For Immediate Release
Thursday June 6th, 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 10th
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
