio show on Hot 102 FM. The
song is also Top 5 on The Bess FM Culture Chart. The infectious
composition has also not escaped the attention of many radio programmers
all over the world and is a staple on reggae stations especially in
Australia ,The UK and Germany.
The
jovial and easy going artist is no newcomer to the business as he began
this musical journey in the early 90s as a selector on Travelers Disco
and also made his first steps as an artist opening shows for Judy Mowatt
. At the beginning of the next decade he toured with Sugar Minott and
Little John in Switzerland and Germany as their dj. The music took a
back seat when he migrated to the US where he eventually settled in
Jacksonville Florida. However after a number of years out of the scene
he is now organized and moving full speed ahead. With a voice that has a
unique sound and is easily identifiable , many have commented in social
media circles that talent such as his " is a welcome change". Asfa is
a pure singer in the tradition of artist such as Luciano and Garnett
Silk and aims to live up to the standard of his forbearers.
Working
with manager and ex-manager of Natural Black Roger Grant, the artist is
optimistic about his future in the business and believes Not The Life will bring him the initial exposure that he needs. At the same time he is wasting no time in readying his debut album titled "Journeying" which he hopes to release on his own label Jecoliah Entertainment Production by years end.
Contacts: Manager: Roger Grant
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Andru Branch Steps Into The Light
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 Internationally
celebrated reggae troubadour Andru Branch is uplifting the nations with
music. Following the success his JUNO-nominated collaboration with
members of TheWailers, Branch's third full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band, featuring Bob Marley's legendary Studio One bass player Brian "Bassie" Atkinson.
Growing
up amidst a vibrant Rastafarian community in Toronto, Canada, Andru
began his career playing percussion. Mentored by the great reggae
percussionist Alvin "Seeco" Patterson of The Wailers, Branch has gone on
to back reggae superstars Gregory Isaacs, Glen Washington, Sean Paul,
Frankie Paul, Yellowman, Gramps Morgan, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and
Vybz Kartel, to name a few.
 Andru signed with independent Jamaican record label Kingston Muzik in 1996 and recorded his first album with Bob Marley & The Wailers' Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Tyrone Downie and Seeco Patterson. Recorded and mixed in Kingston, Jamaica, What If I Told You
went on to be nominated for a JUNO Award for "Best Reggae Recording" in
2000. Kingston Muzik shopped the album at the Midem conference in 1998
and licensed its distribution to independent reggae distributor Tabou 1
in Paris. The album sold in France, Holland, Germany and throughout the
United States, and charted on radio in France and in the Netherlands.
The 2007 release of "Bring Back Real Reggae Music", from Andru's sophomore album The Only Constant,
earned global recognition. Recorded in Jamaica at Kingston Muzik
Studio, the album features Ziggy Marley's rhythm section, drummer
Squidly Cole and bass player Chris Meredith, as well as Seeco Patterson
of The Wailers. The Only Constant charted across the country, and the second single "Ease Off The Pressure" sat at number one for four months on Galaxie Radio's Jammin'. Canada's music authority Exclaim! Magazine calls the album "nothing less than stunning".
Andru
Branch and his group Halfway Tree broke onto the international scene
with their hit single "My Jamaican Weed" in 2009. Branch returned to
Jamaica in 2010 to record the internationally acclaimed ska single
"Rocksteady" with a host of reggae legends, including Chinna Smith on
guitar and original Studio One drummer Joe Isaacs.
 Andru Branch's brand new full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band. Studio One
reggae pioneer Brian "Bassie" Atkinson delivers deep, undulating bass
lines, while the brass section glistens on this collection of inspired
roots reggae music. In true form, Branch's music is lyrical and
majestic, reminiscent of the golden era of reggae. Download the new album here.
From "the greatest one night show on Earth" - Sting to Jamaica's legendary Reggae Sunsplash to Rebel Salute 2012,
Andru Branch performs extensively. Andru Branch & Halfway Tree
continue to inspire fans around the globe, promoting equal rights and
social justice. There are few groups that consistently deliver such an
authentic, bass-heavy, richly textured, roots reggae sound. Their music
is gloriously hypnotic and their message is positively uplifting.
"...nothing less than stunning." - Exclaim! Magazine
"This is indeed real reggae music." - Tom Orr, World Music Central
"Branch has obviously mastered the sound." - The Coast, Halifax
"...someone
whose respect and affinity for the best in reggae are propelling him
into the limelight of a growing circle of fans..." - Uprising
International
"...sounds like the Marley inspired tunes all the world has come to know and love..." - The Sunday Herald, Kingston, JA
"Halfway Tree sings the kind of songs that are missing in today's mass market." - The Town Crier, Toronto
10-18pd
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 Sgt.
