I arrived at the 2010 Northwest World Reggae Festival  on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by the greenest venue I have seen in a long, long time. The forest here is full of deep magic. The people here are full of love and kindness. It’s just downright IRIE!!! As I drove through the site to my camp spot, I thought to myself “I can’t wait to come back here!” but then I rememberd I had just arrived…

Massive Respect and Sincere Blessings go out to all that make this festival possible. The People, the Youth, the Volunteers, the Sponsors, the Vendors, the Organizers, the Staff, the Fans, the Performers, and the Reggae Community Worldwide. A shout out to all of you: BIG UP!!!

First up for the weekend and she started things off Riiite: Queen Makedah performed a beautiful and energetic set that I felt blessed to see. Her Conscious Lyrics, Soulful Melodies, and Tight Riddims filled the valley with smiling faces.

Next was old school Reggae Legend Winston Jarrett. From what I hear, Winston is about 70 years old. I give credit where it is due…you should see the fire in his eyes when he hits the stage. It makes him young again!

Don Carlos & Dub Vision performed next. BIG UP with MASSIVE BLESSINGS for The Don and his band!!! The set was pure fyah!!! I was even lucky enough to get Don to play a song for me by special request…I have always known the track as “At The Bus Stop” but apparently, Don at some point reworked the song and the band knew it as “Oh, Girl.” Either way, this Rogue Agent was beyond stoked about it! Don is di MAN! Nuff said.

I hung out backstage with Norman of the Twinkle Brothers before they headlined the stage. Down to Earth, Irie, and Real is how I would describe our encounter. When the brothers took the stage, the roof blew off the freakin’ place!

Friday at the NWWRF came to a close for me at about 4:30am early Saturday morning…I had to see a bit of Heavyweight Dub Champion‘s performance before I hit the hay…they were definitely keeping the late night positive vibes up.

Saturday rolled around and I have to say, going out on stage for a solo acoustic set at a festival takes some big balls…and doing it with style takes major class…Santino Cadiz of Sar Shalom delivered a heartfelt acoustic set not to be missed!

Second to go on stage Saturday at the NWWRF, Voice Of Reason sang some sweet songs that got my feet a tappin’.

Tribal Seeds took the stage next: Youthful and energetic, these guys performed a rockin’ set.

I have to hand it to Wisdom…a mean MC with a wicked DJ and sick beats…BIG UP!

Fyah, Fyah, Fyah! Tippa Irie & The Far East Band was on Fyah on Saturday at the NWWRF. Super sick performance fa real!

NiyoRah has been one of my favorite conscious artists for quite a few years now. His energy, his message, and his performances are outstanding. Saturday’s performance at the NWWRF was no different….Niyorah brought di goods and delivered, big time!

Electrifying, entrancing, and surreal are the three words I choose to describe the performance given by Dezarie on Saturday night at the NWWRF. I was literally floating on a cloud of love and positivity. Massive Respect and a colossal BIG UP goes out to Dezarie and the band…Made my FREAKIN’ weekend!!

Bio-Luminesce performed right after Dezarie, but I didn’t get back to see them until 5 minutes before they finished. Super cool fire juggling and what not. Wish I could caught more.

Headlining the NWWRF on Saturday night was Ozomatli. High energy upbeat world music always make me smile, especially when the band doing the show puts as much enthusiasm into it as these guys do.

After Ozo finished up there was only one destination for all the heads that wanted to keep the party rockin’ latenite stylee…and that was Mountain Lion Hi Fi‘s Dome. The crowd was pumpin’ right along with the tight beats being throwing down…

All I remember on Sunday morning is waking up to the sounds of marimbas. I quickly made my way down to the bowl and fulljoyed 2 guys on Marimbas and 2 guys on Djembes freakin’ rocking it super hard!!! However, all I could find out about them at the time was that they were guests of Tippa Irie’s for the weekend. After a shout out to the massive via Facebook, I was enlightened by Ras Danny with the info. Ilanga was their name. I could not find a website for them, but they had a great sound that I would love to hear again!

Next up on Sunday at the NWWRF was I-chele and the Circle of Light. I had never heard this band before and was pleasantly surprised by their performance. Definitely Irie and full of emotion. I enjoyed their tunes immensely.

Taking the third slot on Sunday was Lilla D’Mone. An original singer songwriter with some great tunes inside her. I fail not to mention the more than an impressive band she’s got too!

I was looking forward all weekend to J Ross Perrelli‘s performance on Sunday at the NWWRF. She is super down to earth and really puts all her soul into everything she does. This shined through her big time during her set and brought many peeps to their dancing feet.

Loveness Wesa and the Bantus Band…where do I begin??? I think their performance on Sunday has got to be hands down one of the all time best performances I have ever seen in my 34+ years on this planet….FA REAL!!! These artists are toppa top. If you ever get a chance to catch their act, do not sleep on it, you will regret it!!

Sunday at the NWWRF moved along very nicely. Next up pon di scene was Marv Ellis & The Platform with Acoustic Minds. Sweet melodies, tight rhymes, and big beats made this performance a gem to watch.

