Miami’s 15th Annual Caribbean Fest a Massive Success!

By M. Peggy Quattro

One of South Florida’s longest running festivals, the Caribbean Fest, formerly known as the Bob Marley Fest, was presented by Mother B’s Movement of Jah People and 103.5-The Beat. New name, but the vibe is still the same. South Florida’s massive still turned out by the tens of thousands to donate cans of food for non-profit group Farmshare, shop the vendors, enjoy Caribbean food, and be entertained by the top names in Reggae, concluding with an always entertaining set by the Marley brothers.

This year featured Stephen, Damian, Julian, and Ky-mani Marley. Additional performances included Dancehall’s Capleton, Roots singer Richie Spice, Germany’s Gentleman and The Far East Band, DJ Junior Demus, Arkansas-based Rasta Joseph Israel, and newcomer Javaughn.
Continue reading Miami’s 15th Caribbean Music Fest 2008 →

San Francisco’s Ragga Muffins Festival

Photos and Review by Lee Abel

On Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, the annual Ragga Muffins Festival limped into San Francisco. The headliner, Alpha Blondy, was hospitalized with pneumonia before he reached the United States. Barrington Levy had an accident in Jamaica and stayed on the ‘Rock.’ German DJ phenomena Gentleman lost his voice before the Bay Area engagement. However, the show did go on.

The crowd trickled in throughout the opening performances featuring Soul Majestic and The Aggrolites. Fans enjoyed the music and fabulous vendors, and the room soon swelled when Gregory “Cool Ruler” Isaacs took the stage. Gregory, tired from the prior week of shows but looking happy to be there, did not disappoint fans who sang along to his many classic hits. California’s own Midnite was up next and grooved the house with their Roots trance-music style. Continue reading Ragga Muffins San Francisco 2008 →

Roots Rock Ragga Muffins!

The 27th Long Beach Reggae Festival Review
Review & Photos by Jan Salzmman

Year 27 of the Ragga Muffins Festival began with a press conference on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008. Promoter Barbara Barabino announced that Alpha Blondy, headliner for the following day, was gravely ill with pneumonia and had to cancel his entire tour. We were also told that artists slated for Saturday’s line-up were delayed in their arrivals, but would be there for their scheduled performances. Following the press function, I made my way to the venue. Along the way to catch the opening acts, I visited the vendors’ wares and great food booths, acclaimed to be the best of any west coast festival.

A reunion of the LA-based Reggae band, Idren, opened the show with an exciting Roots performance. Next on stage was Belize-based New Dimensions, followed by the west coast’s Soul Majestic, and Puerto Rico’s Cultura Profetica. All performances were strong in their Reggae orientation and well received by the growing crowd. Hailing from Jamaica, the popular Rootz Underground performed with a fresh, enjoyable Reggae vibe. Look for this young band to make their mark on the music industry. Continue reading Ragga Muffins Festival Long Beach 2008 →

The 15th ANNUAL CARIBBEAN MUSIC FEST IS COMING!

SAT., MARCH 1, 2008
MIAMI’S BAYFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATRE
Presented by THE BOB MARLEY MOVEMENT OF JAH PEOPLE & 103.5 THE BEAT.
For 15 years, one of South Florida’s longest running festivals is still going strong and feeding the hungry! This year’s line-up features Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Julian Marley, and Ky-mani Marley. With additional performances by Capleton, Richie Spice, Gentleman and The Far East Band, Junior Demus, Joseph Israel and Javaughn.

The 15th annual Caribbean Fest is a daylong celebration of music, arts and crafts honoring the life and philosophy of the legendary Reggae star Bob Marley. It features some of the top musical acts in the world, as well as popular local performers. The Marley “boys” — Stephen, Damian, Julian, and Ky-mani — will headline what always promises to be South Florida’s finest Reggae and Caribbean music showcase. Continue reading 15th Caribbean Music Fest Announced 2008 →