MUSIC IS ON OUR MINDS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanMusic and celebration are in the air this weekend bringing a multitude of choices for fans and enthusiasts alike.
Jamaica revels in its 50th Anniversary of Independence. We look back in time as Jamaica raised their black green and gold flag on August 6, 1962 as a sign of their newly found freedom for this third largest island in the Caribbean after being under British rule for centuries. It was a dream come true. Following in their footsteps was the island of Trinidad & Tobago. Both islands have grown in so many ways over the years and they are also proudly represented at the London Summer Olympics. Their diverse culture has become charismatic and their people warm and welcoming.
On Friday, August 3, 2012, JAMROCK Magazine, a premier glossy lifestyle publication with a distinct Caribbean-American flair and based in New York City, threw a party event with top name artists performing as a tribute to the anniversaries. The show was titled ‘JAMROCK TRINIDAD 50’ and took place at the Hammerstein Manhattan Center in New York City. Maxi Priest and Billy Ocean both with roots in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were the headliners.
Priest is highly recognized as one of the top British Reggae singers. His career spans over two decades and he recently released a ‘best of’ album. He is loved the world over.
Ocean has been involved in music almost his entire life. He not only sang but wrote and composed songs for other artists and his talent won him the GRAMMY Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1985 GRAMMY Awards. ‘Loverboy’ is one of his best known hits that has topped the billboard charts. Other honors include an Honorary Doctorate of Music awarded by the University of Westminster in London and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MOBO Awards in 2010.
‘JAMROCK TRINIDAD 50′ took the city by storm and was felt all the way to the proud islands of Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.
Also taking place at 8:30 p.m. tonight is the ‘Ultimate Jamaica 50 Independence People Bash’ which is a celebration of the courage and a way to inspire the evolution of Jamaica and its people over the past 50 years. It will draw a large multi-cultural, multi-ethnic audience as we look back at what has made Jamaica so rich in culture and heritage. It takes place at Eastwood Manor at 3371 Eastchester Road in the Bronx. Honorees includes: Irie Jam, Street Hype, The Jamaica Progressive League, Hyacinth Bloomfield, Carol Parker, Minnel M. Porter, Bunny Roper, Barrington Wright, Dr. Paul Chen-Young, Living Truth, and Courtney Mellers aka “Coozy”.
In other parts of the country, annual music festivals are taking place and drawing big crowds. Chicago is best known for its unique Lollapalooza and from August 3rd – August 5th, the event can expect over 100,000 attendees at Chicago’s Grant Park, the scene of this musical celebration. Headliners include The Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White and an Ozzy Osbourne-led reunion of Black Sabbath.
Legendary DJs Kaskade and Bassnectar will WOW the crowds, there is no doubt. For the electronic dance lovers, you will also be able to sit back and enjoy the sounds of Justice and Avicii. There seems to be something for everyone. The city comes alive with all this energy. The Windy City will become the City of Musical Madness for a weekend.
One of the top events in the country is the Newport Jazz Festival. From August 3rd through August 5th, jazz lovers from all over the United States convene in Newport, Rhode Island for a festival that tops the charts beyond compare.
The event dates all the way back to 1954 and has been moved from Newport to New York City and back to Newport. We are treated to some of the hottest stars in not only the jazz world but rhythm and blues, country and rock along with a multi-day jam session. This year’s lineup includes great names such as Pat Methany Unity Band with Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez and Ben Williams, Dianne Reeves, Jack DeJohnette All-Stars, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors with Adam Cruz and more. Don’t miss Tedeschi Trucks Band.
The soulful and smooth sounds take place at Fort Adams State Park. Millions attend and each year is more successful than the last.
This weekend take part in some of the greatest music celebrations of the year and get lost in the music and the moment.
PHOTO CREDITS: JAMROCK Magazine, Lollapalooza Facebook page, Google Images
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