The first time I was turned on to Albino!‘s music was back in 2006. Funky driving beats with horns a plenty is something I have always loved. Albino! gives us all something funkheavy to get up and shake our rumps to each and every time!!! Their performance on Sunday at the NWWRF was definitely a luxury I would love to enjoy on a daily basis.

Humble Soul performed on Sunday night as well. Now, I don’t know if it was the minimal lighting that caused the dull somber vibe or just my own head that couldn’t “feel it”, but I have to say that after hearing about these guys for days and looking forward to the last Reggae act of the weekend, I walked away from this band’s performance feeling a little less than fulfilled…but regardless of my own personal experience, I could see plenty of Peeps having the best of times dancing to the music!!!

Headlining the NWWRF on Sunday night was Garaj Mahal. Some say it was a sleepy set, I disagree big time. Being a fan of jazz fusion and tight musicianship, these guys really blew me away with their kick ass jams. I transported to outer space and back many times during their set. All I can remember is this floating feeling and then….it was over. The 2010 Northwest World Reggae Fesitval was done…and I thought to myself “Damn, this year KICKED ASS…which means next year is going to KICK BIGGER ASS!!!”

You can find some images from the 2010 Northwest World Reggae Festival on MassiveRespect.com here:

MassiveRespect Photo Galleries

And you can find even more on the Rogue Agent Photo Facebook page here:

Rogue Agent Photo Facebook Image Galleries

Bless up yourself Doug, Lindsay, and the rest of the NWWRF Crew that made this weekend one I will never forget!!!

See you August 12^th through the 14^th just outside of Marcola, Oregon!!!!!

Sincerely sending Massive Thanks, Praise, and Respect EVERYTIME!!!!!!!!

 Joe McLaren

Rogue Agent Photo

www.MassiveRespect.com

From his vast history of producing and performing music, Stephen Marley knows what it takes to get that Jamaican sound just right. Experiencing his performance first hand on June 17^th, 2011, at the Historic Ashland Armory in Ashland, Oregon, I reveled in the fact that Stephen’s live show mirrored his professional production techniques…to the T! That is: the high quality, warm, soothing tones, vocals, beats, and nuances you hear on his new album, Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life, come through in his live performance with the exact intonation and delivery recorded on the album. For me, that’s BIG! I have seen many live performances by all kinds of different performers, but seldom do I get to experience a live act that is performed with perfection.

I found Bob Marley when I was about 13 years old. Bob’s songs were my first introduction to Reggae music. Buffalo Soldier, Jammin’, and Three Little Birds were staples of my youth and the gateway that brought me into the world of Reggae. I knew I would never get to see Bob perform these favorites of mine in person, but I did have hope to someday see his talented youth perform at least one. Stephen must have been reading straight into my mind this night as he performed all three songs…Perfectly! My heart swelled, filling my mind with appreciation, and leaving me a speechless, dancing soul rebel.

Throughout the show, I constantly felt like Stephen was singing directly to me and my family…for me and my family…from his heart:

”And everyday I pray to Jah that one day you will see and overstand the fact I must fulfill my destiny. I hope you’ll find it in your heart and know these words are true. And please don’t cry, you know that I must do what I must do.”

“Rise up this mornin’, smiled with the risin’ sun. Three little birds, pitch by my doorstep. Singin’ sweet songs of melodies pure and true, sayin’ “This is my message to you-ou-ou” Singin’: “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be all right!”

“I’m a prisoner, locked up for what? Freedom of Speech, ain’t that all we’ve got? Wounded pride, my head held up high. Rebels for life, we rebel for the right.”

The packed venue kept getting hotter and hotter as Stephen’s band pumped out song after song of positive, energetic, tight, and irie musicianship. Closing out the show with a five song encore that some wished would never end, the vibe exuding from Stephen was nothing short of pure Love. You can see it in him. You can see it around him. The love he has for what he does. The love he has for his fans. The love he has for his family. Stephen Marley has taken a stand to fight against Babylon…and I’m right behind him…every step of the way!!!

The link below will show you the images I captured of Stephen Marley’s performance with the Ghetto Youths Crew.

I hope they move you as much as they moved me.

http://massiverespect.com/photo-galleries/?album=17 

Sincerely sending Massive Thanks, Praise, and Respect EVERYTIME!!!!

Joe McLaren

Rogue Agent Photo

www.MassiveRespect.com

Contact: Douglas Carnie                                                                                                

Tel: 503-922-0551

Email:  press@nwwrf.com

Website: www.nwwrf.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/NorthWestWorldReggaeFestival

ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/venue/nwwrf

EPK: www.nwwrf.com/epk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 7th ANNUAL NORTHWEST WORLD REGGAE FESTIVAL

Proudly presented by Oregon’s Constant Gardener and Oregon’s Only Organics

August 12, 13, 14  2011 – under the Full Moon

Bob’s Ranch,  Mohawk Loop Road,  Marcola, Oregon

The 7th Annual Northwest World Reggae Festival (“NWWRF”) is blessed to be at Bob’s Ranch near Marcola, Oregon for another year.  NWWRF welcomes conscious musical artists from seven countries performing ROOTS – ROCK – REGGAE! 

