by Jason K. Walsh
The positive vibrations of the Caribbean will be hitting the District this September in a festival that promises to not only provide good music and culture, but help a worthy cause as well. The First Annual Budweiser Reggae Summerfest is coming to RFK Stadium on September 7, with seventeen top performers on the bill, including Beres Hammond, Prestige, Etana, and Kymani Marley, son of the late rastafarian music pioneer Bob Marley. A portion of the revenues from the concert will be donated to the Jamaican Cancer Society.
"It touches very close to home," Marley said. "As you know my father passed away from cancer. Anything that is for a worthy cause, that is giving back, I'm all for it."
Bob Marley lost his five-year battle with cancer in 1981 at the age of 36. Promotions director of the festival Lillian Lodenquai said the idea for the benefit started when cancer hit close to home for her.
"My aunt, Mavis Smith, became ill with breast cancer," Lodenquai said. "Several months after surgery, she developed a blood infection in which the doctors at the hospitals couldn't detect. The medical equipment needed to detect the infection was not available at the hospital. All that was needed was a MRI machine, of which there are only two on the entire island (Jamaica). Both privately owned. After learning about that, I decided to do something to help to bring awareness to cancer and to try to help save someone else's life."
Lodenquai turned her ambitions towards spearheading a festival that could raise money to help the people of the third world nation affected by cancer.
"The fact is the hospitals in Jamaica need all the help they can get and would appreciate the medical equipment," she said. "I spoke with Beres Hammond's management and decided that putting together a one-day reggae festival and donating part of the proceed from the event and doing a fund raising during the event would be a start."
Jamaican native and reggae artist Prestige said it was important to him to participate in such a positive event.
"Well, it's great to give proceeds to any society," he said. "But to know that it's benefiting cancer or healthcare is a great thing to do. It will bring different people and their culture together...the people of DC will come and hear some of the great acts that reggae has to offer."
The I-Ternals are a local DC reggae outfit who felt "blessed" to be a part of the festival. Drummer and vocalist Justin Cooney was excited to learn that their music would be used to aid a worthwhile cause.
"It always feels good to help the less fortunate," Cooney said. "Having been to Jamaica on several occasions, it is easy to see the poverty and suffering that people go through on a daily basis. Any way we can help the Jamaican people financially is always a plus."
Cooney said the ideals and beliefs of reggae music translate to all walks of life and are relative to all colors and classes of people alike.
"Reggae is very special," he said. "It is a cultural phenomenon, breaking down all barriers as it delivers the universal message of peace and understanding. It's the pulse and heartbeat of humankind. No other music can bring that feeling of euphoria that reggae brings people."
Etana migrated to the U.S. from the Jamaican community of August Town sixteen-years ago and has become one of the most prolific female vocalists in reggae music. She believes the music not only speaks to the listener spiritually, but also provides a sense of heritage as well.
"Reggae music is important because it plays a major role in our African history and our life today," she said. "In history, the Africans would use the drum to send messages. Reggae is the same as the African drum. It's our heartbeat. Gathering together to share stories and melodies plays a major role also in holding on to our roots and a gathering of three or more in a positive light creates a powerful vibration."
Fellow countrywoman and reggae singer Ruth is currently residing in DC, working on her debut album. She agrees that using her talents to assist such a noble effort is very rewarding.
"Helping people always feels good to me, no matter where they are from, but it is great to know that what I am doing will directly benefit people from my country as well. I have friends and family who have been affected by cancer. I want to know that my music, in some way, can serve a good cause."
Ruth further explained the infectious nature of the Jamaican genre and how it touches listeners in such an extraordinary way.
"Reggae music creates a vibe or feeling that transcends any other music," she said. "When one hears it, it seeps into the bloodstream and causes him or her to want to act on the feeling. Something like that is very influential. So, a festival like this will bring reggae to people in DC and let them let go of the stresses of life, even for a few hours, and also, it will be for a good cause."
That cause is an integral part of why organizers brought such a lineup together in the District.
"Washington DC is diverse and has a strong appreciation for this music," Lodenquai said. "All over the world, reggae music is one of the most positive kinds of music that speaks directly to one mind, body and soul and has been bringing communities and people together for decades. This music blend will promote a different brand of music not always marketed in this area. At the end of the day, this is a beautiful experience and great benefit for a special organization that needs our help."
The First Annual Budweiser Reggae Summerfest will be the premiere world music event of the summer. Gates open at noon on Sunday, September 7th at RFK Stadium. Additional musicians on the roster include I-Wayne, Turbulence, Fire Star, S.T.O.R.M., and the New Kingston Band. Marley offered what the people of DC should expect at the festival.
"From Kymani, 110% worth of vibes," he promised. "I invite everyone to come out and enjoy themselves and more importantly, to support the cause."
What: First Annual Budweiser Reggae Summerfest
click here to go to the article at ON TAP MAGAZINE
When: September 7
Where: RFK Stadium
Tickets: $35-$65
Info: www.reggaesummerfest.net
http://www.ontaponline.com/article/11217
