GROOVIN IN THE PARK – NEW YORK’S PREMIER REGGAE & R&B SUMMER CONCERT PROMISES TO BE BIGGEST YET

Billy_Ocean

Billy Ocean

Organizers of New York City’s premier reggae and R&B summer festival, Groovin In The Park are extremely pleased with preparations for the 2015 installment which unfolds at Roy Wilkins Park on Sunday, June 28. With the success of last year’s event which pulled a record 20,000 patrons, the question is can they repeat and deliver an even bigger festival for 2015?

Thanks to meticulous planning and delivery on promise each year, Groovin’ in the Park now has a huge concert fan base who look forward to each year’s production. So far, patrons have embraced the star studded lineup with includes Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton, R&B sensation Billy Ocean, Morgan Heritage, Coco Tea, Luciano, Stitchie, Capleton and Judy Mowatt.

 Stitchie

Stitchie

“We got off to an early start this year and I am happy to report that we are ahead of schedule in areas that are critical to having a successful festival” said Christopher Robert, founder and CEO of Groovin Inc.

Roberts noted that “Ticket sales are brisk; we have all our vendors in place, and we are going beyond the call of duty to ensure that the grounds are prepared. We are not leaving anything to chance.”

The superbly professional technical standards that the festival has set for executing this extravaganza has re-defined expectations for all other music festivals in the region.

“We have gone to great lengths to package a powerful and memorable event. All the artistes are upbeat and are ready to deliver first class performances. Our production team is also prepared to deliver the best lighting and sound ever” he said.

 Barry-G

Barry-G

The addition of Boggieman’ ‘Barry G’ Gordon, the current ruler of afternoon radio in Jamaica as MC has spiked interest from Jamaicans in the Diaspora who grew up on the island in the 70’s, 80’s ad 90’s. Many people who grew up in Jamaica during the era, still talk with glee about the intense clashes Gordon had with Kiss FM’s David Rodigan from London, England.

Presenting sponsor of Groovin’ In The Park is the Door Restaurant. Supporting sponsors include The Smoke House, TD Bank, SQPA, Nutrament, Caribbean Foods Delight Inc, BullZii Marketing, Groovin’ Radio, Laparkin Shipping, Tower Isle Patties and VP Records. Log on to http://www.groovininthepark.com or http://www.groovinradiony.com for more information.

Kabaka Pyramid and Inner Circle video shoot for Monday June 29th (@Kabakapyramid @BadBoysOfReggae)

00-wethepeopleKabaka Pyramid and Inner Circle will be shooting the official video for their track “We The People” in Miami, Florida. The shoot is set for Monday, June 29th and they are calling on members of the public to get involved. Persons interested in being a part of the production should send an email to Casting@blakpro.com. There will be food available for all extras and ofcourse performances by both Inner Circle and Kabaka Pyramid.

Morgan Heritage Embarks on the Second Leg of their North American Tour (@morganheritage)

00-morganHumbled by the feedback and success of the recently released “Strictly Roots” album which reached no. 1 on the US iTunes Reggae Chart and Billboard Reggae Chart. The album also debuted at # 2 in Switzerland and Holland, #8 in the UK, #3 in Germany and #4 in France on the iTunes Reggae Charts. The Royal Family of Reggae embarks on the second leg of their North American tour after a successful European promotional journey.

Morgan Heritage hit the road with their first performance on June 24th in Albany, New York. Patrons experienced the sensational roots reggae quintet which comprises siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Gramps Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Lukes Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Mojo Morgan (percussion/vocals). They performed from their blockbuster album such hits as “Perform and Done” and “Light It Up” featuring Jo Mersa Marley, the grandson of the iconic Bob Marley and son of Stephen Marley.

From Boise, Idaho and Spokane Washington June 30th and July 1st alongside The Green, to New Orleans, Louisiana and Ladsom, South Caroline, Morgan Heritage will bring reggae music and all that it encompasses to non traditional markets.

Veteran Reggae Group Home-T Reunites & Releases New Album

00-hometThe foundation members of Reggae group Home-T regrouped to present a new CD called ‘SEND COME CALL WE.’

It is produced and arranged by the legendary Mikey “Mao” Chung and backed by the original Now Generation Band.

Home-T’s entry into the music business was a self-produced song ‘Mr. Fire” written by co-founder Junior Gentles on their own Home-T Label. Many singles followed on the Mushroom Label: a cover of the pop hit “Stop Children,”  “Dedication,” a song written by the legendary BB Seaton, and a cover of The Wailing Wailers “ Soul Shake Down Party.”

On their own Junjo Label came “ Irons in the Fire, “Mystique”, “Love Oh Love” and “Dance a Sweet Kind A Music.”

The last two songs allowed them to be finalists in the 1978/79 Festival Song Competitions, then came a reworked version of  ”Soul Shake Down Party” on Phonogram Records which was released in Europe.

