Upstate Reggae on the River Inc whose mission is to raise awareness about environmental concerns, preserving our rich cultural heritage and sustainability. In 2007, UROTR was founded by Lauren Drummond and Michelle Cowans whose plans are to use these events as a platform to educate and give back to the deserving communities.

“My prayers go out to all the victims of Haiti. It is time for the community to come together regardless of your race, we are all one,” says co-founder, Cowans. “Let us put away our differences and assist during these difficult times,” echoing Drummond.
Organizers are working feverishly in reaching out to the community for their support. So, get your tickets now! Early bird tickets are $20.00 available on our website, www.hudsonvalleyreggaefest.com. Also, for every tickets purchase, $5.00 will be donated to Yele Haiti’s Relief Fund.

Sponsors, vendors and volunteers, please contact 800-557-4185, ext. 4 or 8.

Henry Turner Jr., based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, President of Hit City Records and Founder of Henry Turner, Jr. and Flavor band have made a commitment and feels that this event can be one of the biggest in the country. “Reggae/World Music is in need of infused efforts from all sides the community and now is the time to come forward to support Reggae/World Music,” says Turner, Jr. “I will make sure that this message will be heard.”

Hudson River ECO Reggae & World Music Fest will present a day-long family-oriented event featuring well-known local and international Reggae, Hip Hop, Latin and World Music entertainment. These are some of the highlights:

Day-long family oriented events featuring music and various speakers on the main stage with audio visual screens Children’s Village featuring a music jam session, storytelling, face painting, ECO puppet show and other amusements VIP Pavilion “Taste of the Caribbean” offering a variety of foods and beverages

ECO Village featuring Green Lifestyle Tent for everyday living — Eco textile clothing lines, Eco/organic food and beverage, Eco jewelry stand, personal products expo make-up and lotions, home-based products.

“The next trophy I would love to be holding like this is an Oscar Award” he proclaimed, triumphantly hoisting the trophy in the air. 

Monday’s glittering black-tie induction ceremony marked the 25th renewal of this now entrenched American music industry tradition and Jimmy Cliff becomes only the second Jamaican performer and the third Jamaican to hold this enviable distinction. Bob Marley was also previously inducted, and so too was music mogul Chris Blackwell, the latter in a non-performer category.

All three Jamaicans join a list of the most awe-inspiring musicians of the twentieth century. Other distinguished inductees from previous years include Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Prince.

It has been a long road for the actor, musician, singer, songwriter, music producer and businessman Jimmy Cliff, christened James Chambers at birth by his parents in the district of Somerton, St James, Jamaica. He has appeared in three successful movies including the 1986 comedy Club Paradise, co-starring Robin Williams and Peter O’Toole.

Four years later he snagged a role in “Marked for Death” but he had his career defining role as reggae singer, Ivan Martin in the cult classic ‘Harder They Come.’ Cliff is currently thumbing through at least four movie scripts, including the final draft of a screenplay tentatively titled “Wappy King” – the story of a legendary character from Jamaica who has a fearless spirit.

Cliff will not only assume a starring role in the flick but will write much of the music for the sound track. If all goes well, shooting could begin early next year in Jamaica.

Could this prove to be the big role that lands him an Oscar nomination and the pride and joy of Tinsletown? Some would say you have to dream the impossible dream before it can be realized. Jimmy Cliff is arguably the most celebrated reggae act on the international stage, playing to stadiums and arenas in Africa, Brazil and parts of Europe.

He has an equally impressive following in the USA where he is best known for songs like “Sitting in Limbo”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, Wild World, I Can See Clearly Now and “Many Rivers to Cross,” all from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come. Regarded as reggae’s first international star and the genre’s greatest living legend, Cliff is hoping to connect with a new generation of fans with the release of his new album titled ‘Existence’ which boasts 15 exciting songs, 13 of which are brand new compositions.

“The new album is about our life on planet earth. It touches all aspects of our existence, from global warming to starvation, economics, politics, the spiritual and beyond. It deals with love… unconditional love and relationships on a one on one basis. In the spiritual realm we have different points of view” he confessed. Speaking confidently and passionately about the disc he said, “I just love this album. It is like a new baby. Now I have to nurture it into adulthood.”