Remo is scheduled to release his EP album entitled "Life is for Living"
this month. The EP is almost out of post production receiving the final
touches before it is released later this month. The EP will feature
five Sgt Remo songs with a diverse production. The album kicks off with a
MASSIVE roots tune entitled "Marie" on the Maya riddim. It was
produced by Jah Fabio out of Guadalajara, MX and recorded at Empire
Soundz studio in Jacksonville, FL with Shimran Ali (founder of the
Empire Soundz Crew). Next comes a great Dub collaboration entitled "Tell
Me Who" on the Dub on the Range Riddim. This one is produced by dub
producer McPullish ( www.mcpullish.com) and
recorded at the Dub Cove in Buda, TX. Also featured is the song "No Man
Stranded" produced by EA Productions from St. Petersburg, FL. The album
is rounded off by two more songs that will be unveiled soon! The EP
will be released on the Jah Yutes Entertainment label and will be a
strictly digital distribution available at www.sgtremo.com and everywhere digital music is sold.
Look out for new Sgt. Remo Music on the Shepherd Riddim album. This is another McPullish production on Charlie's Records ( www.mcpullish.com ) and features music by Chezidek, Sgt. Remo, Tippa Irie, Jahn Ti, Kat Ireana, Ken Serious, McPullish dubs and more.
Earlier
this year Jah Yutes Entertainment released Sgt. Remo's single "Dawtah."
This was the first collaboration between Sgt. Remo and EA Productions.
This is the featured song on Sgt. Remo's online radio station at Jango and
has received over 40,000 plays in the last 3 months. If you have not
tuned in yet, check it out when you can! It's free and you can listen on
your computer or phone. Don't forget to link up with Sgt. Remo at www.sgtremo.com and like Sgt Remo Music on FB.
Link up!
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24th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration Concert in Berkeley, CA October 20
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Out of Many One Productions is proud to present the 24th
annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration commemorating the late, great
reggae legend, icon Winston Hubert McIntosh, aka 'Peter Tosh' on
Saturday, October 20 at the Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Performers include
Peter Tosh's son, Tosh 1, Peter Tosh's cousin Sister-I-Live, Nyabinghi
drummers, plus special guests to be announced.
Tickets
are $20 (student tickets are $17) and can be purchased in advance at
the Ashkenaz. Doors are at 7pm; an original documentary about Peter Tosh
including interviews, history and music is at 8pm,and the music starts
at 9pm. This is an all ages venue.
For more information contact Out Of Many One Productions, 917-834-0330 or for tickets go to http://www.ashkenaz.com/. The box office is open every night when there is an event for presale tickets.
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Carlton Pride & Mighty Zion "Road To Happiness" Tour 2012
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Get your body moving with Carlton Pride and Mighty Zion as they launch their pre-release Road To Happiness Tour!
Showcasing their upcoming album and new hit Single release: "Happiness
Is A Choice". It is guaranteed to blow your mind, body and soul.
Carlton
Pride and Mighty Zion, home based in the central Texas Hill Country,
perform across the U.S. and internationally. Carlton brings his unique
mix of Texas Blues, Funk and Roots Reggae to the hearts and minds of the
people. Performing music to awaken and deliver a positive message,
Carlton says: "My focus is on positive solutions and ideas to create the
world we choose. We're excited, and humbled, at the opportunity to
spread the message Happiness is a Choice."
Happiness
is the "only" choice when listening to Carlton Pride and Mighty Zion,
as their uplifting lyrics and energizing jams leave listeners with a
chesire cat grin that won't fade away.
Son
of the legendary Charley Pride, Carlton continues the rich legacy of:
writing, performing, and recording music since 1995. Arriving, with only
his guitar in hand, Carlton made San Marcos his home, taught himself to
play guitar, and realized his dream of performing reggae nationwide.
Carlton
has joined the likes of Black Uhuru, The Wailers, String Cheese
Incident, Culture, and Yellowman, in addition to being the first reggae
artist to grace the stage at the Grand 'Ole Opry.
The
crushing core lineup features master technician Matt Danko on drums and
monster funkmeister - Gregory Amani Smith on bass. These guys are ready
to take on the world.
