About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Promoting Positive Black Music & Telling The Stories Of The People Behind It!

Carl Thomas to Perform at Lush Café & Lounge in Tempe on New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Lush Café & Lounge has announced a special live performance featuring R&B artist Carl Thomas. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31st, coinciding with New Year’s Eve celebrations. This live appearance offers fans an opportunity to ring in the new year with a performance from the acclaimed singer in an intimate lounge setting.

The event will be hosted at Lush Café & Lounge, located at 7470 S. Priest Dr, Tempe, Arizona. Due to the expected popularity of the performance, management recommends an early door arrival for all guests. Tickets and RSVPs for the performance are currently available through Eventbrite.

A Reggae-Filled Countdown: Lutan Fyah Headlines New Year’s Eve in Dakar

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Bégué Events and Lamis Open will end the year in spectacular fashion with Lutan Fyah in Concert on December 31, 2025, at Monaco Plage in Dakar. The New Year’s Eve celebration will unfold from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with a night of roots reggae and authentic Jamaican vibes, headlined by one of the genre’s most revered artists.

Lutan Fyah will be supported by a strong lineup of local and regional acts including Xuman, Dajla, Exodus Dakar, Daniel Bless, Jah Milk, and Peaceman, reflecting the depth and energy of the reggae movement in Senegal and beyond.

The celebration continues with a full Jamaican party experience powered by top selectors INS Rastafari Mixmaster, Dread Matt, Peace Maker, Jah Melody, and DJ Roger. Tickets are available in advance and at the gate, with varying prices throughout the night. Guests will also have access to on-site rooms, food, and beverages.

David & Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds Confirmed for Faith City New Year’s Eve Service

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Faith City will ring in the New Year with a night of worship at its annual New Year’s Eve service on December 31. Led by Apostle Mike Freeman and Dr. Deedee Freeman, the event will take place at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with doors opening at 9:15 p.m. and the service beginning promptly at 10:00 p.m.

The night will feature special musical ministry from gospel power couple David and Tamela Mann, alongside Faith City Music and acclaimed worship artist Jonathan McReynolds.

Faith City’s NYE service continues its tradition of offering a meaningful alternative to conventional celebrations, centering the transition into the new year on worship, community, and spiritual renewal.

One Thing Experience with Samuel Medas & Others

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The second night of One Mega Weekend culminates with the One Thing Experience on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Guyana National Stadium, starting at 7:00 PM. This dynamic gospel concert also marks the official album launch of Samuel Medas, bringing a contemporary worship focus to an already monumental weekend.

Designed as a night of intense praise and spiritual connection, One Thing Experience will feature performances from Rondell Positive, Saiku, John Mark Wiggan, Faith Corica, Carlene Davis, B’Jorn Pierre, Alicia Taylor, and Sarah Alexander. Each artiste brings a unique sound and ministry, uniting modern gospel influences with heartfelt worship.

Leroy Sibbles Receives Jamaica Music Icon Award Citation from Hon. Olivia Grange

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, officially presented reggae legend Leroy Sibbles with the framed Citation accompanying his Jamaica Music Icon Award, which he received at Grand Gala 2025.

Sharing the moment on her social media platforms, Minister Grange noted that the Citation honors Sibbles “in recognition of the work he did in promoting the growth and popularity of Jamaican music across the globe.” The document also celebrates his enduring musical legacy and global influence.

The Citation refers to Sibbles as “The King of the Bassline,” acknowledging his groundbreaking work that helped lay the foundation for modern reggae music. His distinctive bass lines were widely used by numerous artistes, contributing to recordings that launched major careers. Sibbles later became the regular bassist at the iconic Studio One recording studio, further cementing his place in reggae history. As the Citation states, “Leroy did not just play music, he crafted it, and his influence continues to resonate around the globe.”

Born and raised in Trench Town, Leroy Sibbles began his remarkable journey at just 16 years old as a founding member of the legendary group The Heptones. The group scored major hits with classics such as Fatty Fatty and Ting-a-Ling.

Three R&B Legends, One Stage: The New Edition Way Tour 2026

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Three of R&B’s most influential acts—New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton—will unite for a major North American tour in 2026. Titled The New Edition Way Tour, the run celebrates decades of chart-topping music from artists who helped shape modern R&B.

Presented by the Black Promoters Collective, the tour will span approximately 30 cities across the United States, launching in late January and concluding in early April 2026. See dates and locations below.

Oakland, CA, Oakland Arena 1/28/26
Las Vegas, NV, T-Mobile Arena 1/30/26
Inglewood, CA, Kia Forum 1/31/26
Chicago, IL, United Center 2/4/26
Kansas City, MO, T-Mobile Center 2/5/26
Oklahoma City, OK, Paycom Center 2/6/26
Dallas, TX, American Airlines Center 2/7/26
Newark, NJ, Prudential Center 2/13/26
Baltimore, MD, CFG Bank Arena 2/14/26
Boston, MA, TD Garden 2/15/26
Indianapolis, IN, Gainbridge Fieldhouse 2/19/26
Detroit, MI, Little Caesars Arena 2/20/26
Columbus, OH, Schottenstein Center 2/21/26
Cleveland, OH, Rocket Arena 2/22/26
Greensboro, NC, First Horizon Coliseum 2/26/26
Charlotte, NC, Spectrum Center 2/27/26
Hampton, VA, Hampton Coliseum 2/28/26
Washington, DC, Capital One Arena 3/13/26
Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center 3/14/26
Philadelphia, PA, The Liacouras Center 3/15/26
Memphis, TN, FedEx Forum 3/19/26
Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena 3/20/26
Milwaukee, WI, Fiserv Forum 3/21/26
Minneapolis, MN, Target Center 3/22/26
Cincinnati, OH, Heritage Bank Center 3/26/26
Saint Louis, MO, Enterprise Center 3/27/26
Birmingham, AL, Legacy Arena at the BJCC 3/28/26
Atlanta, GA, State Farm Arena 3/29/26
New Orleans, LA, Smoothie King Center 4/3/26
Houston, TX, Toyota Center – TX 4/4/26

Vintage Gospel: A Celebration of Classic Gospel Music

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

One half of the highly anticipated One Mega Weekend, Vintage Gospel: A Celebration of Old School Gospel Music, is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Guyana National Stadium. The event begins at 7:00 PM and is dedicated to honoring the classic gospel sounds that have shaped generations.

The concert will be headlined by gospel legend Carlene Davis, a Jamaican singer who has been active since the 1970s. The evening will also feature a rich and diverse lineup, including Samuel Medas, Rondell Positive, Saiku, John Mark Wiggan, Faith Corica, B’Jorn Pierre, Alicia Taylor, Sarah Alexander, Wist Dance Company, Roy Stuart, Suelle Williams, Cherlyn Maloney, Sean Sobers, Melissa Vandeyar, Randy Gonzalves, Enea Benjamin, and more.

With tickets priced at $5,000 and parking available at the venue, Vintage Gospel promises a reverent and uplifting atmosphere that honors faith and legacy.