Inna De Yard‘s 2023 Summer Tour kicks off on June 17th at The Rue des Artistes Festival at Nelson Mandela Park in Saint-Chamond, France. The men will do approximately seventeen shows in Europe before wrapping up on August 19th.
Some of the cities they will be performing in are Paris, Rennes, Anvers, Sines, Surgeres, Rouen, Cologne etc. All dates and locations are available on their website.
King Bravel Lawn, in Exchange Plaza, St. Ann, will be filled with the energy and spirit of the late, great Dennis Brown on Saturday, July 1st, as the space will be used for his memorial celebration.
Purposefully planned for International Reggae Day, the all white affair will feature performances by Tenshon, Fred Locks, King Kong, George Nooks, Kiki Haynes, Dehdeh Blacks and others. Bess FM’s DJ Jacko, from King Jammy’s Sound, is also confirmed.
Show time is 10pm, and there is a $1,500 JMD entrance fee.
The Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival brings together diverse communities and enhances cross-cultural interaction while celebrating both music and food. It’s a three-day event that will run from Friday, June 30th to Sunday, July 2nd.
It will take place at Berkley River Front Park – 1298 River Front Drive – in Kansas City, Missouri. Confirmed performers include Etana, Queen Ifrica, Kenyatta Hill, Patricia Bowens, and that is just to name a few. Tickets are available via eventbrite.
Florida based recording artist Teacha Barnes is making his official entrance into the reggae industry with a bubbly reggae tune called Your Eyes. Co-produced by Wayne Armond of Chalice and Orville Marshall – president of My MM Productions – the song is released on the My MM Productions record label and distributed by VPAL, a subsidiary of VP Records.
Barnes fell in love with reggae music the first time he heard it, recounting: “I was captured by the drum and bass vibes.” He really began embracing the genre in the summer of 1984, that’s when he started collecting records and tapes with songs by some of his favorite artists: Gregory Issacs, Dennis Brown, Super Cat, Steel Pulse, Sanchez and many more. However, when asked who influenced his sound and style the most, he said Steel Pulse and Sanchez.
Adam ‘Teacha’ Barnes, a teacher by profession, is always ready to do a gig once he steps out of the classroom. Now having signed to My MM Productions, he is fully focused on showing off his writing, singing and performing skills to the world. Your Eyes is only one of a few projects that will be released this year. It is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and all other streaming platforms.
Tad’s Record Inc., the imprint on which Anthony Cruz‘s latest album, Under the Covers, was released, gave the record quite a send-off! The eighteen-track LP had a total of three successful launch parties in three major cities in two countries in ten days.
The first launch was on May 3rd at Stone Love HQ in Kingston, Jamaica; this was followed by Blue Martini in Fort Lauderdale on the 7th, and finally, Ocho Rios Seafood Lounge in Brooklyn on the 12th. All three events saw Cruz performing live, signing autographs, and doing meet-and-greets with his fans and supporters, who were all excited to connect with the artist and get a copy of the album.
The carefully orchestrated release has resulted in Under the Covers soaring to the #1 spot on South Florida’s Reggae Album Chart only a few weeks after it was first shared.
Under the Covers is a classic that features all reggae-remixes of R&B favorites like: R. Kelly‘s Step In The Name Of Love, Alexander O’Neal’s If You Were Here Tonight, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway‘s The Closer I Get to You, as well as several other chart-topping grown folk music.
Kēvens, the multi-talented artist known for his captivating performances and thought-provoking music, is set to release his highly anticipated single, “Legal Dreamers”, on June 23rd. This dynamic track merges the infectious rhythms of Reggae with the pulsating energy of EDM, creating an anthem that transcends genres and captivates audiences worldwide.
With the global rise of Drum and Bass, Kēvens stands out as a trailblazer, bringing his unique blend of live performance to the forefront. His ability to seamlessly blend vocal dexterity, musicianship, and stunning dance visuals sets him apart from other artists in the industry, making him a true force to be reckoned with.
Indeed, Kēvens, a name synonymous with the early days of EDM festivals, has a remarkable history with ULTRA, where he introduced live drum and bass for the first time to the Ultra Music festival brand back in Miami (Ultra 2000) and performed worldwide with them, including in South Korea. However, Kēvens’ influence extends beyond ULTRA, as he has graced the stages of renowned festivals such as The Florida Zen Music Festival, Cyberfest, Earthdance, and One Love Fest Japan, solidifying his position as a true festival icon.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kēvens’ musical journey is his profound connection with the legendary Marley family. Collaborating with Bob Marley’s brothers, Stephen, Damian Jr Gong, Kēvens has shared the stage with reggae royalty, bringing together the roots of EDM and the soul of reggae in outstanding performances. These collaborations not only showcase Kēvens’ versatility as an artist but also emphasize his deep appreciation for music’s transformative power.
“Legal Dreamers” serves as a testament to Kēvens’ mission of using music as a unifying force in an increasingly divided world. In an era where differences in age, nationality, race, and religion seem to widen the gap between people, Kēvens strives to bring souls from all corners of the globe together through the power of his music.
Born out of his own journey and experiences, Kēvens’ music promotes multiculturalism, spiritual enlightenment, artistic expression, and positivism. His unique sound, infused with world-beat influences, reflects his dedication to taking listeners on a transformative journey of higher consciousness.
Kēvens started his journey spinning records in Miami but the innately poetic performer’s musical roots were more clearly witnessed when he joined the groundbreaking, progressive reggae group: Le Coup, with Richard and Anthony Booker. In fact, family matriarch Cedella Marley Booker told young Kēvens very early in his musical career: “Like a letter, you must write a song with purpose.”
Kēvens’ musical prowess and dedication to his craft have earned him opportunities to share the stage with an eclectic array of legends and prodigies, including Steven Tyler, Ice Cube, Tiestö, Daft Punk, Duran Duran, Carlos Santana, and The Jacksons, among others. His live performances combine the rich traditions of drum ‘n’ bass with a progressive rock-reggae dub style, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.
As a global citizen, Kēvens has embraced the ultimate mantra: “Positivity is a Necessity”. Through his music, he aims to inspire individuals to embrace unity, embrace diversity, and embrace the power of positivity.
“Legal Dreamers” is not just a song; it is a call to action, an invitation to dance, and a testament to the transformative power of music. Be prepared to be swept away by the infectious beat and uplifting lyrics that will resonate with audiences worldwide.
On Monday, June 19th, Scotland DMV Entertainment and Minds in Motions Child Care will join forces to present the Scotland Freedom Day Concert. It will take place at Howard County Fairgrounds – 2210 Fairgrounds Road – in West Friendship, Maryland, and will feature a blend of Caribbean and American urban music.
The all-star cast of confirmed performers are: the legendary Wyclef Jean, Mr. Singy-Singy aka Tarrus Riley, the versatile vocalist Gyptian, the dynamic Patrice Roberts, and the energetic Ricardo Drue. Click here for tickets and additional information.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 