Luciano, Harrison "The Professor" Stafford of Groundation, Prezident Brown, Sister Carol, Kenyatta Hill, Admiral Tibet, Reggae Angels, Indubious
The Catalyst
02/07/2015 05:00 PM PST
$30 in advance / $35 at the door
buy tickets
Prezident Brown
Prezident Brown (Fitz Cotterell) was born in the hills of Clarendon, Jamaica. His mother called him Junior Ranking because he would grab the microphone and chant at schoolyard and country dances. He was first known as Slim Brown because of his resemblance to and similar DJ style to his mentor, U Brown. The most formative influence on Prezident Brown was producer and sound system operator Jack Ruby. Ruby saw something special in young Slim Brown; he took Slim Brown under his wing, re-named him Prezident Brown and appointed him resident M.C. of his Hi-Power Sound System, traveling worldwide.
More About Prezident Brown
After the sound system era changed following Jack Ruby's death in 1989, he began recording with Grove Music, who later founded Irie FM in Jamaica. After that, he recorded with Roof International, Courtney Cole's label. Eventually it was Barry O'Hare's label, X-Rated (now World of Music,) that provided a home base for Prezident Brown and helped launch his career in Europe. X-Rated took off just as a massive roots revival swept across Jamaica, washing gun and slackness lyrics out of the dance halls, paving the way for conscious reggae music. Of course Prezident Brown was bound to rise in that kind of climate. He is a champion in the new roots and reality consciousness. Prezident Brown entertains, informs and inspires. His message is pure rasta conscious vibes.
By 1995, he flooded the market from all sides, he was freelancing without a break. He was bringing out boom-tunes on the X-Rated label, among others like Digital B, Black Scorpio, Mango and Star Trail. He recorded the song, "Blow Your Nose," with Everton Blender, (an artist, with whom, he has toured Africa and Europe.) Prezident Brown also recorded on Tony Rebel's Flames label. (It should be noted that his style is frequently liken to that of Rebel's.) Prezident was also featured in the song, "Black And Proud," on the Steel Pulse album Rage And Fury. He has recorded with numerous other reggae legends as well. Barry O'Hare's X-rated label produced two albums, Big Bad and Talented and Prezident Selections, (distributed on the Runn label.) After a third album, Original Blueprint, (produced by Digital B, now licensed by VP Records) he continued t release singles. 1996 he signed a lucrative 5 album artist deal with Island Records, which didn't work in his favor. He then made the timeless To Jah Only album with the highly regarded Ocho Rios label, Kariang, in 1998.
At the turn of the millenium he worked with German based label Chet Records and released the album Generation Next which is distributed by Sony Germany. "Unleash the Lion", A 46 show tour in the summer of 2002 with the Orchestra of Judah put together by Jahmani Productions took Prezident Brown all over the United States, including performances at The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and Reggae On The River. Also, Jahmani Productions released Showcase Volumes 1 and 2 that year with Showcase Volume 3 following in 2003. Prezident has since done repeat performances at both festivals and has added may other prestigious ones to his list such as the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in 2008. Prezident Brown continues to perform worldwide, recent performances include Israel and Paris in February of 2009.
Prezident Brown has been very well received in the United States and is building a large fan base, and as a champion of the new roots and reality consciousness reggae movement he entertains, informs and inspires. Prezident Brown's music speaks a universal language. All of his albums and singles will remain timelessly beautiful and his fourth album, To Jah Only, features one of the most spiritually devoted songs in reggae history, "To Jah Only." His music is echoed overseas and his talent is unequivocal. All of his albums are a must for anyone who loves reggae music. Prezident Brown is an artist driven by a sense of mission and purpose which dictates that he "edutains" (heightens the consciousness of a people) as much as entertains. Prezident Brown is eminently qualified for the role in which he is seen as a vessel from which flows the healing effect of his musical staple.
to his mentor, U Brown. The most formative influence on Prezident Brown was producer and sound system operator Jack Ruby. Ruby saw something special in young Slim Brown; he took Slim Brown under his wing, re-named him Prezident Brown and appointed him resident M.C. of his Hi-Power Sound System, traveling worldwide.