Family and friends will experience the jubilation and positive energy of this growing community… and it doesn’t stop with the music! Forget about the world outside while participating in diverse activities such as sunrise yoga, African dance classes, daily youth soccer camp, musical performances for and by the youth, visual arts displays, live painting,  and a growing green community spirit. Learn about local non-profit organizations and fair trade/sustainable businesses. Re-fuel with a variety of delicious organic foods and explore fair trade crafts from more than 50 vendors, showcasing ideas to inspire your mind and energize your soul.

NWWRF is a family friendly festival.  This year NWWRF offers Youth Soccer Camp on Saturday and Sunday, with professional coaches from the Columbia River United Academy (CRUFA). Head coach Argelio “Arlo” De Leon will run a soccer clinic for kids ages 6-18. Bring your soccer gear and some sun screen and prepare to learn some new tricks! Kid’s Village, in the Grove, provides a safe environment with a shady arts and crafts area. Activities range from the Unity Kids Parade, the new Shady Stage Saturday Youth show, song circles, face painting, make believe and much more. Youth 14 and under are admitted free and families are welcomed in our Family Camp, nestled in the Quiet Cove.

NWWRF’s success is due to the creative energy, dedication, skills and talents of organizers, staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and performers.  With the help of major community participation, this annual event continues to inspire the massive to return year after year.  Join the festivities and enter a world of positive, conscious, culture that will re-charge your mind, body and soul.

On the Main Stage:

Friday night, NWWRF welcomes back the legendary Anthony B from Jamaica.

Anthony B performed at NWWRF in 2006 to a lively and mesmerized crowd and the massive is ready for his return. Anthony B is currently touring  in support of his new release “Rasta Love.”  J Boog, from Hawaii, will be co-headlining Friday night with his mix of authentic Island Music and genuine Jamaican roots reggae; truly an exciting and soothing combination.  Just off their first national tour, opening for Rebelution, Damian Marley and NAS, are The Green. Their self-titled debut album was named iTunes Best Reggae Album of 2010! From 10 Foot Ganja Plant and founding member of John Browns Body, NWWRF welcomes Kevin Kinsella and his new band to our stage for the first time.  Sugar Minott’s daughter, Pashon Minott, will carry on the Minott legacy, and Sar Shalom, from Corvallis, Oregon will opening the weekend with positive and rootical vibes.

Also on Friday, Casper Lomayesva of Hopi Land, backed by the Mighty 602 Band, will bring forth a magical blend of Hopi/ Dine Roots Reggaemusic filled with earthly wisdom and native spirituality. Casper also joins us as an MC for the weekend, along with Jah Breeze, I-Chele and Ladi Tai Tai, with words and information for your meditation. Jah Breeze has served as the media moderator at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival for the past 10 years and is a founding member of Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide. I-Chele, raised in NYC, has performed with her band The Circle of Light for the past six years at NWWRF. This year she brings her wit, humor and wisdom to the stage as an MC.  Ladi Tai Tai, Portland, OR radio DJ and long time NWWRF volunteer, will share her positive vibes, word, sound and power!

On Saturday, Marcia Griffiths,”The Empress of Reggae” for more than 30 years, comes to us from Jamaica. As an original member of the I-Threes, backing Bob Marley, she is one of the most respected Ambassadors of Reggae Music. Marcia burns with the “desire to serve people of the world with sweet reggae music.” Also headlining Saturday, from St. Croix, Midnite again brings forth a massive two hour plus set, under the full moon. Early sets on Saturday include Bambu Station’s spiritually uplifting modern roots blend,  Toussanit w/ The Escort Service and Celebrity Horns, bringing the reggae-soul-funk, and  Inword, from Montreal, Canada, whose musical aim is to inspire people from all walks of life.

Saturday morning, Shady Stage will feature youth oriented performers Asheba, the Loveness Wesa Dancers, Jah Breeze and the South Shore Girls Steel Pan Ensemble. The South Shore Girls Steel Pan Ensemble is a cohort group of 7 young musicians existing of students in the 5th and 6th Grade at the South Shore School in Rainier Beach, Seattle,Washington. This musical extravaganza is a treat for the whole family. The Shady Stage is a new addition and is located up on a grassy hillside. Grab some lunch from the organic food booths, bring the youth and enjoy the music, up close and personal.

Sunday at moon rise, NWWRF welcomes Alika from Argentina. Alika comes from a Dancehall, Roots Reggae, and Hip-Hop background with little compromise to current trends. Her mindful lyrics feature a voice for female empowerment and her beliefs about natural living. At 4:20 PM, this years Escort Service Showcase begins, featuring: Sashamon (Hawaii), Alcyon Massive (Cascadia), and Zelly Rock (PDX) all backed by the Escort Service with the Celebrity Horns! Also on Sunday, Afro Omega, from Salt Lake City, UT, delivers a heavy psychedelic-dub mix, cool menacing vibes and hypnotic female vocals. Rising Buffalo Tribe will open the day with a set of sweet reggae music to lift our souls, focusing our mindful prayers and meditation on worship of the most high and conscious, respectful livity.

