Get down with The Dirty Heads

The Dirty Heads will return to The Star Bar for one huge night of live music on Thursday, April 1, and that's no April Fools' joke. Last in town for the sold-out Sundance Pre-Party, the band is currently enjoying its breakthrough success with the hit single "Lay Me Down," which has been added to more than 70 radio markets throughout the country.

Before heading up Parley's Canyon on Thursday, the band will do a half-hour "End Zone" performance on 101.9 KEZN ion Salt Lake. They will perform live at the station before an audience of contest winners and also take questions from the fans. Then it's up to the Star Bar for what should be the loudest April Fools' Day party in town.

Nas and Damian Marley announce summer tour [TOUR DATES & LOCATIONS INSIDE]

The ongoing collaboration between rapper Nas and reggae artist Damian Marley seriously does keep getting and better. In addition to the May 18th release of their joint album Distant Relatives, the musicians have also announced plans for a lengthy summer tour.

In addition to previously announced appearances at Bonnaroo, Sunfest, and the Gathering of the Vibes, Nas and Marley will visit cities across the U.S. and Europe between the months of June and August. A trip through the western and southern portion of the U.S. will kick things off before the duo heads to Europe for a leg heavy in festival appearance. Their travels will then come to a conclusion with a performance in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Waterfront before capping it all off at Gathering of the Vibes.

Tickets for the upcoming dates will go on sale starting Saturday, April 3rd via Ticketmaster.com. We should also note the album artwork for Distant Relatives was also recently revealed. You can check that out to your right. Below, you’ll find a live video from South by Southwest of the duo performance single #1, “Strong Will Continue”.

Nas and Damian Marley 2010 Tour Dates:
05/02 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Sunfest
05/21 – Arcata, CA @ Arcata Community Center
05/22 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheater
05/23 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
05/25 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
05/26 – Santa Barbara, CA @ University of California Santa Barbara
05/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
05/29 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
05/30 – Valley Center, CA @ Open Sky Theater
05/31 – Los Angeles, CA @ UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival
06/02 – Santa Fe, NM @ Paolo Soleri Amphitheatre
06/08 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
06/09 – Austin, TX @ Stubbs
06/11 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
06/13 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
06/27 – Brussels, BE @ Couleur Cafe Festival
06/28 – Paris, FR @ Paris Hip Hop Festival
07/01 – Ardenal, NO @ Hove Festival
07/03 – Cologne, DE @ Summerjam
07/04 – Gdynia, PL @ Heineken Opener Festival
07/06 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
07/07 – Hultsfred, SE @ Hultsfred Festival
07/09 – Frauenfeld, CH @ Openair Frauenfeld
07/10 – Montreux Vaud, CH @ Montreux Jazz Festival
07/11 – Rotterdam, NL @ Holland North Sea Jazz
07/13 – Hamburg, DE @ Stadtpark
07/14 – Munich, DE @ Tollwood Festival
07/16 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy
07/17 – Dublin, IE @ Tripod
07/20 – Hammersmith, UK @ Hammersmith Apollo
07/23 – Gräfenhainichen, DE @ Splash Festival
07/31 – Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Waterfront
08/01 – Bridgeport, CT @ Gathering of the Vibes

The Original Wailers at the VooDoo Lounge concert review

The Original Wailers performed at the Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge in North Kansas City on Friday March 26, 2010 in front of a decent sized crowd. The Original Wailers are a reggae band, which Al Anderson and Junior Marvin formed in 2008. Both Al Anderson and Junior Marvin are best known for their lead guitar and backing vocal work while playing with Bob Marley & the Wailers in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Disney's 'Reggae Club' Album Comes Out June 8, 2010 (Peep the album cover)

The new CD from Walt Disney Records, “The Disney Reggae Club,” will be hitting stores on June 8, 2010.



Executive Producer of the CD, Brian Malouf, said about the album:


“The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre. Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I’m happy to say the artistes, many of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate.”