More About Prezident Brown
After the sound system era changed following Jack Ruby's death in 1989, he began recording with Grove Music, who later founded Irie FM in Jamaica. After that, he recorded with Roof International, Courtney Cole's label. Eventually it was Barry O'Hare's label, X-Rated (now World of Music,) that provided a home base for Prezident Brown and helped launch his career in Europe. X-Rated took off just as a massive roots revival swept across Jamaica, washing gun and slackness lyrics out of the dance halls, paving the way for conscious reggae music. Of course Prezident Brown was bound to rise in that kind of climate. He is a champion in the new roots and reality consciousness. Prezident Brown entertains, informs and inspires. His message is pure rasta conscious vibes.
By 1995, he flooded the market from all sides, he was freelancing without a break. He was bringing out boom-tunes on the X-Rated label, among others like Digital B, Black Scorpio, Mango and Star Trail. He recorded the song, "Blow Your Nose," with Everton Blender, (an artist, with whom, he has toured Africa and Europe.) Prezident Brown also recorded on Tony Rebel's Flames label. (It should be noted that his style is frequently liken to that of Rebel's.) Prezident was also featured in the song, "Black And Proud," on the Steel Pulse album Rage And Fury. He has recorded with numerous other reggae legends as well. Barry O'Hare's X-rated label produced two albums, Big Bad and Talented and Prezident Selections, (distributed on the Runn label.) After a third album, Original Blueprint, (produced by Digital B, now licensed by VP Records) he continued t release singles. 1996 he signed a lucrative 5 album artist deal with Island Records, which didn't work in his favor. He then made the timeless To Jah Only album with the highly regarded Ocho Rios label, Kariang, in 1998.
At the turn of the millenium he worked with German based label Chet Records and released the album Generation Next which is distributed by Sony Germany. "Unleash the Lion", A 46 show tour in the summer of 2002 with the Orchestra of Judah put together by Jahmani Productions took Prezident Brown all over the United States, including performances at The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and Reggae On The River. Also, Jahmani Productions released Showcase Volumes 1 and 2 that year with Showcase Volume 3 following in 2003. Prezident has since done repeat performances at both festivals and has added may other prestigious ones to his list such as the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in 2008. Prezident Brown continues to perform worldwide, recent performances include Israel and Paris in February of 2009.
Prezident Brown has been very well received in the United States and is building a large fan base, and as a champion of the new roots and reality consciousness reggae movement he entertains, informs and inspires. Prezident Brown's music speaks a universal language. All of his albums and singles will remain timelessly beautiful and his fourth album, To Jah Only, features one of the most spiritually devoted songs in reggae history, "To Jah Only." His music is echoed overseas and his talent is unequivocal. All of his albums are a must for anyone who loves reggae music. Prezident Brown is an artist driven by a sense of mission and purpose which dictates that he "edutains" (heightens the consciousness of a people) as much as entertains. Prezident Brown is eminently qualified for the role in which he is seen as a vessel from which flows the healing effect of his musical staple.
Sister Carol
Sister Carol was born Carol Theresa East, January 15 1959 in Kingston Jamaica. She is also known as the "Black Cinderella" and "Mother Culture". Sister Carol She is a Grammy nominated singer, DJ, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, educator and humanitarian.
Her odyssey began in the ghetto of Denham Town, Kingston in the midst of the exploding Jamaican music scene and has grown to become one of Jamaica's top entertainers and a Global Icon.
Her formative years were spent at St Anne's Primary School and Mico-Practicing All-Age School. Her father Howard East was a senior engineer who dedicated his life, to his career at RJR (Radio Jamaica Rediffusion), the number one radio station during that time. He was also a very important part of the Studio One and Treasure Isle sound.
He regularly participated in sessions with the legendary "Clement Coxsone Dodd." These early influences not only left an indelible mark on her heart but also drew her closer to the infusion of the music industry.
At the age of 14 her family immigrated to Brooklyn NY in 1973. The thriving dancehall scene of New York City led this young rising star to a path that would acknowledge her talents with multiple awards, television appearances, sold out concerts and movies.
