Local musicians and performers in Seattle, Washington will get together at The Shop Club & Derby Restaurant on Saturday, August 5th, for the Seattle Revival Festival. This affair is all about celebrating the resurrection of the city’s live music culture. There will be two stages, approximately ten bands and a few selectors.

Among the wide variety of dedicated local artists and bands that have been confirmed is veteran reggae singer and musician Clinton Fearon, who will perform with his band, Boogie Brown.

The organizers have also partnered with SMASH to ensure that local musicians have access to free and low-cost healthcare. Click here for tickets.

Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – the famed Jamaican guitarist who rose to prominence while working with the Soul Syndicate Band, Bob Marley & The Wailers, and others – has produced a Junior Byles tribute album. The eleven-track compilation, released on Friday, July 7th via Serious Reggae and DubShot Records, is an acoustic re-working of some of Byles biggest hits.

Titled, Still Beating Down Babylon, it features reggae giants Inner Circle, Freddie McGregor and Mykal Rose, as well as several emerging acts: Kai Wakeling, Matrujah, Delphine, Chiney KiKi, Marlon Brown, Color Red, Donovan Joseph, Likkle Nate and Itral Ites. Some of the songs presented on this LP are Curly Locks, A Place Called Africa, Fade Away, Beat Down Babylon etc., tracks that have made the name Junior Byles synonymous with 70s reggae music.

Smith explains his approach to the project in the following statement. “We didn’t do it like di originals, wi have some different arrangements. It’s jus’ like yuh writing with a guitar an’ bring in some instruments.” And as for what inspired the record, he said: “wi can do nuthin more than help dis artiste, because him a guh through him ting from di 70s. Wi jus’ happy wi get it done.”

In the late 70s Byles mental health had begun to decline, and he was subsequently admitted to Bellevue Hospital. Unfortunately his situation never improved and he was later diagnosed with prostate cancer. To that end, his long time friend and colleague, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, has taken this initiative to shine a light on Junior Byles and his plight.

Still Beating Down Babylon is available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and all other streaming platforms. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “STILL BEATING DOWN BABYLON”

Last Time I Checked is the latest single from Guyanese reggae-gospel artist Samuel Medas. Released independently at the end of June (on the 27th to be exact), the inspirational bouncy reggae song is absolutely beautiful. Aside from its powerful message – which of course is God centered – Samuel‘s performance is also masterful.

The captivating visuals for Last Time I Checked was appropriately shared on July 1st, International Reggae Day. If you have not yet seen it, click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment and share.

Since his last breakout performance at Moe’s Alley, regular attendees have been anticipating the return of Trini reggae star Marlon Asher, who, after a long hiatus, is back in the spotlight.

He recently joined Sizzla Kalonji on the Everlasting Japan Tour, and he has already begun promoting his upcoming album, Safe, which is due out soon. To boot, it is now confirmed that he, along with some special guests, will be back at the aforementioned venue on Saturday, August 5th. Click here for additional info.

In a few weeks from now – on August 4th and 5th – Bunfire Squad will present the 3rd staging of Austria’s One Love Festival. The family friendly event will offer a wide range of international cuisine: Thai, Indian, Ethiopian etc., workshops, children friendly zones, as well as live music.

They have a stellar lineup that includes Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Horace Andy, Gentleman, Alborosie, Lila Iké, and many more. Additional information and links to tickets are available on the event’s official website.