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Jesse Royal Wakes Up World with New Music Video (This Morning)
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 Catchy
and uplifting lyrics such as, 'the world is yours for the taking said a
little voice in my head' and accompanying upbeat lead guitar, recording
artiste, Jesse Royal's new single 'This Morning' has naturally become
the morning anthem for many, young and old alike. According to Natasha
Von Castle, Editor of L3 Magazine, "We all need this song as part of our
lifesoundtrack."
This
is what reggae journalists, Kai Von Hillman from Riddim Magazine in
Germany and Erik Magni from United Reggae in France had to say about the
single:
"From the first time I heard it I had this little voice in my head that was singing this song all the time," Kai Von Hillman
"Jesse Royal is an artist with a cultural and conscious approach, but on his new single he has done something different. This
Morning is a guitar lead party track with a strong pop melody spiced
with funky vibes, it's fun and it contrasts nicely to his previous
work." Erik Magni
Many fans, including reggae website jahblemmuzik.com, have tweeted that 'This Morning', produced by Curt 'Qban'White (Crash Dummy Prod.), has a west coast feel to it and would be perfect for a movie.
The video was directed by BiggzDiBoss and shot in South Beach, Florida.
Jesse Royal, who last year caught the heart of heralded reggae producer, Philip 'Fatis' Burrell because of his militant character and profound lyrics recently also released his debut mixtape, dubbed 'Misheni'(Swahili for 'The Mission') and is currently working with son of Fatis, Kareem 'Remus' Burrell on
his debut album. Fortunate to be in studio with legendary musicians
Earl 'Chinna' Smith, Sly Dunbar and Donald 'Mr. Biggs' Dennis; Royal has
released a slew of singles, namely: Loyal Soldier (ft. Lutan Fyah),
Hotter The Battle and Singing The Blues.
10-11
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Artistes Sparingly Touch Rape Issue - Newly Release Busy Signal Single Tackles Abuse
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 Jordane Delahaye, Gleaner Writer
(Photo at left - Tanya Stephens) Jamaica is currently in the midst of an anti-rape crusade, but sexual abuse has been
a long-standing issue in the country. While most Jamaican artistes have
avoided the topic in their lyrics, there exists a brave few who are not
afraid to publicly condemn the immoral and illegal act in their songs. A
new single by dancehall artiste, Busy Signal, was recently released by
Blaqk Sheep Music and tackles a number of controversial issues,
including rape and child molestation. According
to Busy Signal's manager, Shane Brown, the track, which is
entitled Judgement Book was recorded some two years ago but was recently
released because of the upsurge of reported rape cases. Brown
says that the incarcerated artiste was inspired to do the single after
hearing about a specific rape case over the news but the song was
unfortunately shelved.
Another
embattled reggae artiste, Buju Banton, also spoke out against child
molestation in his single How it Ago Go, which expressed his views on
the issue as a father. It has also been said that the reggae artiste's
controversial single Boom Bye Bye was inspired by a rape case involving a
young boy and an older man.
Reggae
singjay, Queen Ifrica, also tackles child molestation in her
single, Daddy and the self-professed king of the dancehall, Beenie Man,
condemned statutory rape in his hit single Straight Prison. Sizzla Kalonji also lightly touched on the topic with Haffi Get It. However, what is arguably one of the most powerful songs from a Jamaican musician that tackles abuse is Tanya Stephens' No Means No. The song from her album, Infallible,
passionately speaks out against sexual abuse and encourages victims to
tell someone about their plight instead of enduring the torture.
This
is a miniscule number of musicians compared to the slew of artistes in
the dancehall/reggae pantheon. There might be more songs that have not
received more attention or, like Judgement Book, was shelved, but what
is evident is that most Jamaican musicians either don't think that their
fans want to hear anti-rape songs or are just not inspired or willing
to write one.
10-11
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Bahamian queen of gospel reggae, Timeless is first female artist to sign with Dunamus Soundz
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 Nassau, The Bahamas - Timeless, the artist known for her ability to 'Caribbeanize' gospel music with
signature reggae sounds is now the first female artist and singer to be
signed to the Dunamus Soundz Music Group. The official announcement was
made during a private industry mixer last week confirming weeks of
speculation from fans. Born Kelda Sweeting in The Bahamas,
Timeless has gone from being heard locally to becoming the new 'it'
gospel-reggae girl in the Caribbean circuit. She credits her early lure
to reggae coming from Sister Nancy, Rita Marley, Yellow Man &
Fathead, Gregory Isaacs, Michigan & Smiley and of course, the iconic
Bob Marley. Combining her love for music with her passion for God,
Timeless stepped into the realm of gospel-reggae at a time when
traditional female gospel soloists where beginning to emerge. Her sounds
have also included dancehall, roots reggae, junkanoo and soca riddim
styles. Kelda is also known for being the founder of Let The Women
Sing, a concert serieswhich brings together women from several genres
for a night of music and worship.