Following in the footsteps of her mentor and friend DJ Brigadier Jerry her musical career began after winning talent contests in both Kingston and New York. Sister Carol was offered an opening slot for one of Jamaica's finest vocal trios, The Mediations who had been the harmony backup vocals for Bob Marley.
This opportunity opened the door for her to record her first two records "Liberation for Africa" on the Serious Gold Label 1983 and "Black Cinderella" on Jah Life Label 1984, bringing her greatest talents, personality and vibe to a wider audience establishing herself firmly in the dancehall/DJ movement. During this time she dominated the music scene winning the coveted "Best Female DJ" for 5 consecutive years from 1983 – 1987. With these accolades behind her she established her own "Black Cinderella Record Label" in 1989.
In the midst of her success as an artist she continued to pursue an education attending City College of New York where she obtained a B.Sc. degree in education in 1984.
A true testament of her resilient spirit and energy spans nearly three decades in a male dominated industry, Sister Carol is a trailblazer for women in reggae. Her music carries a social message for people all over the world. Her message is rich with cultural heritage and infused with a vital social consciousness that permeates every aspect of life in the new millennium. (Hence her title as "Mother Culture") She has maintained a loyal fan base across the globe from Kingston – to Queens, Ethiopia to England, Detroit, Denver, East coast to West coast - Sister Carol reigns as the Queen of Reggae.
Her prolific music career includes over 12 albums/cd, a Grammy nomination for "Best Reggae Album" in 1997, "Most Outstanding Reggae Artist" two consecutive years 1997 and 1998, and "Queen of Reggae" in 2000 in Detroit Michigan, New York City Council Proclamation celebrating Jamaica's 39th year of independence and honoring Jamaicans in New York for outstanding cultural contribution to life in the city of New York in 2001, Institute of Caribbean Studies Wash. DC – "Cultural Heritage Award for Excellence in Music" in 2004, "Lifetime Achievement" in 2008 in Columbus Ohio, "Roots Women in Reggae" 2009 to name just a few.
A showcase of Sister Carol's greatest achievements includes: 2001 the release of "All I Have Is Love"/Tribute TO Studio One on the Easy Star/Black Cinderella/Napticorn label and recording her first live CD "Direct Hit" for release on the Catapult/Black Cinderella label.
In 2003 she released "Empressive"cd on the "Black Cinderella label" which was also released in France on the m10 label the following year. In 2004- 2005 she toured France, New Caledonia, West Africa and USA promoting her "Empressive" cd.
In 2006 she celebrated her "Silver Jubilee" as a solo artist releasing a new CD/DVD "1Derful Words" on the Black Cinderella label. In 2007 she recorded a single titled "Dancing Shoes" with Bunny Wailer a former band member of Bob Marley and the Wailers.
With numerous interviews in mainstream media and has been a guest twice on NBC's David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien,New York at Nite with Clint Holmes WORT.V., VH1 with Nile Rodgers, Good Morning America with Bryant Gumbel as well as earning praises in the print media such as Billboard, The Village Voice and many others. She was the familiar voice behind NBCTV Night Music with Jools Holland and David Sanborn as the MC. In 1999 Tuff Gong, the label started by reggae icon Bob Marley release Sister Carol's Isis the Original Womb-man.
Beyond her music career she burst on the silver screen in 1986 in her first feature film "Something Wild" with Melaine Griffths and Jeff Daniels followed by "Married to the Mob" with Michelle Pfeiffer,Dean Sockwell and Matthew Modine in 1988 and most recently Oscar nominated "Rachel Getting Married" with Anne Hathaway. All three movies directed by the awarding Director Jonathan Demme.
As well as an amazing professional career her personal life stands firm. She has been married for over two decades and is a dedicated mother of four and a dotting grandmother of six her true pride and joy.
On the Horizon - Sister Carol continues her entrepreneurial spirit - with her "Black Cinderella" clothing line with a cd produced by Glen Adams of Hippie Boys and Wailers fame and a duet cd of collaboration with many other artiste in the works for release soon. Sister Carol also appears in the soon to be released Bob Marley documentay "Stay with the rhythm". Sister Carol is a Warrior Queen and a true Renaissance woman who continues to tour the world and teach her message in her musical classrooms – The majestical vibrations continues...............
