Concert Review - Maxi Priest Gives his Maximum, March 30th, 2013, Miramar Florida I have been a Maxi Priest fan for years but had never seen him in concert. When I heard he was having a concert in Miramar, Florida, as the featured artist I penciled the date on my calender. ”An Evening with Maxi Priest” was held at Miramar Cultural Center in Miramar, Florida on March 30th, 2013.

Review: Caribbean Fever Heats up Barclay Center Originally scheduled for November 2, 2012, the events of Tropical Storm Sandy and the subsequent cancellation of a Nets basketball game, meant the much touted and anticipated Caribbean Fever concert featuring a mash-up of Caribbean Soca, reggae, hip hop and dancehall artists had to be postponed to December 17, 2012.

Review: Caribbean Night at the Northern Star Arena in New Jersey’s Six Flags I got the call late in the day to attend the Caribbean Night at the Northern Star Arena in New Jersey’s Six Flags.  Billed as a celebration of Caribbean heritage and 50 years of the amusement theme park, it promised to be a great event, featuring I-Octane, Mavado and Barrington Levy.

Review: Richie Stephens New CD Release - God is on Your Side The CD release of Richie Stephens’ new Gospel Album ‘God is on my Side’ set a new trend as far as album releases go.  Firstly, it was held at the New York offices of PR Company Ruder Finn and secondly, it was a community sponsored event.  As Host Irwin Clare mentioned, long gone are the days when record companies promote and launch reggae albums.

FREE SONG DOWNLOAD for 1 week only - "JAMAICA 50" by The Tennors Rocksteady group, The Tennors, reunited after a 35 year hiatus. Founding member George Murphy aka Clive Tennors, Ronnie Davis and new member Henry “Sadiki” Buckley Jr. recently recorded the song "Jamaica 50". They have provided the song exclusively to Jamaicans.com for free downloads. Get your free copy of this single today!!! This offer ends August 10th, 2012.

Review: Rebel Salute 2012 – The Ultimate Fan To say that I am a fan of reggae would be an understatement. I LOVE LOVE LOVE – ONE LOVE – reggae music, and all variations thereof. If you open my iTunes and type in ‘reggae’ it shows seven days worth of non-stop listening. And that doesn’t even count the extensive collection I have of rock steady and lover’s rock.

Review: Monty Alexander’s Express Rolls Again! Billed as a dual celebration of Monty’s 50 years in music and Jamaica’s 50th year of independence, the final night of the second week of his NY tour dubbed the “Harlem-Kingston Express” so named after one of Alexander’s most recently nominated Grammy album in the best Reggae Album category produced a stellar line up of special guests which included Dean Fraser, Tarrus Riley and Diana King.

Mavado & Friends - West Indian Social Club, Hartford CT For the first time since his visa had been reinstated, popular DJ and entertainer, David “Mavado” Brooks, took the stage in Hartford, Connecticut. His return to the United States was eagerly anticipated by his diehard fans as the artiste, along with other popular DJ’s such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Aidonia, among others, has had his visa revoked in April 2010.

Review: Reggae Rhythm & Blues Festival On Sunday September 4th the much touted Reggae Rhythm & Blues Festival got under way at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.  Organized by the Irie Jam Media Group together with main sponsors The Door Restaurant,  WBLS, The Smokehouse, Western Union, Lime and Digicel. Quite a few patrons heeded the advice of the promoters and made it to the park early – not wanting to miss any of the artists in an impressive line-up reflecting performers from the genres of  Reggae, Rhythm and Blues.

A Review: Beres Hammond and Friends: Love Within The Music - New York 2011 I recently had the seemingly rare opportunity of watching the performance of three stalwarts in the Reggae Music Industry.  It was amazing to witness the finesse and style of these three gentlemen. I speak in reference of Beres Hammond, Sanchez and Wayne Wonder. In the Concert dubbed:  Singers in Action: Love Within the Music, veteran entertainer Beres Hammond, who embarked on a North American tour with a few of his friends gave a superb performance that was unparalleled. 

