Luciano “The Messenger” Closes MIRF’s Milestone Celebration

In preparing for its 10^th anniversary celebration the Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) is making huge efforts to appease loyal patrons. In so doing MIRF added Luciano to the Sunday night roster at the Old Port of Montreal, where the festivities roll out on August 16, 17 and 18.

Regrettably, in a surprising message, Takana Zion announced his inability to tour this summer and will not be appearing at MIRF 2013. Previously slated to perform on MIRF’s opening night, Takana Zion will leave no void, as Morgan Heritage, Chris Combette, Inword, Downtown Crew, Brian Art and Hawkeye are scheduled to kick off this significant MIRF staging on Friday August 16.

The previously announced workshop series will take place on August 14, 15 and 16 at O Patro VYS, 356 Mount Royal E; and admission is free. Workshops will commence on Wednesday, August 14 from 6:00 to 9:00pm with Hélène Lee presenting her film Le Premiere Rasta; discussing ‘The Origins of the Movement”. On August 15 from 6:00 to 9:00pm a second workshop will be led by Roger Steffens with a focus on “The Reggae World - Spreading Out” and on August 16 from 4:00 to 6:00pm Pharaoh Freeman and Hidden Colors will present “Empowering Our People" The value of a powerful self-image.

Saturday’s formerly released featured artists remain as: Ras Out, Dahlia, Tifa, Mr. Vegas, Kes The Band, Beenie Man and Shaggy; and on Sunday Luciano is back by popular demand. Known also as ‘The Messenger’ Luciano will join the headlining: Jah Cutta, Yellowman, Serani, Alaine, Coco Tea and Freddie McGregor to cap the three days of Reggae revelry.

Tickets are now on sale at:

Ticketpro.ca Tel: 514-790-1111 or 1-866-908-9090

Wednesday, August 14 – Workshop with Hélène Lee; at O Patro VYS

Free Admission – From 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Thursday, August 15 – Workshop with Roger Steffens; at O Patro VYS

Free Admission – From 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday, August 16 – Workshop with Pharaoh Freeman and Hidden Colors; at O Patro VYS

Free Admission – From 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Friday, August 16

Tickets: $10 Available only at the door

Gates open at 4:00pm Showtime:  5 :00pm to 11 :00pm

Friday August 16 - Sound Clash – at EB Club Lounge

Tickets : $20 in  advance - more at the door

Doors Open at 10 :00pm and sound clash starts at 12 :00am

Saturday, August 17

Tickets $45 in advance; 60$ at the door

Gates Open at 2:00pm; Showtime: 3:00pm to 11:00pm

Saturday August 17 – Official After Party (Venue tbc)

Tickets $10 all night with weekend pass bracelet; $20 in advance and more at the door.

Sunday, August 18

Tickets: $45 in advance; 60$ at the door

Gates Open at 2:00pm; Showtime 3:00pm to 11:00pm

Weekend Pass

Tickets: $90 in advance; $110 at the door

The Weekend Pass includes all three days at the Old Port of Montreal and a discount at MIRF After Party.

Student Weekend pass

Tickets: $70 in advance - only with a valid student I.D.  – Limited quantity available only at EB club Lounge.

VIP Pass

Tickets $250 Available only in advance.

VIP Passes include: All MIRF events that weekend; Sound Clash on Friday night; 3days at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal; The After-Party on Saturday; A MIRF Souvenir and complimentary rum punch all day at the Old Port of Montreal.

For Information: www.montrealreggaefest.com; MIRF Tel: 514-482-7921 

                                                                          

We Are One - Montreal International Reggae Festival at 10!

For Immediate Release

Thursday June 6^th, 2013 – Montreal, PQ  Canada

For the past ten years the Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) has been steadfast in generating unity through music and on August 16, 17 and 18, 2013, this reggae rocking tradition continues at the Old Port of Montreal. To mark this milestone, the festival will open up with a series of workshops to include: journalist, writer and director, Hélène Lee, who will present her film “Le premier rasta” that is based on the life of Leonard Percival Howell; and historian/musicologist, Roger Steffans, well known for his fascinating presentations on Bob Marley.

Since its beginnings in 2003 and throughout the ten years, MIRF held fast to its aim to showcase pillars of international and Canadian based reggae music in all its variations; highlighting the unique global appeal of the reggae genre – and this year is no exception.

Here are the first headliners for our 10^th anniversary program:

Friday night features Morgan Heritage returning to MIRF after five years with their album, Here Comes the King. It is a pleasure to have ‘the royal family of reggae’ return. They also performed at the first production of MIRF.

Dubbed Dancehall Night, Saturday’s line-up includes Mr. Vegas who is no stranger to the MIRF stage. Returning by popular demand Vegas’ lyrical prowess thrust him in the category of international chart topper, as his hits like, Hot Wuk, Tek Wey Yuself and the more recent   album Sweet Jamaica with its blend of roots reggae and electrifying dancehall, continue to dominate airwaves and dancehalls.

In honoring the contribution of music and culture from Trinidad and Tobago, MIRF is delighted to present a dynamic trio - Kes (The Band). Leaders of the new soca, electro dancehall sound it has been argued that these three brothers: Kees, Hans and John Dieffenthaller could become successors to the throne of Machel Montano.

Shaggy is undoubtedly the main attraction for this night. The Grammy Award winning electrifying performer was first known for his hit, Oh Carolina. His catchy beats and lyrics, as in hits like It Wasn’t Me, Angel and the Grammy winning album, Boombastic, projected Shaggy to the level of being the only Jamaican artist to have an album go Platinum.

Sunday night is International Night with a roster that includes stalwarts Yellowman, Cocoa T and Freddie McGregor – all of whom have been creating memorable reggae tracks for more than 40 years. Head of the Big Ship label for about 25 years, Freddie McGregor recently released a new album, Freddie McGregor -Di Captain that includes several reggae classics re-visited.

Committed to the overarching theme “United Against Violence”, this year’s program continues to advance the reggae story with performers from all generations.  MIRF President, Eric Blagrove said, “We are pleased with our track record of bringing thousands of audiences together under the Reggae music banner and this year promises to be even greater as French and English; beginners and veterans perform styles that even go beyond the norms of fundamental reggae.”

As is customary the ambiance at the Old Port will be festive with: activities for children; Caribbean and other cuisine; artisan displays and vendors of all sorts.

Watch the video highlight here:  http://youtu.be/aMwa9hZqJjg?a