Kenyatta Hill
About Kenyatta Hill
Kenyatta Hill's debut single, "Daddy," (Tafari Records), confronts the emotional pain and uncertainty he felt after the recent loss of his father. "While I was writing, I was sitting and crying, because I didn't understand what was going on. I still don't understand what's going on, you just kind of have to go with the flow." Kenyatta's father, Joseph Hill, was the front man of Culture, the legendary vocal trio whose 1977 record "Two Sevens Clash" helped define the roots reggae genre. Over the course of a prolific career spanning more than three decades, Hill's music broadened the appeal of reggae, boasting particularly large fan bases in Africa and the UK. His skillful songwriting and exuberant performing style earned him an induction into the Reggae Walk of Fame and a Jamaican Independence Award. In August 2006, while on tour in Berlin, Germany, Joseph Hill suddenly fell ill and passed away. Rather than cancel the rest of the tour, Kenyatta, who had served as Culture's sound engineer since the age of fifteen, decided to step in for his father. "It was a challenge, because I never knew I could sing. I was a nervous wreck. There was pressure, because I had a big role to fill." Kenyatta seems to have used that pressure to his benefit, earning rave reviews as Culture's new frontman at both the Tru-Juice Rebel Salute and Western Consciousness festivals in Jamaica earlier this year. "Daddy" is his first solo effort, a poignant single backed by a masterful roster of musicians, including Sly Dunbar and Dean Fraser. It is part of an album comprised of Kenyatta's own compositions as well as a few incomplete Culture songs, which he has endeavored to finish himself. "My father still has a message that needs to be sent out. There were a lot of lyrics not finished, so I said, I'll try to finish them." The album was recorded in Jamaica, and produced by Lynford "Fatta" Marshall, whom Kenyatta calls "one of the best engineers in Jamaica. This is my first album and I wanted someone who was going to push me to the limit. He was definitely that person." Named for Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister of Kenya, Kenyatta is planning a world tour following the release of his album. As far as the record's success, he leaves it up to his fans. "The people will have to decide whether or not I can fill my father's shoes."
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/kenyattahill#ixzz0vnTXEsMY
Reggae Angels
Currently based in the San Francisco, Calif. East Bay, the Reggae Angels have been touring the last decade in the U.S., Hawaii, Canada and South America. They are well loved and respected. They've taken the message to many different markets. Top international artists have had the Reggae Angels back them, including Don Carlos, Horace Andy, Michael Rose, Big Youth, The Abyssinians, Edi Fitzroy, Bernard Collins, Carlton & The Shoes, Junior Murvin, Clinton Fearon, Everton Blender, Sugar Minott, Andrew Tosh, Junior Reid and Frankie Paul. They have consistently met the needs of world-class performers touring with them to the far reaches.
The Reggae Angels vocalists are Fenton Wardle and Cynthia Roots. Lead vocalist and bandleader Fenton Wardle started playing for the public at the age of twelve, playing his accordion in the streets in San Francisco. In 1982 Fenton fronted his first band Ily in New Hampshire, where he attended Dartmouth and graduated in 1984. In 1986 he formed a band on the West Coast called The Chosen Few. In 1989 the band re-formed as The Elevations. Fenton sang lead and harmony vocals and played keyboards. With the Elevations, he produced two albums- Jah Guide and Good Judgment. In 1992 Fenton left the Elevations and started the Reggae Angels.
For his Reggae Angels unit, Fenton has produced Guard the Honor, Jealousy, Truth and Conviction, Spirit, Signs and Wonders, Which Road Will You Choose, Live Positive, Come To Jah, Save Our Souls, A Heart With Love, Balance and Make Blessings. Augustus Pablo is featured playing melodica and synthesizer on the earlier works, adding his melodious far eastern sound. The early mixing was done in Jamaica with some of the top engineers including Sylvan Morris, David Rowe, Soljie, Dr. Marshall and Hugh Palmer. Scientist mixed the next four CDs in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Balance and Make Blessings were mixed at Lion and Fox recording studios in Alexandria, Virginia by Jim Fox. The Reggae angels have a new album called " Prophetic Mission" also mixed by Jim Fox. They have one of the most prolific catalogues of any American based reggae band, including 13 CDs and numerous dubs.
