Jamaica Vintage Music Fest

Jamaica Vintage Music Festival Presents: The Love and Togetherness Jamboree

Review and Photos by M. Peggy Quattro

Leroy Sibbles

March 19, 2009 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL One of the most popular fests in South Florida, the Jamaica Vintage Music Fest was moved indoors for the first time this year. The super large Club Cinema in Pompano Beach was surprisingly spacious inside. There was a beautiful, huge stage, several bars, and plenty of space, including four different levels, insuring that there was not a bad seat in the house.

The line-up, which included Leroy Sibbles, Half Pint, David “Becky” Morrison, Lukie D, and Papa Michigan, was a lively combination of Dancehall and Rocksteady. In addition, fans were treated to a dose of R&B from JR Evans, a hot new singer on the scene; the comedic timing of Professor Nuts; and the rock energy of Tessanne Chin, who surprised the crowd with a rousing duet with Ky-mani Marley. Driving the show was the super tight Code Red band. Continue reading

Miami’s 16th Caribbean Reggae Fest

The 16th Annual Caribbean Reggae Fest Honors Mother B’s Memory and Contribution

Grandsons Stephen, Damian, Ky-mani & Julian Entertain the Miami Massive
Review & Photos by M. Peggy Quattro

Damian Marley

March 6, 2009 – The day-long gathering in a downtown Miami park was a celebration of Reggae, Rasta, culture, and the Caribbean. At the heart of this tribute was love and gratitude for Cedella Marley Booker – the tower of strength and compassion who passed on to Zion on April 8, 2008. Mother B began the Bob Marley Movement of Jah People Fest as a way to honor her son and help the less fortunate. Over the years, more than two million cans of food have been donated at the gate and distributed to various food banks and charities. This year the recipient was the non-profit group Farm Share. Later in the evening, before Mother B’s grandsons took the stage before a multitude of fans, a tribute video was shown on the large screen onstage, showing the beaming smile of the beloved family matriarch, and her booming voice which drifted over a peaceful crowd on the cool Miami breeze. Continue reading

Buju Banton: Rasta Voice – An Interview

Buju Banton: The Voice of Rasta Righteousness

By M. Peggy Quattro

It was a perfect Miami night; clear skies, balmy breeze, and a Reggae festival in the park. The 16th Caribbean (formerly Marley) Festival was jammin’ alongside the bay and the downtown park was rammed.

Caribbean Fest Miami 2009

Positioned between Capleton and Ky-mani’s set, the show-stealing Buju Banton fired up the crowd with a 60+-minute set that left fans shouting “forward!” If you have not seen Buju before, or if you haven’t in a while, his presentation and professionalism will have you also clamoring for more. (See Fest review)

I caught up with the 36-year-old Rasta lion following his mind-blowing performance and congratulated him on an outstanding show. “It is my first Bob Marley fest in Miami and I wanted to do something different from the regular,” said a smiling Buju, “I wanted to come out of the Dancehall a little bit and do something special.” Continue reading

Ragga Muffins Fest – Long Beach CA 2009

The 28th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival

February 21 – 22, 2009 – Long Beach Arena
Photos Jan Salzman

March 10, 2009 – Long Beach,  CA –  Day One – The weekend event started with a press conference hosted by promoter Barbara Barabino. Buju Banton and Leroy Shakespeare were two artists who showed up; Buju was in particularly good humor.

Etana was a hit on Day One

The much-anticipated show began for me with Etana, winner of an EME award for “Best Female Vocalist” and a Reggae Academy Award for “Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist.” Etana brought the vibe up to a very positive level. She played rather early (about 3:30 pm), but knocked out the crowd with her powerful voice. I first heard Etana’s “Warrior Love,” from the VP release Reggae Gold 2008. I was astounded! She sang it to perfection during her Long Beach performance, backed by our local band Detour Posse, who had every lick and riff together. Other songs that highlighted Etana’s set were “Don’t Forget” and “I Am Not Afraid” from her debut album The Strong One. She definitely was one of my faves for Saturday. Continue reading