FOR a second year, the sound of live music is expected to reverberate throughout the Corporate Area as Kingston Music Week takes place over select venues.
The event — which began last night and continues until next Sunday — is the brainchild of the RJR Communications Group and aims to bring back live music to the city’s capital across all genres.
Event liaison Deidra James said the event has grown with a total of 16 events over the seven days.
“We did not want so many events so that there would be too many clashes, especially as it relates to events of the same genre. This year, we are pleased with the mix which includes reggae, dancehall, jazz, folk, pop and alternative music and targets a wide range of demographics. We are happy that there is such a variety that there is something for everyone,” said James.
The week kicked off last night with RETV Unplugged at the Countryside Club and the launch of the single African Queen by Samory-I at the Eutopia Sports Bar.
Tonight’s offering comprises what James refers to as a “mature alternative” at the Essence Lounge. The line-up includes veteran toaster U-Roy and singers Patrick Badoo and Eddie Fitzroy.
The Behind the Screen series at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records on Constant Spring Road will feature dancehall deejay Bounty Killer.
Come tomorrow there are four events.
The Edna Manley College’s School of Music chips in with the first instalment of ‘Double Dose of Music’ which features the Year 4 Jazz Ensemble, Trackshon and Soundproof. The Live in the City series continues at CRU Bar with Sizzla Kalonji and Friends as the main act. Patrons at the Triple Century Sports Bar in New Kingston should see singer Tanya Stephens, while a host of dancehall’s favourites are expected to share the spotlight at Weddy Weddy staged at the Stone Love Headquarters on Burlington Avenue.
Come Thursday, the second half of Double Dose of Music at the Edna Manley College takes the stage with the bands A Grade, Oversees and Phuzzion. Also on Thursday is Live @ Nanook — The Fund-raiser Edition featuring Black as Cole and Skygrass bands. That night is to be capped by Reggae on the Strip at D’Amor Hot Spot (formerly Weekendz) featuring Bugle, Nitty Kutchie, Munga, and Gyptian.
All roads lead to the Conscious Reggae Party at Ashanti Oasis Vegetarian on Braemar Avenue on Friday. That event features Xylophone, Papa D, Movack, Nature, Monifa Goss and others.
The folk music offering is set for Saturday afternoon at 1:00. The Jamaican Folk Singers will be live at the historic Devon House on Old Hope Road.
Wickie Wackie Live is also on Saturday featuring Raging Fyah, Jessie Royal, Jah Bouks and Mystical Revolution.
Kingston Music Week culminates on Sunday, December 7 with the JAVAA’s Music Festival at Countryside Club on Derrymore Road. This event will see Fab 5 band and singers Ken Boothe, George Nooks, Gem Myers, The Mighty Diamonds and Boris Gardiner.
Nat King Cole fans may opt for Unforgettable — Sunday Evening of Nat King Cole, at the PCJ Auditorium on Trafalgar Road. This final event is set to feature Seretse Small, Michael Sean Harris, Adrian Hemans, Dwayne Livingstone and Desi Jones.
— By Richard Johnson
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