Below you can check out the tracklisting of the album:


1. Circle of Life (from The Lion King) performed by Matisyahu
2. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from The Lion King) performed by Cedella Marley
3. The Bare Necessities (from The Jungle Book) performed by Steel Pulse
4. The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Desmond Dekker’s reggae classic also featured in The Lion King) performed by Morgan Heritage
5. What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong classic) performed by Ziggy Marley
6. True to Your Heart (from Mulan) performed by The Wailing Souls
7. You’ve Got a Friend in Me (from Toy Story) performed by Sly and Robbie
8. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (from Song of the South) performed by Toots
9. I Wan’na Be Like You (from The Jungle Book) performed by UB40
10. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat (from The Aristocats) performed by Michael G and the Easy Star All-Stars
11. Kiss The Girl (from The Little Mermaid) performed by Burning Spear
12. Under The Sea (from The Little Mermaid) performed by Gregory Isaacs
13. Find Yourself (from Cars) performed by Yellowman

Rocksteady - The Roots of Reggae

Rocksteady is the bridging genre between ska and reggae. Essentially Rocksteady is a slowed-down version of ska, named after the dance in this song. 

Ska was the popular Jamaican musical genre in the late 1950s and through to the 1960s. Rocksteady slowed things down, taking away the reliance on the walking bassline, removing the obvious connections that ska had with jazz, rock'n'roll and calypso music. Those sounds were still found, but Rocksteady dipped further in to the new pop and rock music styles and back to the folk vocal groups.

This happened around 1966. Then, by 1968 reggae was happening. And by 1998 there was BBQ-reggae, a terrible curse that grew, like a cancer, from Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. And continues, sadly, to this day -very sadly - but that's a different story.

The film Rocksteady - The Roots of Reggae is based around a reunion, a gathering together of some of the original artists working in the genre, names like Ernest Ranglin, U-Roy, Judy Mowatt and Hopeton Lewis.

Damian Marley to close WOMAD Abu Dhabi

Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, will be the closing act at WOMAD Abu Dhabi 2010, the festival’s organisers announced on Sunday.

Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and WOMAD (World Of Music Arts and Dance) confirmed that Marley will make his first ever appearance in the UAE and is one of a number of new artists announced to play the three-day music festival.

The new artists confirmed to appear at the free festival, taking place at the Abu Dhabi Corniche from Thursday April 22, include Amparo Sánchez from Spain, Debashish Bhattacharya from India, Mayra Andrade from Cape Verde, Sierra Maestra from Cuba, Ilham Al Madfai from Iraq, Tinariwen from Mali performing with Mehdi Haddab from Algeria and Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe from US band ‘TV on the Radio’.


Last week, it was announced that Egyptian legend Hakim is set to headline the event. Founded in 1980 by former Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel, the first ever WOMAD festival was held in 1982 in the UK. Since then, WOMAD has worked with over 1,000 artists and staged more than 160 festivals in 27 countries including Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Singapore and Sicily.

Feds Claim Buju Banton is Treated Fairly; as Opposed to his Lawyers' Claim

TAMPA - Claims that a Grammy-nominated reggae singer is being treated inhumanely in jail while awaiting trial on drug charges are "lies," afederal prosecutor said today.

A lawyer for singer Buju Banton filed a motion Monday saying his client had been placed in maximum security because he "had the audacity to share his food with another inmate."

Defense attorney David Oscar Markus also claimed Banton had lost 40 pounds because he was denied the vegetarian diet he requires for religious reasons. He said Banton's "mental and physical health has been rapidly deteriorating," and that the transfer has hindered his ability to prepare for his April 19 trial.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney James Preston presented evidence that Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has gained 11 pounds.

Banton was 150 pounds when was booked into the Pinellas County Jailon Jan. 5. After Markus filed his motion, Banton was weighed again and the scale read 161 pounds, a jail official testified.

Markus challenged those records, asserting Banton's weight when he was booked was just an estimate.

But Pinellas sheriff's Capt. Mark Fletcher said the numbers were supported by records kept by jail medical staff, who have weighed Banton several times during his detention.

Reggae’s Sean Paul For Colombia Performance

NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 25, 2010: Jamaica’s Grammy-winning reggae singer, Sean Paul, is set to play Columbia this April.

The dancehall star is slated for two confirmed performances in Medellin and Bogota after a six-year absence from the South American nation.

Paul is set to play in Bogota's Autopista Norte on April 23rd and Medellin's Picadero Club el Rodeo on April 24th.

Prior to the Columbia performance, the singer will play Australia.

Belly Up launches reggae Club Kingston

For those looking for some "yardcore" dance hall reggae vibes, Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach will begin a new Monday night music series.

A special sound system night, 9 p.m. April 5, hosted by veteran DJ Carlos Culture, will mark its opening with Rastafarian artist Louie Culture on the mic, direct from Kingston, Jamaica.

