Celebrating 40 Years Reggae Ambassadors Third for 2 Exclusive Dates in Canada!

One of Reggae’s most recognized and legendary groups, Third World will perform 2 exclusive dates in Canada.  On Friday September 27th they will be at the Corona Theatre Virgin Mobile in Montreal and on Saturday September 28th they will be at the Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto!  

With a history of classic performances under their belt, and a catalog to match, Third World is one of the most respected and enjoyed groups whose performances include Reggae, Soul, Funk and Disco attracting 4 generations of fans to hear them perform.  

On Friday September 27th, 2013, the group will be at the Corona Theatre Virgin Mobile in Montreal (2490 Notre-Dame West) as part of the Pop Montreal Festival for an evening with billboard charted hits that include “Now That We’ve Found Love,” “96 Degrees” and “Try Jah Love”.  Montreal has had a special for Love for the group as demonstrated in 2011 when they received a Lifetime achievement award from the Montreal International Reggae Festival presented by Howard ‘Stretch’ Carr from CKUT 90.3 FM.  “Third World” has always been a fantastic group to watch perform” said Stretch “and they know how to put on a very good show.  I’m looking
forward to this one!”

Not one to perform in one city and leave a country, Third World will also be performing at the Small World Music Festival being held on Saturday September 27th, 2013 at the Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto.  Representing Jamaica and the Caribbean, Third World will be performing with artists from India, Poland and Colombia amongst a series of other nations.  This free event has been designed to attract thousands.  One fan, Renee recently wrote on the groups Facebook wall “can’t wait to see Third World in Toronto!”  

Founded in 1973, Third World is one of the most celebrated groups from the Caribbean including 10 Grammy nominations.  They have released over 30 albums including their latest 2010 release of Patriots which features collaborations with Damian & Stephen Marley, Tessanne Chin, as well as the late great Gregory Isaacs to name a few.  The group regularly tours, and Stephan ‘Cat’ Coore represented for Third World at the National Black Arts Association on September 14th, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia where they were honored for their contribution to the arts.   For more information about Third World, media and fans can visit their Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/ThirdWorld or they can follow them on Twitter at
@ThirdWorldBand 

To book Third World, via email contact bookings@ThirdWorldBand.com.  For media inquiries contact Natasha at L3Publicity@gmail.com

 

The 10th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival Celebrates Capacity Crowds at the Old Port!

Last weekend the 10^th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) attained new heights of popularity with a sold out crowd on Saturday night; and Friday and Sunday selling 97% of the total site capacity of 10,000 seats.

The weather was extraordinary, as were the Friday night performances that included Morgan Heritage, making a remarkable return to the MIRF stage for the third time. They performed all their greatest hits as well as extracts from their new album, Here Come the Kings with a dynamic set, despite the absence of Una Morgan, who fell ill after arriving in Montreal. Montreal roots rocking, Inword and energetic DJ Hawkeye had the honor of starting this evening after French Guyanese Chris Combette opened up with smooth and pristine Antillean hinged reggae rifts.

 

Traditionally known as dancehall night, Saturday featured some of the most relevant artists of the current scene: Toronto’s Dahlia; Dancehall Diva Tifa; Mr Vegas - performing his hits of the past fifteen years; Kes The Band - who brought out many of Montreal’s Eastern Caribbean revelers; Shaggy in top form and the electrifying Beenie Man. As mentioned by Howard "Stretch" Carr, MIRF emcee and host of West Indian Riddims on CKUT 90 3 FM, MIRF attracted an extraordinary number of visitors this year from as far as South America and the United Kingdom. CKUT 90.3 FM broadcasted live from the MIRF site for the entire Saturday evening and again on Sunday, bringing its listeners two hours of MIRF including the Yellowman set – during Bhum Bhum Tyme with hosts Pat Dillon-Moore and JD who were also MIRF emcees. 

Toronto’s Visionary and Montreal’s Jah Cutta and the Determination Band opened up on Sunday with thrilling and well received performances. Accompanied by the famous Sagittarius Band, the legendary DJ Yellowman gave a lively set, setting a high bar for young sensation Serani and singer Alaine. These opening acts warmed up the crowd in the early evening and the atmosphere was then perfect for the downright magical performance of Cocoa Tea. 