Among the tracks that will be included on the disc are Blessed Love; Rebel, Rebel, Rebel; Everybody Loves a Winner; You’re a Blessing in Disguise and I Got to Move On. His last studio album was released four and a half years ago. To support the disc, he will embark on a US tour this summer.

When asked which artiste, if any, he would love to collaborate with, he paused to gather his thoughts before affirming that he would love to work with Queen Ifrica. On the international side he identified Jay Z and Nas as worthy collaborators. 

As part of the Diaspora outreach, Cliff did an interview on Irie Jam Radio with hosts DJ Roy and Dubb Master Chis, then on Thursday evening IMAGES LLC orchestrated a media reception that provided a platform for the reggae legend to speak directly with members of the Caribbean press.

“Jimmy Cliff has been huge in Europe, Africa and Brazil for decades, but it is refreshing to see him being embraced by the American Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He’s never fully got the respect he deserves here in the US, and one hopes this endorsement will continue to shatter cultural borders on the American music landscape” Dave Rodney from IMAGES LLC said.

“After a marathon 2 ½ hour interview on Irie Jam radio, the phone lines went ballistic with the endorsement and love from many adoring fans from the community who have not heard from Jimmy in many years. We celebrate his induction and stand proud of his legacy” Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio said.

Clarke noted that he has had the pleasure of listening to most of the tracks on the disc and he feels it is a strong contender for a future Grammy nomination.

Cliff’s crowning moment in New York on Monday was just a small step along the way on his life’s journey. To get this far, he has crossed many rivers and is now ready to take on new challenges.

“I feel now I am on the road, getting set to start act two of my career. The induction was the final act of phase one. Now that I am starting the next phase of my career, I am more focused and ready for battle” he said.

Cliff’s induction is impressive considering the number of million-selling chart toppers who are nowhere to be seen in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The long list includes Hall & Oates, Spinners, Barry White, Stylistics, Electric Light Orchestra, KISS, Chic and Pointer Sisters.  

“I accepted this award on behalf of the people of Jamaica, Africa, the Caribbean and South America” Cliff proudly declared.

He delivered arguably the best performance of the night, serving up almost twenty minutes of the tastiest hybrid of Reggae, spiced with a pinch of Rock & Roll. It didn’t matter if one fully understood his Jamaican accent, Cliff held everyone in a musical trance with “You Can Get It If You Really Want” “Many Rivers To Cross” and his international soundtrack hit “The Harder They Come.” Many in the crowd danced as his music proved infectious to those present.

His mesmerizing performance earned a deserving standing ovation from music legends Bruce Springstein, Phil Collins, Abba, the Bee Gees and Maroon 5 who were all in attendance. Cliff said fellow Rock & Roll inductee Phil Collins personally congratulated him on his stellar performance. A small contingent from Jamaica including entertainment executive Chris Samuda, who flew in from Kingston also cheered, while Cliff’s assistant Ray Watkins flashed a smile as the historic performance came to and end. 

At the heels of the iconic concert by The Temptations, Manhattans and Rose Royce, New York City dwellers are preparing to experience yet another legend of soul music the notable empress, Patti Labelle.

According to Lorraine Campbell of the Brooklyn-based cultural event production joint, Jammins Entertainment, “Patti will be doing a live show on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the prestigious landmark venue”, BAM – Brooklyn Academy of Music (Howard Gilman Opera House) located at 30 Lafayette Ave in Brooklyn, NY. Showtime at 7 p.m. Sharp!!!!

“I am certain that this Valentine would be very special for a lot of the folks who appreciate classic ballads; I can’t even remember the last time Patti performed in Brooklyn,” says Keisha Martin, an ardent fan who is also well-known for her soulful singing.

