New York: Reggae crooner Richie Stephens, fresh from a solid performance at the annual "Take Me Away" concert in Jamaica has been invited to be a special guest performer at the post Reebok Grand Prix 2008 reggae concert at Icahn Stadium, Randall's Island on Saturday, May 31, 2008 starting at 5pm.
The event will garner additional international coverage this Olympic year, as this is where American sprint star Tyson Gay, the reigning 100-meter World Champion, and Jamaica's Usain 'Lighting' Bolt will face off, in what could be their last big 'showdown' before the Beijing Olympic Games this summer.
Stephens has been a household name in Jamaica for nearly two decades. He got his big break in the early 1990's while on tour in Europe with Shabba Ranks. Famed producer Jazzy B from Soul 2 Soul saw his performance at Brixton Academy in London and invited him to do a song titled "Joy" that was featured on the Soul To Soul album titled "Just Right." In 1993 he went on the album's European promotional tour with Vanessa Williams and James Brown. "Joy" climbed to the number three (3) spot on the British Charts and the top five (5) on most of the Charts in Europe. This achievement earned him an appearance on the Arsenio Hall show, where he performed the song live and was interviewed by the legendary late night television show host.
Stephens is now a staple on the reggae circuit and has amassed a hit list which includes "By Your Side", "Weakness for Sweetness", "Legacy"' featuring Cobra, "Fight Back", featuring Garnet Silk, "Winner", "Pull Up", "Maniac" featuring Bounty Killer, "Father I Love You" and "Take Me Away."
"This is a major achievement for Jamaica and for our beloved reggae music to be placed center stage at an international sporting event for all the world to see. Richie is an artiste of international stature that will represent himself and our country well" Louie Grant, VP of Irie Jam Media said.
New York based Kingston Band and singer Elvis D, who is enjoying success with his single "Party Time" will be the other featured performers at the post reggae concert.
A galaxy of Jamaican international track stars including world-champion sprinters Veronica Campbell-Brown, Usain 'Lighting" Bolt, Omar Brown, Jozef Robertson, Maurice Wignall, Dorian Scott, Sheri-Ann Brooke, Danny McFarlane, Kerene Hinds, Michael Blackwood, Jermaine Gonzalez and Nadine Palmer will be among the headliners at the Reebok Grand Prix 08 on May 31.
On the heels of a sell-out last year, 1,500 bleacher seats have been added on the backstretch to accommodate the expected demand in this Olympic year. The new bleacher seats, along the backstretch with clear views of the finish line, will be available for $15. Grandstand tickets range from $50-$24. Tickets are on sale now by phone at 1-877-TIX-TRAC, in the Bronx at Moodies Records, Barry's Jerk Delight and Golden Krust on Gun Hill Road; Brooklyn at Super Power Records & VP Records; Queens at Jamaican Flavors, Genesis One Restaurant and VP Records; in Westchester call Omar The Flagsman (914) 720-5465 or on-line at www.ReebokGrandPrix.com, where information about special buses to Icahn Stadium is also available.