CEO
of Dunamus Soundz, Lavard 'Manifest' Parks says he is proud to be
working with Timeless, an artist who he respects and admires especially
as it relates to women in The Bahamas coming to the forefront in music. "She's
always going to be Kelda to me even if the world knows her as
Timeless," said Manifest. "Partly because no matter how big she gets
professionally, she remains humble and is the same person I've always
known her to be. She has over 20 years in this industry and I think that
her skills as a producer and as an artist will certainly be a
tremendous addition to who we are and where we plan on going as a team."
Timeless expressed her eagerness to work with DSMG noting that she is excited to lend her production ear to the team.
"Becoming
a part of the Dunamus Soundz team has been a long awaited goal of
mine," she admitted. "Mr. Parks and I have built a respectful, fond
producer relationship over the years and I always knew theborders would
one day expand. I look forward to being a part of a brand that not only
talks, but walks its mission. To experience an opportunity like this at
this time in my life is truly a Godsend."
Dunamus
Soundz Music Group is a Bahamian-based record label founded in 2000 by
award-winning producer and hip-hop artist Lavard 'Manifest' Parks.
Timeless' new album is set for release in spring 2013.
10-11
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UN Foundation's Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
Names Rocky Dawuni as Ambassador!
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 New York
- The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves celebrated its two-year
anniversary Monday with a host of announcements that combined are
instrumental toward accomplishing its mission to create a global market
for clean, safe, and efficient cooking technologies. Ghanaian
international music star and creative activist, Rocky Dawuni, was named
the newest member of the Alliance's Ambassadors, which include Academy
Award-winning actor Julia Roberts and Chef Jose Andres.
"As
a musician, I know how to use my voice and my heart to connect with
people, and when I learned that cooking kills two million people
worldwide every year, I knew I had to stand up and speak out to help the
Alliance raise awareness," said Dawuni before a room of hundreds of
Alliance partners and other guests. "In my native Ghana, throughout
Africa, and around the world, it's clear that the time for clean
cookstoves and fuels is now, and I'm ready to do my part to assist the
Alliance in reaching its goal." In
introducing Dawuni, Alliance Executive Director Radha Muthiah noted his
lifetime pursuits of social justice and gender equality made him a true
asset as an Alliance Ambassador.
At
the event, world leaders from civil society, the private sector, and
the philanthropic community as well as research pioneers and government
representatives came together during the UN General Assembly to discuss
the multiple facets of the household air pollution issue, which impacts
three billion people daily, and to make major new announcements on
behalf of the Alliance, its partners, and the sector. The
Alliance also released its second year report, which details progress
in the areas of market development, research, outreach, standards and
testing, and more since it's launch by US Secretary of State, Hillary
Clinton at The Clinton Global Initiative in 2010.
For more information on Rocky Dawuni please check out:
1.310.663.7227
Photo Credit: Keith Bedford
10-11
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Astor Black Aims At New Artistes
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Source: Gleaner
Jordane Delahaye, Gleaner Writer
Jamaica
Alliance Movement founder, Ras Astor Black, popular for the many times
he has offered himself up for public office, is popular for other
reasons too.
This time around, Black is making waves because of the impact he is trying to make in the music industry.
Black,
who has had more than 20 years of production experience, is hoping to
discover and develop Jamaican reggae talent through the Ras Astor Black
Interactive Music and Arts Learning Institute.
The
institution, which Black founded in 1994, is located at the Trelawny
Multi-purpose Stadium and offers a variety of programmes, including
photography, film and video production and entertainment and media
management.
Black is now seeking up-and-coming local reggae artistes to showcase their talent and produce their music videos.
The
perennial political underdog will be pairing established reggae
artistes from each parish with students from their home parish in a bid
to encourage a mentor-mentee relationship that will foster the creation
ofnew music and help the students to develop as artistes.