Closing the show this year will be Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band. Clinton is counted among Jamaica’s most talented musicians by his peers and loved the world over. We are so blessed to have him back on our stage to send us home on the highest note!

The Oregon Only Organics  DOME:         

The “OOO Dome” will be in full swing all weekend as a second stage during the day as well as bumping late at night. This years selectah’s are Brimstone Sound, Small Axe Sound, Zion Gate Sound, Guerrilla Takeover, Mountain Lion HiFi, Blessed Coast Sound, Slayers Club and 3rd Ear Sound.  Big Up the WEST COAST SELECTAHS!!  The dome will also feature Tribal Drummers Friday and Saturday late, late night. Sunday morning Rebel Radio Frank will celebrate life with a morning DJ set to honor those of us who have crossed over to ZION! All weekend there will be an art installation by local artists, live art creation and many other activities.

Being Green:          

NWWRF encourages sustainability and asks fans to bring reusable containers and enjoy natural cascade spring water, available for free all around the site. “Pitch in and Win” by bringing your recycling to OregonWasteFree’s sorting stations and receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win prizes from their many sponsors.  Refundable bottles and cans are donated to the Marcola Boy Scout chapter.  Recycled kitchen grease and bio-diesel fuel powers the stage, site and trucks. All food waste is composted and wind power is used at NWWRF’s office. NWWRF strives to use the most sustainably made paper products available. The food booths and staff/performer kitchen are organic and local. Through InTicketing, a tree has been planted for each ticket sold, totalling over 12,000 trees over the past five years. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! is practiced throughout this planet friendly event.

Details:

Who:                  NWWRF, Oregon’s Constant Gardener and Oregon’s Only Organics present

What:                 The 7th Northwest World Reggae Festival

Where:               Bob’s Ranch Mohawk Loop Road – Marcola, Oregon   Seemap

When:                 August 12, 13, 14, 2011

                            Gates open at 9 AM Every Day – Close at 11 PM

Costs:           

           Tickets and Outlet Info at www.nwwrf.com    

           Online:

                       Three Day Pass  w/ Camping    2nd Tier — $100 until July 10, 2011

                                                     $120 after July 10th

           At Outlets:

                       Three Day Pass  w/ Camping    2nd Tier — $100 until outlet runs out

                                                     Check On line and at gate after.

           Gate Prices:

                       Three Day Pass w/ Camping                    $120

                       Teen Youth 2 or 3 Day 15-17 w/adult          $70

                       Saturday/Sunday Pass w/ Camping          $100

                       Friday Only    $60

                       Saturday Only$70     All Days – No Camping – Cars will be towed at 9 am

                       Sunday Only $40

Group Passes: email  Groups@nwwrf.com

Internet Sites and Contacts:

           Website: www.nwwrf.com

           Facebook:  www.facebook.com/NorthWestWorldReggaeFestival

           Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/venue/nwwrf

           EPK: www.nwwrf.com/epk

Parking:

                        $10.00 per car. Paid on line or at the Gate.

                        $5.00 re-park fee for each time you leave and come back.

                        Returning cars  will beparked in day parking lot.  Fee Paid at Admissions.

       Two Wheels: All Bikes and Motorcycles park FREE

Camping – Basic tent camping is included in the ticket price

Sites in the WOODS: There are many great spots to camp amongst the trees. It is about 100 yards from the parking lot to the entrance of this 10 Acre woodland oasis. Potable water is available throughout. The wooded camping and walking trail leads to the main stage and vendor area.

              Camp Under the Stars: Camp sites are located adjacent to the parking lot. Lots of space! Large trees provide daytime shade. Camp sites are close to stage and vending.

              Family Camp: We will have Quiet Cove reserved for Family Camp. Space is limited so please contact Doug at doug@nwwrf.com for placement.

 Car  and RV Camping – Available on line

                        $10.00  Camping with Car or Small Pickup plus room for one tent.

                         $40.00 For Small RV’s, Large Vans and PickUp Campers Plus room for one tent.

                        $75.00 For Large RV’s over 20 Feet long Plus room for one tent.

                        All vehicles in Car and RV camp must remain parked until U leave. No Re-entry to camping lot.  If you must leave, you will pay $5 re-entry fee  and can only park in the day parking lot.

