photo by David I Muir

‘Bad Boys of Reggae’ Inner Circle will beam into millions of American homes this year as guests on the first Caribbean cooking show to broadcast nationally via public television in the United States. Since April, “Taste the Islands with Chef Irie” has been rolling out across major US television markets including Los Angeles, San Fransisco, South Florida and Denver.

The band’s appearance begins with the members cooking a gourmet version of a Jamaican codfish staple with Chef Irie at their studio location. Later, they share stories of life on the road and what their dinner plates looked like before they became a global success.

Bringing a festive close to Caribbean American Heritage Month, “Taste the Islands” will begin broadcast as part of Create® TV’s summer lineup. The vibrant new series will premiere on June 29 and air Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30AM and 2:30PM (EST) on 229 Create® TV stations around the country. That coverage translates to almost 80% of television households, including those in 8 of the top 10 markets.

Fans of Caribbean cuisine can find out where to watch locally, as well as discover recipes, view behind the scenes images and more on the show’s website, http://www.tastetheislandstv.com.

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has just announced that Luciano has been added to perform at the 22nd annual summer solstice and world peace gathering taking place June 19-21, 2015 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds located in Boonville, California.

With the release of his landmark CD “Where There Is Life” in 1995, Luciano emerged as one of the most important reggae singers in decades and the greatest hope for roots reggae’s survival in the digital dancehall era. Since that much acclaimed release, Luciano’s music has been consistently praised for imparting sentiments of spiritual salvation, edification and humanitarian upliftment.

In these troubled times, Luciano’s engaging baritone voice resonates like a divinely ordained instrument possessing the power to comfort souls from all walks of life. While many of his so called “conscious” contemporaries have faltered by recording songs that glorify wanton sex and random violence as a means of topping the charts, Luciano has held steadfast to enriching principles; these positive lyrical themes have justifiably earned him the title of The Messenger. Luciano will be bringing his message to the good people of Boonville when he performs at SNWMF on Sunday, June 21st.

Strictly Roots, the recently released full-length from Morgan Heritage, has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Album chart in its opening week, following its initial debut as the #1 Reggae Album on iTunes. The album’s impressive charting also includes #16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Strictly Roots is currently available digitally and in retail stores nationwide including Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Barnes and Noble. Purchase Strictly Roots on iTunes, here: http://apple.co/1zzk8II or on Amazon, here:http://amzn.to/1OyYCe8. For more information, please visit: www.MorganHeritageMusic.com.

The Marcia Griffiths & Friends mini UK-tour promises to be a great treat for reggae fans! On the bill  are Marcia’s music partner Bob Andy with whom she had the crossover hit ‘Young Gifted And Black,’ and her I-Threes sister Judy Mowatt, plus Richie Spice, Tanya Stephens, the 809 Band, with Daddie Ernie and DJ Daddy Fridge on deck duties! The dates are May 14 (Bristol), 15 (Leeds), 16 (Birmingham), and 17 (o2 Shepherds Bush).