Stephen Marley, Slightly Stoopid & Snoop Dog

Blazed and Confused at the Santa Barbara County Bowl
Words and photos by Jan Salzman

July 12 was a very hot, triple digit day in the San Fernando Valley and a trip up the coast to The Santa Barbara Bowl was a promising adventure The day’s show included MickeyAvalon, a white rapper with very explicit lyrics, the very conscious Stephen Marley, famed rapper Snoop Dog, and Southern California’s own Slightly Stoopid. This was the “Blazed and Confused Tour” and whether they were “blazed” or not, there was some fabulous music being played.

Stephen Marley bounded onstage, with his young son as the flag bearer flashing the colors of Rastafari, to his father’s song “Punky Reggae Party.” His next two songs from his Grammy-winning album were “Chase Dem” and the title track “Mind Control.” His high pitched, rough voice thrilled the crowd with every note. Steve often pointed the microphone to the packed audience to let them fill in the lyrics to his songs. Sometimes he played guitar, sometimes he took it off to grab the mic and reach closer to his audience. He was joined onstage by Spragga Benz for the chat in “Iron Bars” and Julian Marley also passed through for several songs, including the closing, with the Bob Marley classic, “Could You Be Loved.” Continue reading Stephen Marley in Santa Barbara →

Ziggy Marley’s Summer Tour with 311

Live at the Santa Barbara Bowl
Words and photos by Jan Salzman

This particular concert had been building interest since it was announced. Because I knew it was going to be a must-see event, I asked for my passes early on and looked forward to a day trip to beautiful Santa Barbara! There were a few bursts of rain on the way there… but once I reached Santa Barbara the sun broke through the clouds and shone brightly on the Santa Barbara Bowl. I was ready for a Marley vibe to bring the light and I found it!

Although 311 is a huge rock band, it was Ziggy Marley I was there to see, having missed witnessing his performances with a full band. The packed Santa Barbara Bowl exploded with joy when Ziggy took to the stage for a sold-out performance. Continue reading Ziggy at Santa Barbara Bowl →

Anthony B Brings Dancehall to the Dub Club

Review and Photos by Jan Salzman

March 30, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA – It was a cool but comfortable evening, and the packed house at the Dub Club in LA eagerly awaited the performance of dancehall star Anthony B. The conscious DJ, born Keith Anthony Blair, hails from the parish of Trelawny on the north coast of Jamaica. An upcoming female vocalist by the name of Melanie Starr performed before Anthony B, and also provided backup vocals during his set.

With his trademark powerful voice, Anthony B began his set with the Peter Tosh classic “Equal Rights.” He started singing from off stage and then pounced onstage once the riddim dropped in.  Always bringing an energetic performance, Anthony B jumped and high-kicked throughout the set. He delivered about twenty songs from his vast repertoire of CD’s including “Tease Her” and “Damage” from his most recent CD Life Over Death. Continue reading Anthony B Show in LA →

Jamaica Vintage Music Festival Presents: The Love and Togetherness Jamboree

Review and Photos by M. Peggy Quattro

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 Jamaica Vintage Music 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

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 Miami’s 16th Caribbean Reggae Fest →

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.

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 Buju Banton: Rasta Voice – An Interview →

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.

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 Ragga Muffins Fest – Long Beach CA 2009 →