All these singles were produced by Mikey “Mao” Chung and assisted by Home-T. Other singles followed on the Joe Gibbs Label: “Respection,” “ Red Bum Ball” retitled  “Playmate,” and in 1980 a Christmas Song written by Mikie Bennett called “Christmas Mood” more popularly known as “Mek The Christmas Ketch you in a Good Mood,” which became an anthem that’s played every Christmas season.

In 1983 “Sly & Robbie Present Home-T” was released which yielded a #1 song “Do You Believe?” on the UK Black Echoes Chart. This song was written by the late Trevor Roper of the band Chalice.

In 1988 Home-T busted out big time on the reggae scene with hits such as “Who She Love” and “Don’t Throw it All Away” on The Jammys Label, then on the Music Works Label they had  “Holding On,” “Pirates Anthem,” and “Single Life,” solidifying them as hit makers.

Some of these songs were done in collaboration with Shabba Ranks and Cocoa Tea. In 2006 the album “Stronger Now” was produced by Mikie Bennett and Home-T at Grafton Studios.

Home-T has had its share of experiences to last many lifetimes. This is timely shared with audiences around the world, through scintillating performances with an eclectic mix of Ska, Rock Steady and the every pounding bass lines of the intriguing reggae music.

Check out the new album here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/homet1

Freddie McGregor Goes ‘Rub-a-Dub’ for ‘Reeewind’ Debut in New York (@IrishandChin @BigshipFreddie)

00-Freddie-McGregor-1When it comes to Reggae music, you really can’t get any bigger than living legend Freddie McGregor. The internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer will make his highly anticipated debut at Irish and Chin’s epic “Reeewind,” a heavily branded event, which celebrates “Rub-a-Dub” music and culture.  On Saturday, July 18, Freddie McGregor will command the stage with his powerful and distinguished vocals, joining a cadre of talented singers and deejays, in what’s being billed as “Singers Meets DJs.”  Reggae fans are going wild over Freddie McGregor’s “Reeewind” debut and are prepping for a musical explosion and special treat, as the iconic artis is set to sing freestyle over infectious foundation riddims provided by International sound system Mighty Crown. Meanwhile, the lyrically robust deejays, will punish the riddims laced by the legendary Downbeat.

Fans will not be disappointed on Saturday, July 18, as this could possibly be the most explosive, entertaining “Reeewind” to date!
For more info visit: http://www.irishandchin.com

JUDY MOWATT ADDED TO THE 2015 LINE UP OF GROOVIN’ IN THE PARK (@GroovinConcert)

00-Judy-MowattVeteran reggae singer Judy Mowatt, who thrilled fans as part of the Marcia Griffiths & friends package at last summer’s Groovin’ In The Park concert in New York, has been invited to perform at the festival for the second consecutive year. Beres Hammond is the only artiste who has performed at the annual festival twice.

Mowatt will join Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton, Billy Ocean, Morgan Heritage, Stitchie, Carleton Luciano and Cocoa Tea as confirmed acts at Groovin’ in The Park 2015 which unfolds at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, NY on Sunday June 28.

The revered singer rose to prominence in the 70’s as a member of the I-Threes (which included original members Marcia Griffiths and Rita Marley) the backing vocalist for Bob Marley and The Wailers. She is the first female singer nominated for a Grammy Award in the reggae category for her ‘Working Wonders’ album which was nominated in 1985. Her ‘Black Woman’ album which was released in 1980 is considered one of the best reggae albums by a female artiste. As a solo act she is best known for songs like ‘Many Are Called,’ ‘Black Woman’ and ‘I Shall Sing.’ In 1999 the Jamaican government awarded her the Order of Distinction for her contribution to Jamaica’s music industry.

Presenting sponsor of Groovin’ In The Park is the Door Restaurant. Supporting sponsors include The Smoke House, TD Bank, SQPA, Nutrament, Caribbean Foods Delight Inc, BullZii Marketing, Groovin’ Radio, Laparkin Shipping, Tower Isle Patties and VP Records. Log on to http://www.groovininthepark.com or http://www.groovinradiony.com for concert information.

Turbulence, Sherwin Gardner & More For Braveheart Riddim (@sherwingardner)

00-braveheartTrinidad and Tobago-based Bricksvale Records conquers the reggae scene with its uplifting one-drop riddim compilation Braveheart Riddim, available worldwide from all major digital retailers on June 16, 2015. Produced by Billboard-charting singer and songwriter Joel “Positive” Murray, Bricksvale Records is earning its stripes and making its mark in the Reggae world.

Caribbean stars shine on the six-track album, including Positive with “Hold Me Closely,” Turbulence with “Forever In Love,” Sherwin Gardner with “You Are Not Alone,” Emrand Henry with “Good Morning” and Collini with “Jah Love,” along with the instrumental version.

The talented line-up brings seasoned singers, songwriters and performers to the table, and casts righteous seeds that are bound to earn fans for Bricksvale Records.

TRACK LIST

1. Positive – Hold Me Closely
2. Turbulence – Forever In Love
3. Sherwin Gardner – You Are Not Alone
4. Collini – Jah Love
5. Emrand Henry – Good Morning
6. Bricksvale Records – Braveheart Riddim (Instrumental)