10-11
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ISRAEL VIBRATION - ROOTS RADICS - Cool & Calm - Vultures - Try Again - available Feb / March
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 Mention
the name Israel Vibration in reggae music circles and watch the warmth
of recognition and appreciation of anyone who has seen or heard this
very special vocal group. The positive vibrations emanating from the
music of Israel Vibration have been spellbinding audiences, critics and
DJs for over three decades. The lead vocalists, Wiss and Skelly cast a
harmonious musical spell, weaving traditional roots reggae with a
mesmerizing sound and deeply spiritual message. Israel Vibrations have
been touring very strong worldwide for many years. They are regularly
featured on most of the major Reggae Festivals. Last summer, 2012 they
performed on Reggae in the Desert in Las Vegas and at the Sierra Nevada
World Music Festival in Mendocino, CA.
Contact: Peter Wardle
King's Music International
10-11
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Bad Brains Announce New Album With A Streaming Single
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 by Andrew TijsReggae-punk
icons Bad Brains stream the first single from their first album in five
years. Bad Brains have been a sketchy prospect for the late period of
their career, ploughing through singers in the early '90s, changing
their name, reforming and breaking up, and only releasing a couple of
albums in the last fifteen years. But after 2007's Build A Nation,
produced by late Beastie Boy and superfan Adam Yauch, Rolling Stone have
announced a new album Into The Future. Frontman H.R. told RS, "My
vocalizing strengthens the impact of the group's overall deliverance of
the music, and the expression of the church of music. The new album
wouldn't be an A-plus new album if it hadn't been for the earlier music,
which was equally as inspirational. And it gets better and better."
The album was produced by the band this time, is titled Into The Future
and will be released on November 20. There's a stream of the title
track attached to the Rolling Stone article.
10-11
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| October 11 |
| 1864: |
Slavery is abolished in Maryland. |
| 1865: |
Jamaican national hero Paul Bogle leads a successful protest march to the Morant Bay Courthouse. |
| 1948: |
Japanese singer Jah K.S.K is born in Sendai, Japan. |
| 1955: |
Lascelle 'Wiss' Bulgrin [Israel Vibration] is born. |
| 1969: |
Lascelles Perkins records "Please Stay" for Lloyd Dalley, The Matador. It can be heard on a CD "From Matador's Arena - 1969-1970 - Volume 2" (Jamaican Gold JMC 200.233). |
| 1970: |
The Victors record "Me A Tell You" for Lloyd Dalley, The Matador. It can be heard on a CD "From Matador's Arena - 1969-1970 - Volume 2" (Jamaican Gold JMC 200.233). |
| 1975: |
The Wailers and Stevie Wonder jam at the National Arena. The Third World opened the concert. |
| 1993: |
Anthony Johnson aka Panhead passes away (shot dead) at his home on the morning of this day. (b. c. 1965) |
| 2004: |
Jamaica's The Legal Deposit law is implemented. |
| 2008: |
Alton Ellis passes away. Age 68. |
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"Security is when everything is settled, when nothing can happen to you; security is the denial of life."
-- Germaine Greer
"There are no guarantees. From the viewpoint of fear, none are strong enough. From the viewpoint of love, none are necessary."
-- Emmanuel
"One
thing we can do is make the choice to view the world in a healthy way.
We can choose to see the world as safe with only moments of danger
rather than seeing the world as dangerous with only moments of safety."
-- Deepak Chopra
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Jamaica Music Countdown
By Richie B, host - "HOT MIX" on Hot 102FM
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To view our entire calendar of more festivals, click here |
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Thursday-Sunday, December 6th-9th
| San Luis Obispo |
California |
USA |
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Jamaica Ska & Rocksteady Festival 2012
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Friday-Saturday, December 7th-8th
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Monday, December 17th
| Wiesen |
Burgenland |
Austria |
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Saturday, December 29th
| Lauterbourg |
4 Allée des Cygnes |
France |
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RBA
Publishing Inc is home-based and women-run with headquarters in Reno,
NV. We produce the annual Reggae Festival Guide print magazine (now
approaching its 18th year), the top-ranking website: www.ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, and this weekly reggae newsletter: The Reggae E-Guide has just under 40,000 weekly subscribers.
The
newest addition to our media family is our Reggae Guide for iPhone, one
of the world´s first reggae specific iphone applications. It can be
downloaded on iTunes for only .99 cents!
We
love what we do and look forward to input from you with your
suggestions, critiques, questions, etc. Also contact us to find out how
you can promote your band/business in this newsletter.
One Love,
Kaati, Yvonne and the Crew
Information
- both editorial and advertising - in the Reggae e-Guide - is believed
to be correct but not guaranteed - so check it carefully before you
attend any event or send money for anything. We do not write the news,
just report it!
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