Music Review: Lakefest 2011 With a lineup of Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, Anthony B, and Etana, Lakefest was anticipated as one of the most anticipated reggae stageshows this summer. The setting was one that was intended to be serene, relaxing, and fun for all members of the family.

Anancy Festival Kingston Review People of all ages came out to participate in this year’s Anancy Festival which took place on Saturday June 11, 2011 at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library. Caribbean Author and Journalist Kellie Magnus, the organizer was there to ensure that things went smoothly for the event.

Review: Best of the Best 2011 Miami This year Best of the Best expanded to a two day affair. Day one featured the best of Hip Hop and R&B, day two was the traditional dancehall stage show. Here is our review of the show.

Review: Kudos....Anancy Festival The Kingston leg of the inaugural Anancy Festival got underway on Saturday June 11, 2011 at the Tom Redcam Library with BIAJ Publishing Director and author, Kellie Magnus, thanking all who had turned out. She welcomed them to what promised to be an enjoyable and fun-filled afternoon ; and it was!

Review: Reggae Film Festival – May 2011 Barbara Blake-Hannah was a guest on the Conduit Show in February 2011 when she mentioned the Reggae Film Festival slated to take place in Jamaica in May.  At that time, I made a mental note to attend. Fast forward to May 23 and I’m making my way from Harbour View by minivan, the poor man’s limousine to Mountain View Avenue and on to Studio 38 in New Kingston for the opening night of the fourth outing of the Reggae Film Festival.

Concert Review: Monty Alexander Plays Nat King Cole & Sinatra The cold climes of New York City often seems to make the idea of taking in the music of a great jazz musician from a tropical climate, somehow makes you think the music will warm you up, and be all the more inviting; even if he isn’t playing Caribbean jazz.

Concert Review - Bayside Rocks Music Festival Miami's Bayfront Park was the venue for the inaugural Bayside Rocks Music Festival. The event was a cultural blend of music, food, and people. I hope the festival is back next year, multi-cultural roots rock events are few and far between in South Florida. It was great to get out and enjoy the great vibes under the stars, with the magic city in the background.

Concert Review: Pressure Buss 2nd Pipe @ Hampton Conference Center in Maryland. Pressure Buss Pipe--a nice word play for a name--burst on the reggae landscape a few years ago with his monster reggae/dancehall hit (Let Me Give You Some “Love and Affection’ You’ve got my attention) and that he certainly did; and has kept music lovers around the globe’s attention since. On Saturday, November 13, Pressure and his Dub 340 band hosted his 2^nd Annual Pressure Buss Pipe & Friends concert in the DC MD VA metro area at its new venue, the Hampton Conference Center in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

Concert Review: Ruth Ann Brown Creates Reggae History at the Strathmore As a music critic I appreciated the opportunity to witness a fresh new female reggae artist on the rise. I must say the historic ‘Friday Night Eclectic’ two set 45 minutes set with Ruth-Ann Brown at The Mansion at Strathmore was a breath of fresh air. As an upscale venue in the Maryland suburbs of Bethesda The Strathmore Music Center is noted for hosting world-class performances by major national artists of folk, blues, pop, jazz, show tunes, and classical music.

Concert Review: Bushman And His Friends Deliver @ Club Amazura He is black, a Rasta man and he’s reputedly part Japanese and hails from the parish of St Thomas, Jamaica. His vocal style evokes shades of  reggae’s cultural messenger Luciano, but is from the school of reggae’s Crown Prince, the late Dennis Brown-- arguably the most influential vocalist in reggae music--but with a deeper baritone bass.

Jamaica delivers a sweet package for Arthur Guinness Celebrations Sure enough the celebration of Arthur Guinness Day was well-executed in true Jamaican style – kudos to the Headline entertainment team. The Guinness ladies were simply elegant in their black and gold dresses that made them look like glasses of foaming Guinness floating around the crowded field of the National Stadium. The stage was glamorous providing little opportunity to be distracted from the pattern of complimenting colours and sheers  – an ideal backdrop for the evenings favourable performances.