"Those who have been to Jamaica and have experienced street dances or sound systems know how it drives the Jamaican culture," Carlos Culture said. "It's a thriving, bubblin' atmosphere that is filled with contagious energy. Club Kingston will bring Jamaican vibes to the Belly Up."

- April 12: Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Mykal Rose and his band DubTonic Kru with special guest Garth Dennis from the Wailing Souls.

- April 26: DJ Carlos Culture behind the turntables. He's played many shows solo as an opening act to keep the good vibes flowing. Special guest for the evening is San Diego Sound System TRC Sound, The Revolution Continues.

Sound systems from all over the globe will be performing regularly.

Bajan Reggae Fest 2010

A firm fixture on the Barbadian entertainment calendar, the Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival announced the dates for this year’s festival at a press conference yesterday. 

‘Reggae On The Hill’ is scheduled for April 25 this year. This is the third and last event for the Reggae Festival which starts off on April 18 with Reggae On The Beach followed by the Vintage Reggae Show and Dance on April 23.

This year’s headliners for the Festival include Maxi Priest, Richie Spice, Busy Signal, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, Marcia Griffiths, Konshens and Mr. Vegas.

15th Annual Gathering of the Vibes Festival Announces Initial Artist Lineup

Gathering of the Vibes initial lineup includes musical legends along with providing support to charitable causes.

The initial 2010 lineup includes the reunion of Les Claypool's Primus, reggae legend and 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee Jimmy Cliff, Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Billy Kreutzmann's Rhythm Devils...

Bridgeport, CT (PRWEB) March 24, 2010 -- Gathering of the Vibes 2010 marks the third installment of a five-year contract with the city of Bridgeport to host the annual music, arts and camping festival at Seaside Park through summer 2012. After drawing 20,000 revelers per day to the 370-acre venue last year, the city and festival organizers look to spread more positive Vibes in 2010. This all-ages, family-friendly event will be held from July 29 to August 1. The festival caters to both weekend campers and single-day guests; both will have access to the park, including its shaded groves, manicured fields and more than a mile of Long Island Sound beachfront.

Gathering of the Vibes twin-side by side stages.

The initial 2010 lineup includes the reunion of Les Claypool's Primus, reggae legend and 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee Jimmy Cliff, Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Billy Kreutzmann's Rhythm Devils featuring Keller Williams, reggae sensation Damien Marley with special guest hip-hop icon Nas, pedal steel guitar master Robert Randolph & The Family Band, New Orleans funk outfit Galactic, and many, many more!


Other confirmed artists include Steve Kimock Crazy Engine; Umphrey’s McGee; Beastie Boys’ DJ “Mix Master Mike”; Jackie Greene Band; Little Feat; Martin Sexton featuring The Ryan Montbleau Band; New Riders of the Purple Sage; Donna Jean Godchaux; Dark Star Orchestra; Zach Deputy; Big Sam’s Funky Nation; and Max Creek. The Sunday-night headliner and Green Vibes Stage artist announcements are forthcoming.

Walt Disney Records to release Album of Classic Disney Songs done in Reggae by Various Reggae Artists [SEE TRACK LIST BELOW]

BURBANK, Calif. - (Business Wire) The magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica, as Walt Disney Records readies an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. 


The Disney Reggae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films – from "The Little Mermaid" to "Jungle Book" – recorded by such esteemed artists as Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toots & the Maytals fame), five time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae's most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Cedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu. The album is set to arrive in stores and at online retailers June 8.


Artists and tracks included on the album are:

1. “Circle of Life” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Matisyahu
2. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Cedella Marley
3. “The Bare Necessities” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by Steel Pulse
4. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (Desmond Dekker’s reggae classic also featured in “The Lion King”) Performed by Morgan Heritage
5. “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong classic) Performed by Ziggy Marley
6. “True to Your Heart” (from “Mulan”) Performed by The Wailing Souls
7. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (from “Toy Story) Performed by Sly & Robbie
8. “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (from “Song of the South”) Performed by Toots
9. “I Wan’na Be Like You” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by UB40
10. “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” (from “The Aristocats”) Performed by Michael G & the Easy Star All-Stars
11. “Kiss The Girl” (from "The Little Mermaid") Performed by Burning Spear
12. “Under The Sea” (from "The Little Mermaid") Performed by Gregory Isaacs
13. “Find Yourself” (from "Cars") Performed by Yellowman

"The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre," said executive producer Brian Malouf. "Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I’m happy to say the artists, many of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate.”