Fans of reggae know The Angels deliver high-energy performances with a happy, uplifting sound and sincere message. Their music speaks of God consciousness --- beneficial truths for humanity. The lyrics are condensed spiritual insights and teachings --- the message. All different ages and kinds of people love and appreciate the Reggae Angels, especially the spiritually inclined. Their focus is on spirituality, affirming and clarifying the message of the prophets --- advice and prayers to bring us nearer to God. The Reggae Angels have their own recording studio in Oakland, California called The Workshop. See the website www.ReggaeAngels.com for music samples and upcoming show schedule.
Indubious
Rising up out out of the fertile soil of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, the group of Intergalatic Reggae Revolutionaries known as Indubious come to spread high vibes through their earth-shattering sound. Their sound is an eclectic mix of reggae, dance hall and new roots reggae, visionary lyrical messages and wordplay, 2 and 3 part harmonies, and electro funk fusion jams creating a sound destined to change the face of music. Leaving audiences stunned and downright amazed, this genre-bending reggae power trio comes pumping a positive message, and wielding impressive instrumental skill.
Their infectious reggae driven sound has exploded both national and international markets, leaving in the wake the makings of a conscious revolution. Recently winning KTVL's Last Band Standing Competition, and the International MMA (Global Marijuana Music Award) 2010 for "Best Reggae" for their song "Ganja Weed", Indubious has made a huge impact on the West Coast's conscious music scene, gaining respect among some of the largest reggae touring acts, sharing the stage with greats such as Blondie, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, Junior Reid, Pato Banton, Groundation, Rootz Underground, and Prezident Brown to name a few. Their 2009 release, "Cosmic Seed" debuted at #28 on the CMJ charts "New World" category, and was the most added album on CMJ at the time of release. Their notoriety and high energy stage show has caught the eye of Chris Deckker, founder of the festival giant, Earthdance, who has taken them on as business director for the band.
The 3 piece band is comprised of bass virtuoso and lyrical acrobat, Spencer "Skip Wicked" Burton, the exceptional keys, songwriting, and lyrical ability of his brother Evan "Evton B" Burton, and the newest addition, the drum phenom, Matthew T. Wells. Indubious has been building a following on the west coast over the past few years with positive messages in their music, live shows and community outreach. Indubious is described as powerful, epic, and uplifting in not only sound and lyrics, but in pure energy and spirit in which they vibrantly project. They have adopted the unofficial motto of "Live Indubiously," meaning living life without doubt and fear and a full respect for all things, good and bad. "Our mission is to reconnect the people of the world with rightful living, rightful speaking through teaching the everlasting blessings of service to humanity, of service to our higher purpose and higher selves. Our gift is music - and through our music we wish to speak the truth in an effort to inspire others to do the same, to change the vibration of our planet and help others express the true loving nature within us all." says Spencer.
The Indubious boys claim the circumstances in their lives have made them who they are today and they would not change anything; that everything is a blessing. "We have always felt that that the best outlet for our message would be through music and to see this all materializing for us is more than we ever could have asked for," says Evan. "If we could help just one person through our music then it would all be worthwhile but to see the response that we are getting and the potential impact we could have on the world is leaving us amazed and humbled." Through their record label and humanitarian effort, Righteous Sound Productions, the boys from Indubious continue to spread their influence by donating money to local schools, foundations and an array of different organizations and causes with no plan to stop anytime soon. "Life is about giving, so we hope to inspire others to serve mankind as well." says Spencer.
The Indubious crew, along with opening act, Alcyon Massive, will hit the road early spring 2011 on a fully publicized west coast tour promoting the release of their second album, "Cosmic Seed." This highly anticipated followup album to their first release, "Fresh Leaves." is an undeniable powerhouse of a record. Featuring 15 new tracks and some heavyweight guest artists such as the legendary Prezident Brown and Alcyon Massive, "Cosmic Seed" is destined to become a classic. Both albums are available now on itunes, cdbaby, and through their websites.
Venue Information
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://www.catalystclub.com/