Performers  websites:

Marcia Griffiths       http://www.marciagriffiths.net

Midnite                    http://www.midniteband.com

Anthony B               https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anthony-B-Jamaica/30149244612

Clinton Fearon         http://www.clintonfearon.com

J Boog                      https://www.facebook.com/jboogmusic

Bambu Station         http://www.bambustationband.com

Alika                        http://www.alika.com.ar

The Green                https://www.facebook.com/TheGreen808

Sashamon                 http://www.sashamon.com

Alcyon Massive        https://www.facebook.com/alcyonmassive http://alcyonmassive.com

Toussaint                 https://www.facebook.com/toussainttheliberator

Kevin Kinsella         http://www.kevinkinsellamusic.com

Afro Omega             https://www.facebook.com/pages/Afro-Omega/119069741207

Casper Lomayesva  https://www.facebook.com/casper.lomayesva

Pashon Minott          https://www.facebook.com/firepashon?sk=info

Asheba                     http://www.asheba.net/

Zelly Rock                http://www.myspace.com/zellyrock

Inword                      http://inwordband.com/

Sar Shalom -             www.sarshalomband.com

Rising Buffalo Tribe       https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rising-Buffalo-Tribe

Lovness Wesa Dancers   http://www.lovenesswesa.org/

Jah Breeze and the South Shore Girls Steel Pan Ensemble

    https://www.facebook.com/jahbreezereggae

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Shore-Steel-Pans

Weekend MC’s

Casper Lomayesva, Jah Breeze, I-Chele and Ladi Tai Tai

Weekend Selectah’s in the OOO Dome

Brimstone Sounds            www.brimstonesounds.com

Small Axe Sound            www.myspace.com/smallaxed

Zions Gate Sound          https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zions-Gate-Sound/l

Mountain Lion HiFi         www.myspace.com/mountainlionsound

Guerrilla Takeover          www.myspace.com/guerrillatakeover

Blessed Coast Sound     www.facebook.com/pages/Blessed-Coast-Sound-System

Slayers Club                    www.facebook.com/slayersclub                               

3rd Ear Sound                 www.facebook.com/pages/3rd-Ear-Edutainment/

RUN OF SHOW

Headliners listed first  – Main Stage Music Begins at 3:00 PM Daily

Friday

Anthony B

J Boog

The Green

Kevin Kinsella

Casper Lomayesva and the Mighty 602 Band

Pashon Minott

Sar Shalom

Saturday

Midnite

Marcia Griffiths

Bambu Station

Toussaint w/ The Escort Service & Celebrity Horns

Inword

Jah Breeze and the South Shore Girls Steel Pan Ensemble

Loveness Wesa Dancers

Asheba

Sunday

Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band

Alika

Asheba

The Escort Service Showcase w/ Celebrity Horns

                        Sashamon

                        Alcyon Massive

                        Zelly Rock

Afro Omega

Rising Buffalo Tribe

Sponsors:

Oregon’s Constant Gardener and Oregon’s Only Organics – website

Gypsy Chic                            website

Pure Anywear                        website

Satori Movement                   website

Cornerstone Glass                website

Café Mam                              website

Mutant Arts Audio                  website

Empress Productions             website

Crucial Vibe Unlimited            website

Conscious Cultivation

Reggae Festival Guide           website

Phoenix Media Printing           website

KRVM- Eugene                      website

KMUD -  N.Cali                      website

KRFX  – Bend                        website

Craft and Organic Food Vendors:

See NWWRF Website – www.nwwrf.com

Tickets Outlets
EUGENE  –  OREGON
            CORNERSTONE GLASS & SUPPLY
              1068 West 2nd Avenue   541-341-1788

               www.cornerstoneglass.com

           CORNERSTONE CAMPUS STORE
              446 E 13th Avenue   541-844-1585

              https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cornerstone-Glass-Campus-Store

            CD WORLD
              3215 West 11th Ave   541-683-6902

              www.gotocdworld.com

            HOUSE OF RECORDS
              258 East 13th Ave   514-342-7975

              www.myspace.com/the_house_of_records

           OREGON’S CONSTANT GARDENER
             2053 Laura   Springfield  541-747-8470

              www.Oregons-Constant-Gardener.com

 
 PORTLAND – OREGON
            Gypsy Chic
            3966 N Mississippi   503-234-9779

             www.gypsy-chic.com

            JACKPOT RECORDS /Hawthorne
            3574 SE Hawthorne  503-239-7561

            www.jackpotrecords.com

            NOMAD CROSSING
            3959 SE Hawthorne  503-239-8009

             www.nomadscrossing.com

            ROOTS GARDEN SUPPLY
            6850 N. Interstate   503-285-4768

             www.rootsgardensupply.com

            
BEND  — OREGON
            THE COSMIC DEPOT
            342 NE Clay   541-385-7478

             www.thecosmicdepot.com

 A light warm breeze, on a beautiful moon filled night…in paradise.

That’s what comes to mind when I hear the intriguing voice and original sound of Taj Weekes & Adowa. Their latest album A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen is a soul moving work of conscious art. Containing elements of Reggae, Acoustic Rock, Lounge, Afro-Folk, and beyond, their music truly is one of a kind. Infused with this unique sound, the soothing lyrics of Taj Weekes are written and sung with intent. Stimulating your mind, warming your heart, and making you care about the world around you. Relaxing melodies, positive vibrations, and get up on your dancing feet grooves…all can be found within.