Julian Marley to Enlighten Culture Room

It can be difficult to keep track of all the musical offspring of super-fertile reggae king Bob Marley. Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, and Damian have each carved out their unique notches in their reggae family tree. Julian, elder only to Damian, creates music true to the traditional roots reggae legacy of his father more so than his siblings but incorporates R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall elements as well. In sum, accessible to the trimmed and dreaded alike.


His latest release, 2009's Awake (recorded in Miami and Kingston), is filled with spiritually and socially conscious tracks strong enough to enlighten the sleepiest of dorm room stoners. The production is polished, placing it on the poppy side of the reggae spectrum. Older brother Stephen, who is Awake's executive producer, earned two Grammys for work on brother Damian's albums, in addition to his four others as an artist. As a performer, Julian has toured the world with his band the Uprising. His stop in South Florida this month comes on the heels of gigs in Australia,Jamaica, and Los Angeles just this year.

Lawyer decries the 'in-humane' treatment of Buju Banton in Jail

TAMPA - Grammy-nominated reggae singer Buju Banton is being treated "inhumanely" in the Pinellas County Jail as he awaits trial on federal drug charges, his lawyer said in a court filing.

Because he "had the audacity to share his food with another inmate," Banton was placed Thursday in a maximum security wing where he is unable to prepare the vegetarian diet he requires for religious purposes, according to defense attorney David Oscar Markus.

Pinellas sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tom Nestor said Banton was disciplined because he was "using food as currency." He said inmates are told such behavior is prohibited.

French Reggae artist Jah Gad, signs exclusive record deal with Tropical Records.

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 22, 2010 – This week, the French roots reggae artist, Jah Gad was recognized by representatives at the Indy record label Tropical Records before signing the artist to its’ multi album recording deal.

Since the signing to Tropical, Jah Gad will deliver his new tunes sung in French making up the Segregation Continues EP release set to hit stores on April 27, 2010. The Côte d’ivoire, West African native, started his career by playing percussion and guitar while composing reggae music. His underground successes started at the national music school conservatoire en route to his becoming the most well known reggae star in that underground scene.

Tropical (Records) will now release the “La Ségrégation Continue?”(Segregation Continues) EP and Don Lichterman (Head of Tropical Records) says that he “loves this signing” at his world music record label. He (Lichterman) goes on to say that “Not to detract to anything  Jah (Gad) and The Lucy Sound have set in place to this day, I am considering this an initial album which is how I want it to be developed and worked from day one.” 

Sizzla Visits Scratch Studios In Ghana

Sizzla, one of the reggae prophets of our time, visited Ghana for the Independence Day celebration and lodged at the Guest Hotel, which is next to Scratch Studios.

When his back-up vocalists arrived two days later and discovered Scratch Studios was nearby, they stormed the place. Their reaction was interesting as they were pleasantly surprised, comparing Scratch Studios to any good studios out there in the US.

Sizzla's drummer, Kirk Bennet, who is also a producer, with support from Scratch in-house senior producer Kweku Antwi, put together a powerful reggae track with heavy Caribbean influence. Scratch is already planning to feature an artiste on the track.

Tarrus Riley shines in Europe and US. Nabs RMAA Nomination

Reggae Singer and Songwriter Tarrus Riley ended his 2009-2010 Europe and North America ‘Contagious’ tour on a high note closing with a sensational set at the 17^th annual Bob Marley Movements Caribbean Festival in Miami, Florida.

After a successful leg in US and Canada late last year, the artiste resumed his album title tour this January through March making waves in some thirty cities across France, Belgium, London, Sweden, Spain, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Germany as well as completing stints in California and Florida. His first extended set in Europe, while the cold whistled and howled outside, Riley warmed patrons up with some sweet music on the inside, “With Tarrus Riley you can always expect to hear ‘feel good music’…music with a meaning as well as music that uplifts the spirit and soul and I delivered just that. The set list had a great mix of material – hits from the previous albums including ‘She’s Royal’, ‘Lion Paw’ as well as current material from the Contagious album including ‘Start Anew’, ‘Love’s Contagious’, ‘Human Nature’, ‘Living The Life of A Gun’ among others. The crowd was highly responsive at each venue and you could see that they were visibly tuned in, singing along with us word for word and really enjoying themselves.”