Patti LaBelle, the versatile two-time Grammy winning singer and song-writer who can smoothly do a duet with a Michael McDonald or a DMX, and a Floetry or a Wyclef Jean, as she has done, is certainly no stranger to most. In fact, having for over 40 years given the music world countless inter-generational, classic and cross-genre hits like “On My Own,” “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “Live! One Night Only,” and “Burnin’, as well as more recent solos and duets such as “New Day,” “Not Right, But Real,” “Thank You,” and “Hear My Cry,” one can honestly say about Patti that she has just about done it all with her distinctive four octave voice.

Beyond the awards, which among other things includes three honorary doctorate degrees from reputable universities located on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Patti has also distinguished herself as a best selling author of four books (including Don’t Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime), a successful actress with TV shows such as “Out All Night,” and an effective advocate for diabetes and cancer prevention/treatment awareness. Most recently, Patti also introduced her fashion line to the world on HSN.

The caring sponsors of the Patti LaBelle Soul Legend Live Concert are JetBlue Airways (now flying to Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica), Western Union, Census 2010, American Foundation for The University of The West Indies, Zync TV, NY Liberty Star and Street Hype Newspaper, Gmax Enterprise, NY Perks Bar & Lounge, Grace Kennedy Bill Express, Café Shane Restaurant, and Hopkins Communications Group.

Tickets for the exceptional event can be purchased by calling BAM box office at 718.636.4100 or log onto www.BAM.org. Further information may be obtained by calling 718-282-8041 or www.soullegendslive.com. Part proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for The University of The West Indies (AFUWI) Scholarship Fund. The AFUWI is a 501© (3) entity. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws.

Vybz Kartel & Spice hit the Billboard with Ramping Shop

The talented and lyrical genius Vybz Kartel & Spice have now joined the league of other dancehall artistes who have graced the Billboard charts for this year such as Elephant Man, Mavado and Serani.

Vybz Kartel’s Ramping Shop in collaboration with Spice makes its debut at number 96 on the Billboard R & B/Hip Hop charts.

‘Redemption of Paradise’ to hit big screens

Director Noel ‘Doc’ Howell’s latest movie ‘Redemption Of Paradise’ promises to be an exciting thriller to hit the big screens across the Caribbean this summer.

‘Redemption Of Paradise’ is a movie about vigilante justice set in the beautiful island of Paradise. What was once a safe and pleasurable island has now become plagued with violence, drugs, and gangs. Tired of the corruption that has infested her hometown, one citizen decides to take a stand. Millie (played by dancehall star Macka Diamond) forms a community watch group, which amongst other things encourages the local businessmen to stop paying protection money.

The subplot to the movie involves a much younger Millie and a horrible twist to the story begins to unravel.

The Antiguan film, produced by Dr. Howell’s film company Colour Bars Film Production, was filmed mainly in Antigua featuring stars from across the Caribbean.

RETV and JNN land deal with World Cable

Cable Jamaica, RJR’s cable division, comprised RETV, JNN, TVJ Sports, has signed a contract with World Cable based in New York, for the distribution of RETV and JNN on the company’s network. World Cable will add JNN and RETV to its ethnic programming mix which it offers in addition to regular US channels.

“On the financial side, we will be able to gain some extra revenue from the cable operator in New York,” said Egbert Von Frankenberg, head of broadcast & creative services at Cable Jamaica.

Lindon Brown, of Balv Media Group, who partnered with Cable Jamaica to facilitate access to World Cable, commented, “We look forward to growing nationwide with World Cable, JNN and RETV, even as we continue to explore more avenues to showcase our Caribbean culture.”

Michael Jackson`s Brothers For Reggae Sumfest Jamaica

Toriano Adaryll ‘Tito’ Jackson, Randy and Jackie Jackson have been confirmed but Marlon, the other original member of the band, may also join their brothers in Jamaica for the 17th annual presentation of Reggae Sumfest, which is this year dedicated to the memory of the fifth member of the Jackson Five, the late, great, Michael Joseph Jackson.

Jamaican DJ Bounty Killa arrested for assault

KINGSTON, Jamaica– Jamaican reggae and dance hall star Bounty Killa was arrested on assault and other charges on Thursday for an altercation with an off-duty policeman nearly two years ago. Police said Bounty Killa, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, could face a sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.