Costa Rica is launching a brand new music festival this year – Sunset Fest – and they’ve invited only three international performers to join them. Booked for the show are Tito el Bambino, Los Pericos, and Jamaican reggae-dancehall star Capleton.
The aforementioned artists will be supported by several local talents on Saturday, June 10th in Jacó, Puntarenas. Click here for additional information.
Steel Pulse is giving one lucky winner an opportunity to win four VIP tickets to a show on their upcoming tour with the funk band Lettuce! Boston’s WasFest not included.
To enter all you have to do is head on over to their instagram account, find the contest post, make a comment, and tag at least three of your friends letting them know which show you would like the tickets for.
VIP passes include a pre-show meet-and-greet with the bands, an exclusive merch bundle, and early entry to the venue. The contest ends on June 5th, and the winner will be tagged in the comments and sent a DM with further information.
On new music Friday – May 26th – Big Feet Records released Make You My Queen, a bright, upbeat, ska song, performed by veteran reggae artist Duane Stephenson. On the record, the August Town singer is heard pining after his love interest, making clear his intentions to literally make her his queen.
Stephenson‘s silky vocals are perfectly centered on an elaborate instrumental, carefully arranged and orchestrated by composer and executive producer Josh Harris, and members of his musical team. Santa Davis played the drums, Jallanzo is on guitar, Josh did both bass and keyboard, and Sharita Lewis added the supporting harmony. Make You My Queen was mixed by Tommi Tikkenen and mastered by Earle Holder.
This is truly an amazing love song that should be added to the catalogue of every reggae/ska lover. It is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and all other streaming platforms, courtesy of Big Feet Records.
Mikey General, a 42-year reggae veteran, has just released the official video for his latest single, Up & At Them. The song is featured on the Survive Riddim, published in March via Blakkwuman22 Music. The visual attempts to give a brief summary of Mikey‘s distinguished career, from his early days in Ackee Walk – which is one of the locations highlighted in the clip – to being recognized and respected all over the world.
According to Mikey, the inspiration for the song comes from his determination to pursue his path, regardless what others may think or say about him. He is intent on remaining resolute and unswerving, and as such, he is always Up & At Them.
In addition to Mikey General, the Survive Riddim also features songs by veteran bass player and singer Wormbass, vocalist Earl Smith Jr. – who is the son of famed guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – and lyricist, songwriter and producer Karamanti (the CEO and owner of Blakkwuman22 Music).
Veteran reggae artist Junior Reid is gearing up for the One Blood Family Festival on Saturday, June 3rd, at Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica. He has invited some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall to join him, as the event is also his 60th birthday celebration.
Among the confirmed acts is legendary roots singer Sister Carol, who is currently promoting her latest single – Nubian Wombman – released in March via Tad’s Record. She will share the stage with other reggae legends: Sizzla Kalonji, Stephen Marley, Julian Marley, Louie Culture, I Wayne, Big Youth, Bushman, Turbulence, Warrior King, Chuck Fenda, Leroy Sibbles, and that is just to name a few.
In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Junior Reid had this to say regarding the show: “This is a day-and-night affair, and it’s going to be a great event. I am trying to bring back the family in music, we need those bonds, that’s not how we used to live, and I love the youths, we have to show them the right way, the live band is the thing, family is the thing. All the people on the show are like my family, they are my blood, my One Blood family, and this event is showing that we stand for the same thing, and that love is still there in the business.”
This year’s Radiate Windrush Festival – scheduled for Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th – is celebrating 75 years of Windrush. Sadly, there are rumors that this will be the last staging of the beloved cultural event.
To that end, Wendy Cummins and her colleagues (the organizers) spared no expense in the 2023 production. They have booked international reggae star Richie Spice, who will be the headliner, alongside soca royalty Terri Lyons and UK sensation Misha B.
Burgess Park on Albany Road in London is the place to be from 12 noon to 9pm on both days! In addition to the live performances, several DJs: Hyper Spice, DJ Dubz, Eternity Sounds, 5th Avenue & DJ Milktray, will be on hand to spin some of the best music.
Fest of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food & Music Festival is arguably one of the fastest growing and most exciting Caribbean spring festivals in the DMV! It features some of the region’s best wine and food vendors, as well as great live music from popular local and international artists. The two main headliners this year are Etana and Mighty Mystic.
Location is the Potomac Polo Arena (Muldoon’s Farm) – 18905 Beallsville Road – in Poolesville, Maryland; and the date is Saturday, June 10th. Tickets can be purchased from eventbrite.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 