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  • A festival full of experts from all over the world in Carribean food and beverages, custom made recipes that will make you redefine the idea of Caribbean Cuisine...
      Note: A complete list of participating Artists and Entertainers for 2008 is still being up-loaded
    Rootz Underground - Reggae
     
    Many influences have borne their 'rootz,' including their homeland Jamaica - birthplace of Rastafari and other radical movements, JAH - creator of all things, family, the earth in all its glory, the revolutionary 70's, dub and roots reggae music.

    The revolution that is Rootz Underground began in 2000 when the band members, whose lives had crossed paths sometime or another from childhood, linked their individual musical talents in search of forming one solid unit. Individually each had begun on a road of truth seeking, of naturalism, of reverence to the Most High. Collectively then, their union affirms an aim of bringing a JAH-inspired message to the masses. And the revolution continues...

    Though Rootz Underground has only just begun digging their 'rootz' in the industry, the band's old soul has already effortlessly enlisted a core of followers - some who already saw the world through like eyes and are glad to hear such sounds of social commentary and life/love lessons on stage; others, simply just converts. Whatever it may be, Rootz Underground is one of few of Jamaica's younger bands whose shows are almost always filled to capacity, whose fans will even cross the island to take in the positive vibrations.

    The band envisages the future free from the shackles of Babylon - liberated from the 9-5, taking the Rootz Underground message far and wide as their sole life's work. As they say, prayer and hard work reaps rewards - Their journey has only just begun. Many firsts smile at Rootz Underground from the horizon as their talent shines through and is increasingly recognized in the music business locally and internationally.

    And the revolution continues...

      OUR 2006 ARTISTS WERE:
    Third World Band - Reggae
     
    After 33 years of smash hit songs, sold - out tours and inspirational messages, one may wonder, "Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the music industry?"

    Third World is more than just one of the top Reggae bands of all time, it is an institution. An institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the cultural and ancestral roots of it's members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant.

    Formed in 1973, Third World is committed to the excellence of reggae music by combining Jamaican Reggae and Folk music with all strains of African Rhythms, American Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Rap and Classical music. Third World is one of the longest running and most diverse bands Jamaica has ever produced.

    Born out of a drive to write and perform original material incorporating reggae, rock and funk, and a desire to tour and take music to a wider audience, Third World was conceived.

    www.thirdworldband.com

    Arrow - Calypso
     

    SlinAlphonsus “Arrow” Cassell MBE was born on the lush green Caribbean island of Montserrat. Today Arrow is an international recording artist recognized globally as the “King of Soca” His songs flavour movie soundtracks and enhance products in advertisements;
    His music has led him to share the stage with the likes of Don Henley, Celine Deon, Joe Cocker and James Brown. Arrow is indeed a superstar in his own right

    Arrows reputation as the “party man” of Caribbean music grew with his sound. But it was in with the release of “Hot, Hot Hot” things went into over drive. The song tore though the Caribbean and had the whole region jumping. The Soca King had arrived and the party was on. “Hot, Hot Hot” would go on to sell over 4 million plus copies; be recorded in twelve different languages; charting in multiple countries and become the international Soca anthem; to date over 22 different versions of “Hot, Hot Hot” exists.

    Arrows “Hot, Hot Hot” opened the door for his other songs. “Groove master” another Arrow hit, was used to add flavour to several movie soundtracks; “casual sex” and “The mighty Quinn” to name a few. Other songs have been used in adverts to sell cars, fast food, exotic holidays and the list goes on. Disney used some of the Soca Kings songs to sound tracks as well. In short Arrow has crossed over to diverse audiences.

    MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his contribution to Soca music.

    Arrow joined a phenomenal group of international recording artists on stage at “The Royal Albert Hall” (London) in a concert organised by Sir George Martin to raise funds for the volcano-ravaged Montserrat. Artists such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, and Paul McCartney also took part .

    Arrow has put Montserrat and Soca music on the map. With over 33 albums under his belt, he is showing no signs of slowing down.


    He continues to be in demand at venues and festivals worldwide.

    Monty Alexander - Jazz

    By grafting the traditions of American jazz to his authentic Jamaican roots, pianist Monty Alexander has spent a lifetime exploring the rich depths of musical and cultural diversity. In a career that spans more than four decades, he has performed and/or recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe: Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and many more.

    Through it all, he continues to draw inspiration from the great icons of American music and popular culture. “All these people came from struggling circumstances,” he says. “They didn't go to music school. They came from the street. Nat Cole, Sinatra, Louis Armstrong – they all had to hustle to get where they got. It's that story of people who can grow up in America or come to America and achieve something just because they have this great attitude and they have the talent to go with it, and they reach for something and they get it.”

    In many ways, Alexander has lived that same story. Born and raised in Kingston , Jamaica , he took his first piano lessons at age six. As a youngster, he was often invited to sit in with the bands of prominent musicians working in Jamaican nightclubs and hotels.

    During his teen years, he enjoyed, among others, the performances of Louis Armstrong and Nat “King” Cole at the Carib Theater in Jamaica

    The shades of joyful gospel music in these artists' performances had a profound and lasting effect on Alexander's own style. He eventually formed a band called “Monty and the Cyclones,” which landed several songs on the Jamaican music charts between 1958 to 1960.

    http://montyalexander.com/

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
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