Despite the not quite Reggae Sunsplash-type weather in Calgary the city’s Rastagarian nation has still had plenty of reasons to get excited.
In addition to last week’s Jimmy Cliff appearance at the Jack Singer Concert Hall the Calgary International Reggaefest at Shaw Millennium Park is again on deck with a full slate of main stage performances scheduled for Saturday.
Starting the day the soulful vibes of Toronto-by-way-of-Trinidad songstress Mandy Woods and Calgary-based Reggaefest veterans Strugglah will ensure that revellers get there early and stay late.
Last year’s showstopper Annotto Bay crooner Beres Hammond returns with the For the Love Of It tour which also features The Harmony House Singers Lenya Wilks Culture DJ Inferno and the bad boys of reggae itself Inner Circle . Long considered one of Jamaica’s foremost singer-songwriters Hammond’s brand of roots reggae R&B gospel and jazz sets the table for a diverse (and consistently thrilling) list of performers this year.
Although the Grammy award-winning Inner Circle might still be best known for the Cops theme song it has also been one of the top live attractions in reggae for 20 years. Part traditional rootsy reggae and part pop-oriented Jamaican beats expect the veteran six-piece to electrify on Saturday night.
And then there’s Culture. Since stepping out from behind the soundboard following the sudden passing of Joseph Hill — his father and Culture’s legendary former bandleader — Kenyatta Hill has maintained the group’s ongoing message of love unity and the Rastafarian way. Along with a scintillating set from Jamaican powerhouse vocalist Wilks put a check beside Culture in the “can’t miss” column.
Of course the festivities aren’t limited to the island. Prior to Saturday’s events at the park Reggaefest officially kicks off on Thursday August 19 with the Canadian Women Artiste Showcase at the Ship & Anchor. With donations going to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter the all-female showcase will feature Tristin Chanel and the Royal Syndicate Elaine “Lil Bit” Shepard Fenom Nadara and Lady Redz among others.
Further downtown office suits and reggae fanatics alike can take in Reggae Downtown with performances by Mello G and Fyah Flames Band over lunch on Friday August 20 at Olympic Plaza. And don’t forget about Sunday’s Reggae Revival Wrap-Up which takes place Sunday evening at the HiFi Club. See you there!