Jamaica Day 2010 Outdoor Reggae Music Fest Come Of Age The DC tri-state area (Washington/ (Virginia/Maryland) Jamaican community kicked of its celebration Jamaica’s 48th year of independence, in spectacular fashion, with the fourth staging  of the annually Jamaica Day Outdoor Reggae Festival  celebration at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Maryland. The concert presented by Jamaica Promotions Company is the brainchild of Carlos Daley and his wife Joy.

“See Me in Me Heels and Thing” Fashion and the Best of the Best Concert 2010 This year’s “Best of the Best” concert in Miami, Florida, took place at Bicentennial Park on Sunday, May 29th and included an impressive array of diverse reggae dancehall artists as well as some hip-hop and calypso performers. Some patrons were concerned that Jamaica’s recent wranglings with the United States over the extradition of alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke and the subsequent visa revocation of some reggae superstars would diminish the quality of the event. However, concert organizers delivered South Florida an off-the-chain Memorial weekend concert!

Music Review: NYMLA – Memorial Weekend All weekend I’ve been partying with the grown folks, but I should revise that term, because in reality the party people were of mixed ages.  There were some in their 20s and 30s and then there were also the veterans.  The group I’m talking about - NYMLA, or the New York Music Lovers of America, Inc.

“Little Jamaica” Shows Off Its Musical Side Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism Allen Chastanet warmly refers to his island as “Little Jamaica”. Just as lush, mountainous, and friendly, Jamaica’s “little sister” truly showed off its beauty and warm Caribbean vibe at the recently concluded Saint Lucia Jazz festival, May 1-9, 2010. Now in its 19th year, little sister beat out its older island sibling by 4 years -- Jamaica Jazz & Blues celebrates 15 years.

An Easter Week-End in Bronx the Jamaican way ~ Gospel Concert Review So, Easter week-end, I found myself in New York with friends and family.  I was invited to a gospel concert in Bronx, New York.   You know, a Resurrection week-end an yu nat celebrating Easter if yu  nat devouring nuff bun and cheese-the ‘holy’ Jamaican traditional food for Easter!, Of course, Church is a must. From Holy Thursday to Resurrection Sunday, yu betta find time an goh to church.  Can’t get closer to God than Jamaican bun and Jamaican cheese. It is the Jamaican way around Easter time!  Anyways, mi get off track…a whe mi deh now.. Okay, yes, so concert a Bronx.

A Gospel Music Event-The Review One thing I know—if you are one of those who love to go back into time and relish those 'ole time Jamaican gospel music...well, it is still alive and I am thankful that veterans of Jamaican gospel music, like Claudelle, are keeping it alive in our hearts and minds. Read more on the review of this gospel event.......

Irie Jamboree Was Irie Vibes, Then… Jamboree 2k9, the annual Labor Day weekend music festival had all the elements lined up for an auspicious debut of it 7th staging at York College in Queens, NY (also the new home of the IRAWMA Awards). The stars and Mother Nature lined up for what was going to be a perfect Jamboree debut at the new home.

Irie Jamboree 08: A Tribute to Caribbean Athletes  Irie Jamboree, the largest reggae music festival held Labor Day in Roy Wilkins Park in New York City closed out the summer in spectacular fashion. The 6th staging of Jamboree 2k7 had Mother Nature’s blessing weather-wise; it was a perfect day, a slight breeze and warm temperatures.

Open letter to Freddie McGregor On Friday 7/11/2008, I was undoubtedly happy to watch the great Freddie McGregor perform at Mangoville in New York City. It was musical acme for me. His performance was one of distinctive and superior quality. Watching the show from close proximity, I was able to see his demeanor as he performed.

