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

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 

                                                                          

King of the Dancehall Beenie Man Joins Shaggy and Mr. Vegas at MIRF!

For ten years The Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) has been the biggest consistent offering of reggae culture in Canada; and in full celebratory mode MIRF has enhanced its programming to include workshops that will run on August 14, 15 and 16. The traditional three days of music ensue on August 16, 17 and 18 at the Old Port of Montreal.

In rounding out the complete roster of headlining artists for this 10^th anniversary, Friday night will also feature: Chris Combette, Inword and Downtown Crew.  Originally from French Guyana, Chris Combette is famous for his rhythmic Antillien-African style. The multiple award winner boasts 2 French Guyanese Lindor awards and his most notable albums are, Dance Flora and Children of Goree. These artists will join Morgan Heritage, who was previously announced.

Labeled ‘King of the Dancehall’ Beenie Man augments the Saturday night line-up with his MIRF debut performance. Largely responsible for the international ascension of the dancehall genre, Beenie Man has been winner of 8 consecutive awards. His Grammy nominated album, Many Moods of Moses includes the globally applauded single, Who Am I.  Currently one of Jamaica’s most celebrated female dancehall artists, Tifa is also slated to heat up the dancehall stage. The captivating performer has an impressive repertoire of chart topping hits including the street anthem Spell It Out. Hawkeye and Canadian based Ras Out and Dahlia will also join the previously publicized Dancehall Night headliners: Kes (The Band), Mr. Vegas and Shaggy.

Alaine will be a part of the stellar roster for MIRF’s closing night. The classically trained singer/songwriter made her mark in the reggae music industry with numerous hits including the single Love Sound, a collaboration with Beres Hammond that was featured on Sly and Robbie’s Grammy nominated Rhythm Doubles album. Montreal’s highly acclaimed, Jah Cutta, along with Visionary, Prestige and Bryan Art will also grace Sunday’s stage with the previously released artists: Coco Tea; Freddie McGregor and Yellowman.

Montreal’s Pharaoh Freeman and Hidden Colors will facilitate a workshop, focusing on the theme “Empowering Our People" The value of a powerful self-image.  They join the earlier revealed musicologist, Roger Steffens and filmmaker, Hélène Lee who will engage participants in interactive presentations on “The Reggae World: Spreading Out” and the movie “Le Premier Rasta” respectively.

Tickets are now on sale at:

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

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 

 

HOTTT New Video - Froggy Madd Squad Opening for Jimmy Cliff!

Normally an artist (as in a performing artist) opens for thefeature act at a stage show or Festival unless you are Froggy Madd Squad who, withoutintending to be rude, is far from normal!

Proudly representing Montego Bay, Jamaica via Orlando,Florida, Mr. Madd Squad took to the stage on closing night for the 9thAnnual Montreal International Reggae Festival. To put it in a word, his performance was brilliant.  So brilliant, that the Legend, Jimmy cliff,for whom Froggy opened, was impressed with the DJ’s musical selections.  The capacity crowd of 8,000 people were also impressed as they called for more!

Using Reggae and Dancehall anthems, as well as songs from his rare Festival Music collection, Froggy Madd Squad mashed up the crowd …literally!

Take a look at what the veteran DJ, music teacher and host did to Montreal on Sunday August 19th, 2013. 

To include this phenomenal selector at your next event, contact him directly via email maddsquadent@gmail.comor teammaddsquad@gmail.com.

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!   

Chris Martin and the 9th Annual Montreal Reggae Festival!

Exploding into the hearts of fans worldwide in 2005, Christopher Martin has consistently been playing on radio for the past 6 years, and now performs live for his fans in Montreal at the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

Getting his start in 2005 by competing in the Digicel Rising Starts Competition, it didn’t take long for Jamaica to realize one of its hidden gems, and by extension, the world discovered too!  Working with producers such as Robert Livingston at Big Yard Music Group, Donovan Germaine at Penthouse Records and Shane C. Brown at Jukeboxx Productions, Chris’s work ethic helped to develop his lengthy and extensive catalog which is played by fans young and mature.

Successfully performing Reggae, Dancehall and Island Pop, Martin has racked up hits such as “Jamaican Girls,” “Take My Wings” and “Stay Faithful.”  With his 2012 international anthem “Cheaters Prayer” Martins fans want to sing the song with him which MIRF organizers have gladly coordinated!

For the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival, Christopher Martin welcomes you to take in his performance at the Old Port.  How many thousands of ladies will be screaming for the young star?  Come out to see and hear for yourself!

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!