Freddie McGregor and his Big Ship crew closed the 10^th edition of MIRF in fine style. Festival goers were roused once again, as soon as Freddie McGregor’s band started playing their instrumental medley - joined by the sweet voice of their veteran leader who performed his repertoire of classic ska as well as songs from his recent album, Di Captain. The only downside this year was the cancellation of Luciano’s scheduled appearance at MIRF following a visa problem that was beyond the control of MIRF.

The MIRF team would like to thank its partners, sponsors and the media for this edition of unprecedented success. See you next year! 

Quotes from some of our guests include "Surely one of the best reggae festivals in North America, comparable to the venerable Reggae on The River, California" Roger Steffens, and “The Montreal International Reggae Festival truly came of age in 2013, with a stellar line-up. What I enjoyed most were the festival's new free workshop series that included the wonderful three-hour multi-media presentation "The Internationalization of Reggae" by the world's foremost reggae historian, Roger Steffens. This year's festival was educational as well as entertaining, and the jerk chicken sold on-site was pretty damn good too! In 2013 the Montreal International Reggae Festival graduated to the ranks of the world's great reggae festivals," Richard "Bugs" Burnett, The Montreal Gazette!

Photo:  Cocoa Tea performing Sunday night

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 

 

Beyonce's World Tour Dates Announced!

After an incredible performance at Superbowl 47, Beyonce is going on tour and we have the details!

Parkwook Entertainment today announced that The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour starring Beyoncé kicks off in Europe on April 15, 2013. With stops in twenty European cities, including Dublin, Ireland; Berlin, Germany; Paris, France and a four-night stint at The 02 in London, UK, this is Beyoncé’s first multi-city tour in over three years.

Live Nation also announced that Beyoncé’s North American Tour begins on June 28 in Los Angeles, California. The tour will travel to over twenty cities throughout North America this summer, including Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center, Atlanta, Georgia, at the Gwinnett Center, Houston, Texas at the Toyota Center, Toronto, Ontario at Air Canada Centre, Montreal, Bell Centre, and Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden.

On June 28, Beyoncé returns to Los Angeles, California as part of the BET Experience At L.A. Live at the Staples Center. She is set to headline the first of the three-night STAPLES Concert series. And continuing her successful run at international music festivals, following a headlining night at Glastonbury in 2011, she is confirmed to headline at the world’s largest music festival, Rock in Rio, on its first night, September 13 at the "City of Rock" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rock in Rio has set records for its massive crowds and its powerful media drive.

The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour promises to be the entertainer’s most ambitious undertaking to date. It is expected to be bigger in scope than any of her previous shows. Slated to run for almost one year, the second wave of the tour is planned for Latin America, Australia and Asia.

Following her historic performance tonight at the Pepsi SuperBowl XLVII Halftime Show, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Beyoncé officially returns to a full-time touring schedule, her first since the I AM…WORLD TOUR in 2009, with a new, bolder state-of-the-art production.

Fans can join the Beyhive Blog for free at www.beyonce.com to access exclusive content, pre-sale tickets, VIP packages and more, including an exclusive MasterCard package to the Bey Stage. Pepsi, MasterCard and Coty sponsor The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. A complete list of tour dates, markets and on-sale dates follow. Additional information including on-sale times in all markets, available at www.beyonce.com

Beyoncé’s last tour, the critically acclaimed and incredibly successful, “I AM…WORLD TOUR was ranked #1 on Billboard’s Hot Tour chart. The show thrilled more than 1.1 million fans at more than one hundred shows in 32 countries.

Beyoncé is one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture. A solo recording artist, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman, she has released four #1 solo albums and has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards. Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade. The Recording Industry Association of America also recognized Beyoncé as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.

The critics have consistently praised her energetic stage shows likening her to the best entertainers of the past with her own brand of sass and class that makes her the artist of the future.

On February 16, HBO will premiere Life Is But A Dream, an intimate feature-length documentary film directed and produced by Beyoncé for Parkwood Entertainment. The film provides unprecedented access into the on and off-stage world of the entertainer.

The North American tour is promoted by Live Nation Global Touring and is produced by Parkwood Entertainment.