Jamaica Day 2008 On July 26, thousands of fellow ‘yardies’ from all walks of life and some from as far as Ottawa and Montreal converge on Toronto to celebrate Jamaica Day 2008. The massive of people did not just simply show up though out of a sheer desire to come gallivant but did so out of patriotism, solidarity and nationhood pride to honor Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of self-governance from them British tyrants.

An Interview Jamelody Every ever so often special talent comes along with a charismatic voice.  Trinidadian reggae singer Michael Williams is a special talent and a charismatic vocalist.  Williams says he sings God’s melodies and chose, most appropriately, the name JAMELODY. Like reggae’s defining vocalist Dennis Brown, JAMELODY’s vocal style bridges R&B, Pop/Rock, Gospel to Reggae.

Review: Best Of The Best….A Few Of The Best Best Of The Best has the reputation of being best reggae stage-show north of Jamaica. Most years, patrons are treated to a high quality show, filled with top billing artists. This year, there were a good amount of top performers, but the line-up was a bit lighter than usual.

An Interview with Etana: The Strong One With hit songs ‘Wrong address’ (2006) ‘Roots’ (2007) and her chart topper ‘Warrior Love’ Etana has had several # 1 songs on Jamaican, England, Us and the Virgin Island on reggae charts. Arguably the most successful female singer in reggae today, she’s struck a symbiotic chord with audiences. This Jamaican born Miami bred siren described by Vibe magazine as “established herself as formidable performer and songwriter whose music and reputation precedes her’ has won the female Singer of the Year for 2007 at several award shows this year including the International Reggae and World Music Award and the Reggae Academy Award. On stage she exudes a regal bearing and the attitude of a diva; her live stage presence commands attention

REGGAE - IN - MOTION Singer Kris Kelli is one of the new breed of female artist. She entered the music business in 2003. Her debut CD “My World” was released in Japan by Pony Canyon in 2006. The album boasts 15 tracks including two collaborations with Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel. Kelli’s had several successful singles, including ‘Fly Boy’ “Fame” w/ Vybz Kartel, ‘Step it up’ and ‘Truth Unfolds’ and a remake of Althea & Donna’s 70’s chart topping hit ‘Uptown Top Ranking’. Kriss is no stranger to international success having had two # 1 song in Italy “Hide Away” and “Flip Up”. Jamaicans.com Stan Evan Smith spoke with Kriss.

It’s Official, February is Reggae Month. There was a month long wide range of activities staged to celebrate February as Reggae Month. February, which is also Black History month and when the Grammy award for 'Best Reggae s Album is given, was chosen, partly because it coincides with the birth of Bob Marley, the King of Reggae music and Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae music.

Tributes to Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae Music The mark of one who is great can always be measured by the how he is respected by his peers, read what Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens and Ibo Cooper have to say about Dennis Brown’s importance to Jamaican music and Brown’s impact on Freddie & Richie careers.

Alaine, Music is all Me At 29 Alaine (Laughton) hot, at the top of her game as female reggae entertainer she’s had more hit singles than any other female reggae artist this year. Alaine is the heavy favorite female singer of the year. She’s the perfect combination of beauty and multi talent, she is also an actress, copping a role in the Whoopi Goldberg movie 'Clara's Heart.

I-Wayne Book of Life Book of Life” is not as hot as Lava. However, on Life Wayne cast himself as the 'fire warrior' against injustice. It is chock full of danceable and some familiar rhythms like ‘Free the People (Sattamasagana riddim) and Good Enough (Burning Spear’s ‘Call on you’.) The album maintains Lava militancy; it is just more reflective. The Book of Life is definitely a must for roots and culture fans and should garner new ones. Life is the singer’s best and most enjoyable work to-date. Now if we could just find a hit single on life.

Rewind & Review Big Heist RiDDim For the most part these riddims have successfully propelled a new crop of ghetto posturing gangster artists like Vybz Kartel, Movado, Adonia to the fore. Big Heist RiDDim is chock full of positive messages -a fresh riddim.