Stand out tracks for this reviewer included:

“Just A Dream”     

The albums opening track is a highly danceable, feel good, Reggae riddim with massive energy.

“B4 the War”

Full of melancholy and lament, this vibrant track hits the heart hard, making you feel it in deep in your soul.

“Two Joints”

My personal favorite from the album. Listen to what he’s saying….there’s more to this track than meets the eye.

“You Ain’t Ready For The Heavy”

If you were holding back, you won’t be able to anymore. This track will make you want to get to the dance floor and stay there. What…? You ain’t ready??? You will be now!!!!

Check out Taj Weekes & Adowa online at www.tajweekes.com . They will be performing this Summer at the 2011 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival ( www.snwmf.com ) in Boonville, California.

You won’t want to miss it!

Rogue Agent Photo and MassiveRespect hope to see you there!!

Sincerely sending Massive Thanks, Praise, and Respect EVERYTIME!!!

Joe McLaren

Rogue Agent Photo

www.facebook.com/RogueAgentPhoto

www.MassiveRespect.com

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival promotes “conscious” music. Conscious music is music with a message of peace, unity and brotherhood, which transcends the divisions of race and culture.

Over the past Seventeen years we have endeavored to build a community where Conscious music, Roots music, and World music is embraced. Where bringing diverse people from many lands together in celebration yields more than just the sum of each individual present, but something much grander. At SNWMF, people experience a unique sense of unity and belonging, a semi-utopian moment in time where love, generosity, joy and innocence can be reclaimed. We believe that music has the power to move mountains and change paradigms, and the phenomenal artists who have graced SNWMF stages over the past decade have imparted an overwhelmingly Positive force.

Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival offers a Family Camp area and an extensive program of children’s activities throughout the weekend – including dance and music workshops, songfests, storytelling, arts and crafts, sports and other entertainment. Camping is an integral part of the Festival because it provides affordable accommodations for ticket buyers, many of whom are families with young children.

With beautiful streaming colors and exotic aromas, the Festival Village is an active marketplace of food and craft booths. The vendors are hand picked to provide an exciting array of international cuisine and arts. The 2011 Festival Village will be offering foods, crafts and art from such places as Indonesia, West Africa, Jamaica, Ethiopia and India. We welcome the input of nonprofit organizations, and many organizations representing a range of social and environmental issues will be tabling at the Festival.

Created through the collective efforts of the artists, vendors, staff, volunteers and ticket buyers, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is known for the positive, conscious, environmentally aware community it attracts.

The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is dedicated to nurturing a world family peacefully united in celebration of the universal spirit of music. Come celebrate with us!

www.snwmf.com

What:    27th Annual Reggae On The River

Where:  Benbow Lake State Recreation Area (Garberville, CA)

When:   Saturday & Sunday, July 16-17, 2011

Why:     Internationally renowned celebration of reggae & world music!

For immediate release:

Reggae On The River Talent Announced / Local Outlet Tickets Now Available

On the weekend of July 16th and 17th, 2011, the Mateel Community Center is proud to present the 27th annual Reggae On The River at Benbow Lake State Recreation Area in southern Humboldt County, CA. An internationally renowned showcase of the best in reggae and world music, this year’s event will feature two stages (a ROTR first!) and is shaping up to be a good one.

Though the full line-up is not totally complete, a list of the confirmed acts so far includes Ky-Mani Marley, Gramps Morgan, Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80, J Boog, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Bushman, Gondwana, Rootz Underground, Annette Brissett, Perfect, Clinton Fearon, Army, HR, Edi Fitzroy, Pashon Minott, Indubious, Zili Misik, SILA, Sahra Indio, Native Elements, The Alliez, The Impalers, Jah Sun & Ishi Dube w/Redemption Band, Jade Steel, and Ambush, with several acts still TBA.

Weekend passes are currently available online at http://www.reggaeontheriver.com and at the usual local outlets in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. Advance tickets are advised as this event sells out. Single day tickets will go on sale June 15th if the event is not sold out by this point.

For more information on the 27th Annual Reggae On The River, visit www.reggaeontheriver.com or call (707) 923-3368. Be sure to make your plans soon to join the festival fun on the weekend of July 16 and 17, 2011.

~ Mateel Community Center ~

59 Rusk Lane ~ Post Office Box 1910 ~ Redway, California 95560

707.923.3368 - Fax: 707.923.3370 - email : office@mateel.org

From Thadeus Greenson of the Times-Standard:

As spring drags on, prospects are quickly dimming for the Reggae Rising’s 2011 summer festival.

Last month, Humboldt County Senior Planner Michael Richardson said the festival organizer, Tom Dimmick, hadn’t contacted him about starting the process of getting a conditional use permit for the festival, which was canceled last year after the Humboldt County Planning Commission denied Dimmick the permit citing, in part, poor planning.

On Monday, April 11 Richardson said he hadn’t heard from Dimmick and said prospects for the three-day 2011 festival look bleak.