The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour Starring
BEYONCÉ
WORLD TOUR 2013
ITINERARY NORTH AMERICA:

June 28 Los Angeles BET Experience/Staples Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jun-29 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-2 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-5 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-6 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-9 Ft. Lauderdale, FL BB&T Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-10 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-12 Atlanta, GA Gwinnett Center On Sale Sat. Feb. 16
Jul-13 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-15 Houston, TX Toyota Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-17 Chicago, IL United Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-18 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-20 Detroit, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-21 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-22 Montreal, QC Bell Centre On Sale Sat. Feb. 9
Jul-23 Boston, MA TD Garden On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Jul-25 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-26 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-27 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Jul-29 Washington, DC Verizon Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11
Aug-2 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun On Sale Fri. Feb. 15
Aug-3 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center On Sale Mon. Feb. 11

The Downtown Riddim!

The Montreal reggae duo Riddim Wise is proud to present their new production The Downtown Riddim, in association with Transamazoniennes records. This new album features some of the biggest names in Jamaican reggae such as Sizzla Kalonji, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, I Shenko, Perfect and Mikey General but also some of the best artists from Canada like Mikey Dangerous, Dan Fiyah Beats, Marky Lyrical, Face T and King Shadrock. Africa is represented as well with the presence of Senegalese rapper Awadi featuring Congolese singer Tibass Kazemtik, and finally from the French Amazon Surinamese singer Prince Koloni. 

The two partners from Riddim Wise have been making their name by hosting a radio show for the past twelve years as well as performing live « Sound Systems » and working as a recording and production label. Their mission was to unify artists from all over the world on one common « Riddim ».

Diversity and quality are definitely present, as veterans and big stars share the spotlight with young and upcoming artists. Lyrically the songs range from talking about love to fighting freedom, from passion to resilience, bringing a very rich and conscious aspect to this album. Jamaican Patois, English, French, Sranang Tong (Guyana) and Lingala (Congo) make this a unique and eclectic project.

The name of the « Riddim » pays tribute to the mythical neighbourhood of downtown Kingston, pictured on the album cover. This is a wonderful production created in the purest reggae tradition.

The Downtown Riddim is now available on iTunes for download or preview listening.

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/downtown-riddim-riddim-wise/id582301281

Jimmy Cliff Counts Down to Montreal's Reggae Festival!

Giving us songs that represent the pride of Jamaica and all peoples across the Caribbean and around the world, Jimmy Cliff is a living legend whom the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to have on its stage.

Beginning his career at the age of 14, Cliff worked with Leslie Kong who produced the music for Cliff’s first hit single “Hurricane Hattie.”  Since then, the internationally loved artist has released songs that have defined our times, our nations and our Caribbean culture.  Songs such as “The Harder They Come,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Miss Jamaica” are stalwarts in our musical fabric.

For generations, these and the rest of Cliff’s discography have served as motivation to get through some of our tougher times.  At this years’ Festival, these songs help us celebrate 50 years of Independence from Great Britain and what a party it’s going to be!

For the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival, Jimmy Cliff invites you to relive the musical memories that helped define us as a people.  Make sure you’re there when he sings “The Harder They Come” and more!   

DJ Poirier Counts Down to MIRF!

One of the most celebrated and traveled DJ’s from Montreal is DJ Poirier! 

Specializing in crowd grooving remixes, this bass tumping addict combines Dancehall with Soca and Electronica to give fans hours of non-stop sir horn excitement!

Always moving, Poirier has been invited to virtually every continent. Poirier on the bill equals a sure fire jam. No surprise that he’s shared the stage with Modeselektor, Diplo, Kode9, Amon Tobin and Toddla T, as well as taken Fabric London, Australia’s Big Day Out, SXSW, the Montreux (Montreal) Jazz Festival, Barcelona’s Sonar Festival, London’s Notting Hill Carnival and Mexico’s Cervantino Festival by storm.

Poirier’s signature skill of effortlessly linking disparate genres has led to worldwide collaborations with MCs and DJs from global hip hop, soca, grime, dancehall, booty bass, and much more. Electro sensations Crookers, dancehall veteran Burro Banton, the ever-eclectic dj/rupture, London’s tough gyal Warrior Queen, and Trinidadian soca master Mr Slaughter have all connected with Poirier, as well as longtime collaborators Face-T, Boogat and MC Zulu.

Giving the massive what it wants, yet providing a musical education in what it needs, Poirier is a producer and DJ who has no boundaries except, perhaps, the rule that it’s gotta have bass, and it’s got to bounce. With this philosophy, Poirier will keep the dance rammed.

Make sure you come out to the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival to catch a sure fire set with DJ Poirier!