”I’m having a hard time seeing, even if they were to submit everything to me this morning, how we could possibly get it to the planning commission in a timely manner,” said Humboldt County Senior Planner Michael Richardson of the event, which drew about 14,000 attendees in 2009. “I just don’t see it happening.” Attempts to reach Dimmick by the Times-Standard’s deadline were unsuccessful.

Nine months ago, when the planning commission denied Dimmick the permit for the annual party on the Eel River, the landowner and event organizer pledged Reggae Rising would be back and better than ever in 2011. Dimmick also announced that he wouldn’t be refunding the 2,000 or so tickets already sold for the 2010 event, saying he would have the paid admissions carry over to the 2011 event, scheduled for Aug. 5, 6 and 7.

”It might be a great investment to hang on to this ticket,” Dimmick said at the time. Now, however, many who spent $109 or more per ticket in 2010 are starting to get restless.

”We have to get our money back,” said Jenny Williamson, who traveled up from Santa Cruz in 2009 to attend the festival for the first time, meeting her boyfriend and having a blast in the process.

Williamson said she and her boyfriend spent about $300 on tickets for the 2010 event, hoping it would be a kind of anniversary celebration for the couple.

Jacob Garrison, of Santa Rosa, also is holding a ticket for the 2010 event, for which he said he paid about $200. Having never attended the festival before, Garrison said he was hopeful it would return in 2011. Now, he’s just hopeful he can get his money back.

University of California Hastings College of Law professor David Levine said there’s no question Dimmick is on the hook to issue refunds to ticket holders.

”He needs to return the money – that’s the short answer,” Levine said in a phone interview Monday. “It’s breach of contract. The ticket is essentially a written contract.”

If Dimmick fails to come up with some framework for providing them refunds, Levine said ticket-holders can take him to small claims court. With at least 2,000 tickets out there, Levine said he also wouldn’t be surprised to see a local lawyer step forward to bring a class-action lawsuit against Dimmick that would allow other ticket-holders to simply sign on and join in.

Because court cases take time and money, Levine said folks who purchased their tickets with credit cards might consider another course of action. He said that, under federal law, credit card companies provide consumer protections and have to give their customers an avenue to challenge charges.

”You can make a complaint to the credit company saying, ‘Look, it was charged but I didn’t actually get the service,’” Levine said. “One of the advantages of charging goods is that you can make that kind of challenge.” Levine said the credit card company would then investigate the charge and probably refund the charge to the consumer and go after Dimmick for the bill.

”It’s an avenue for relief,” Levine said.

Lawsuits are also avenues for relief, but come with risks and expenses, Levine said.

”The big risk is he might go bankrupt, and then people will be unsecured creditors in a bankruptcy hearing,” Levine said, adding that such hearings can drag on and carry no guarantees of payouts at the end.

It appears Dimmick’s financial troubles may extend beyond a couple thousand people holding tickets to a show that may not take place. According to Humboldt County court records, Dimmick has faced a handful of civil lawsuits from festival vendors in recent months who claim he has failed to make good on his contractual obligations. According to court records, Dimmick failed to respond to a number of the suits, resulting in the court issuing default judgments against him for more than $180,000.

Down in Santa Cruz, Williamson said she’s not holding out much hope for Reggae Rising this summer. Instead, she said she’s making other plans and looking to get her money back.

”We’re planning on going to Reggae on the River this year,” Williamson said, referring to the two-day July reggae festival in Benbow that used to be held at the current Reggae Rising site until 2006, when a nasty legal dispute between the Mateel Community Center, People Productions and Dimmick left Reggae on the River in search of another venue.

Thadeus Greenson can be reached at 707-441-0509 or tgreenson@times-standard.com.

Greetings Reggae Massive!

It’s been a kick ass summer and we hope you all have been enjoying it to its fullest. So many shows, so little time…praise Jah for all the blessings this life gives us.

I just give thanks for all the love and positive energy out there: From the Family, to the Artists, to the Crews, to the Fans…bless up yourself because You make this all possible.

One.

Now that being said, I finally got a little time to post some new pictures, a lot of which are EXCLUSIVE only to MassiveRespect.com and there are quite a few visual gems in the bunch that I think you all might find enjoyable to view:

First up is an older set of pics from Reggae Rising 2008. RR 2008 pictures include Sizzla, Junior Reid, Tanya Stephens, and UB40, and More.

Next I added three new galleries from Reggae On The River 2010: Saturday, Sunday, and the All-Star Tribute to Sugar Minott. ROTR 2010 pics captured were of Rootz Underground, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang, Messenjah Selah, Sister Carol, Marcia Griffiths, Prezident Brown, Don Carlos, and More.

Last, but certainly NOT least, I updated a couple of galleries with photos from the Northwest World Reggae Festival 2010. I have a TON of photos to still go through, edit, and post, but for now we have NWWRF pics of Queen Makedah and Winston Jarrett for your viewing pleasure.

A BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG UP goes out to my Family at the Northwest World Reggae Festival. This year was phenomenal and I can only imagine what we have in store for us next year…!!!

Sincerely sending Massive Thanks, Praise, and Respect EVERYTIME!!!

Joe McLaren

Rogue Agent Photo

MassiveRespect.com

What: 26^th annual Reggae On The River

Where: Benbow Lake State Recreation Area (Benbow, CA)

When: Saturday & Sunday, July 17-18, 2010

Why: Internationally renowned celebration of reggae & world music!

For immediate release:

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the news of the passing of one of reggae music’s true legends and one of Reggae On The River’s headlining artists, Sugar Minott.  He passed away suddenly in Jamaica on Saturday, July 10, just before he had planned on embarking on a US tour highlighted by a performance at Reggae On The River. This is a great loss for Jamaica and the international reggae community and our hearts go out to all his friends, family, and fans.

Minott was known for nurturing young talent with his own Black Roots record label and Youthman Promotion company. Reggae and dancehall artists such as Junior Reid and Tenor Saw began their careers under his tutelage.  “Sugar Minott was a man who gave a lot of strength to the music” Reid said.  A new album from Minott, “New Day,” is scheduled to be released in coming weeks. As a tribute to his ever-lasting musical legacy, the 26th annual Reggae On The River will be dedicated in his honor.  On Sunday there will be an all-star tribute to Sugar Minott lead by Don Carlos and friends. May you Rest in Peace Sugar. You will be missed by all.

Understandably, Sugar’s daughter, Fire Pashon, will also not be performing at the festival.  Due to this unforeseeable change of events, the Mateel Community Center will now welcome a champion in the new roots and reality consciousness reggae movement, Prezident Brown, along with a warm up set by Cali favorites, Reggae Angels.  Please check the artist page at www.reggaeontheriover.com for the revised festival line-up on Sunday, July 18.

Prezident Brown entertains, informs and inspires. His message is pure rasta conscious vibes. A distinct and powerful stage presence, a Prezident Brown show is a transcendant spiritual movement that leaves audiences satiated, sweaty and smiling. Born in the hills of Jamaica, he rose through the ranks of the Hi Fi Sound System era in Ocho Rios. He traveled the world as resident MC of Jack Ruby’s infamous Hi Power Sound System. The Prez is featured on Steel Pulse’ “Black and Proud”, and has released critically acclaimed works of his own. But for now, the Prezident focuses on the power of his live performance to convey, uplift and spiritualize. Says the Prez, “The current state of I-man career is in the ‘live’ field right now. Yeah, cause you can fire up a CD but what you cannot fire up is the live vibe of Prezident Brown, so I stay with the live for now”.

Tickets are still available but are going fast.  It is strongly encouraged you buy your tickets in advance at www.reggaeontheriver.com as this event is likely to sell out.  The 2-day festival pass is $85 in advance and single day tickets are $50.  Admission at the gate, if available, will be $90 for the 2-day pass or $55 per day.

Festival camping is still also available at Cook’s Valley Campground and reservations can be made via the camping link at www.reggaeontheriver.com.

For the daily line-ups, artist bios, parking and shuttle details, a downloadable version of the program guide, and other pertinent festival tidbits, visit www.reggaeontheriver.com and don’t miss the 26^th annual Reggae On The River this weekend on July 17^th and 18^th.

MassiveRespect is here to bring you a bit of news from the Reggae World.

Below is a public statement that was just released today on the Reggae Rising Festival Website and Reggae Rising’s Facebook Page regarding this year’s festival and it’s subsequent postponement:

Reggae Rising has been postponed until August 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2011. It is a difficult loss this year for the community of Southern Humboldt, and an even greater loss for the world community of reggae fans that have come to love and expect this event each year. Tickets for the 2010 event are not refundable and will be valid for the postponed festival.

In addition to honoring the tickets sold for the 2010 event at next year’s festival, we will also be including many High-Grade Upgrades exclusive only to those who purchased tickets for the 2010 event. Among these upgrades will be Free VIP Access, Free T-Shirts, Free DVD’s, Free Digital Downloads, and More.

However, looking at the big picture, the most crucial value in keeping your current ticket for next year is the positive support you offer to us by doing so. Your support, love, and positivity is the key to the Irie and Conscious Vibes we all know, respect, and need in our lives. All of these essential elements will work together to bring Reggae Rising back next year stronger than ever. Please accept our sincere apologies as we are truly sorry for this major let down and urge all current ticket holders to please remain positive and tuned in for important future announcements.

Speaking of Irie, we want to give a Big Up and a Massive Thank You to the folks at the Northwest World Reggae Festival who have been very generous and kind in offering current 2010 Reggae Rising ticket holders a discounted ticket price to attend the NWWRF. The NWWRF is happening this summer on August 13th, 14th, and 15th just outside of Eugene, Oregon. We urge everyone out there to please enjoy your summer to it’s maximum potential and support all live music performances in any way that you can. We will be more than happy to have you back home in Southern Humboldt next year.