OOKLAH THE MOC
would like to invite all of our friends to upcoming shows:

Fri.8.11 BLISS NITECLUB Honolulu, Oahu, HI 10pm-1am
OOKLAH THE MOC & KOKO, 18+

Sat.8.12 BOARDRIDERS Kailua, Oahu, HI 10pm-1am
OOKLAH THE MOC & KOKO

Thu.8.17 KAUAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE Lihue, Kauai, HI
OOKLAH THE MOC & KATCHAFIRE (New Zealand) 5pm-11pm

Sat.8.19 MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER Kahului, Maui, HI
OOKLAH THE MOC & KATCHAFIRE 5pm-11pm

Fri.8.25 ANNA BANANNAS Honolulu, Oahu, HI
OOKLAH THE MOC 10pm-1am, two sets, 18+

Sat.8.26 MANA MAOLI CONCERT Andrews Amphitheater,
Honolulu, Oahu, HI
OOKLAH THE MOC and others (ooklah at 7pm)

Mon.8.28 KAPI`OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE Honolulu, Oahu,
HI (noontime concert)

****************************************************

Fri.9.1 BELLY UP TAVERN Solana Beach, CA

Sat.9.2 WORLD BEAT CENTER San Diego, CA

Sun.9.3 COACH HOUSE San Juan Capistrano/L.A., CA

Mon.9.4 TEMPLE BAR Santa Monica/L.A., CA

Tue.9.5 DOWNTOWN BREWERY San Luis Obispo, CA

Wed.9.6 ELBO ROOM San Francisco, CA

Thu.9.7 BLISS LOUNGE Portland, OR

Fri.9.8 t.b.a.

Sat.9.9 t.b.a.

Sun.9.10 CHOP SUEY CLUB Seattle, WA

***************************************************

Please check our webpage for more information at: www.ooklahthemoc.com or email abushooklahthemoc.com

Hope to see all of you at a concert real soon.

Mamadou Diabate - Photo by Laura Haykel Musafir - Photo by Laura Haykel

GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL
By Laura Haykel

On the weekend of July 20-23rd, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. This festival is located at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds and has four different stages from which you can catch some 50+ artists of different genres of music being performed there on the third weekend of July from Thursday - Sunday. Every year that I have attended I am amazed at the diversity in musical styles and cultures that are represented throughout the weekend.

The first act I caught on Friday evening was Black Castle featuring Elliott Martin (from John Brown's Body) on vocals. They performed in the Cabaret and had the place packed and jumping. The dub effects sent my body into a trance and I knew it had to be Jocko behind the boards. From there I headed to the Infield stage to watch Aurelio Martinez and his band infect the people with their Latin and African infused rhythms. Then the packed Infield crowd waited in anticipation of Michael Franti & Spearhead. Hitting the stage around 10pm, Mr. Franti and crew put on an incredible set that moved the crowd through the night and left everyone feeling high.

Saturday would prove to be outstanding as well, despite the rain that poured down throughout the morning and most of the day. I headed over to the Infield stage for Little Egypt, a hip-hop crew out of Brooklyn, NY. Little Egypt was backed by Thousands of One, a local act from Ithaca, and put on a good set to start the day. The Grandstand stage did have some of the most incredible acts that day and I was thrilled at the back-to-back stellar performances that I did see from such acts as: Musafir from Rajikstan, India; Mamadou Diabate from Mali, Africa; Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey from Brasil and beyond (a musical revolution for sure...check them out!), and Samite from Uganda. Thomas Mapfumo and Blacks Unlimited played the 10pm set on the Infield stage Saturday night. Their music moved through me like a wave and took away any tension as I swayed to the sound of the songs and the beautiful rhythms.

Sunday the sun came back to bless us, and my most memorable performances of the day would be Keith Secola & Moontee Sinquah featuring Jeb and others from Donna the Buffalo at the Grandstand Stage (the circle dance was so much fun!) as well as Mamadou Diabate's solo Kora performance on the Infield stage. Every year Donna the Buffalo ends the weekend with a great performance and jam session with other musical guests from the weekend at the Infield stage.

Second to the music I really enjoy all of the delicious food vendors that come to the festival each year (whether you are vegan, vegetarian, vegequarian, or a meat eater you will find something to soothe your appetite), as well as the artists and others selling their goods or services. This is a great festival to bring the kids to as well, and they always have a kid's tent with crafts and activities and a happiness parade that the kids really enjoy. There is on and off-site camping available as well as showers and very clean port-a-potties! The festival also offers yoga every morning at 8am in the Dance Tent, an art barn, drum workshops and other activities. I would highly recommend this event to anyone as there is truly something for everyone in this magical setting just North of Ithaca, NY! For more information check out www.grassrootsfest.org

BEFORE THE LEGEND SWEEPSTAKES

Enter to Win the
RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL
GET-AWAY WEEKEND
and Dozens of Other Prizes!

In celebration of their new book, Before The Legend - The Rise of Bob Marley by Christopher John Farley, Amistad Books is hosting a fabulous sweepstakes with 180 prizes! Enter today on www.ReggaeFestivalGuide.com. The random-pick drawing will occur on September 16, 2006. The first name chosen will win the Grand Prize upon the winner's qualifications and confirmation. The next 50 names chosen will receive a hardcover copy of the book. The next 30 winners will be sent a one-size-fits-all knit beanie by Livity Outernational and the final 100 people win one of an assortment of irie gifts. (Note: U.S. addresses only.)

When entering the Before the Legend Sweepstakes at www.ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, you'll see a link to our short Reader Survey. All the things we do (website, e-guide and magazine) are provided free. We're entirely supported by advertising, and it's only natural that our advertisers want some info about you, our reader. So if you have an extra minute, click on the Reader Survey and answer a few questions. By doing so, you will double your chances to win!

The Grand Prize includes two VIP backstage passes to Ragga Muffins Festival at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA, February 17-18, 2007. The winner will also receive roundtrip airfare for two with ground transportation to and from the airport (from U.S. point of origin), plus a two-night stay at the festival host hotel - the Long Beach Hyatt. If you win, and live less than 200 miles from the Long Beach Airport or LAX, no problem mon! We'll send a car for you and your guest from your home to the hotel and back. Imagine the excitement of mingling with your favorite reggae performers backstage!

Although the lineup for 2007 hasn't been announced yet, each year gets better and better. 2006 included reggae icons such as The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, The Itals and Freddie McGregor and artists from the current generation like Gentleman, Anthony B, Dezarie, Matisyahu, Richie Spice and Lutan Fyah. This excellent Grand Prize is complements of Moss Jacobs Presents in association with Ragga Muffins Production. Please check website for updates: www.raggamuffinsfestival.com. Transportation is provided by Amistad Books /Harper Collins Publishing.

Fifty lucky people will each win a copy of the new hardcover Bob Marley book, Before The Legend - The Rise of Bob Marley. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passing of this musical genius, the book goes beyond the myth of Marley to bring you the private side of the reggae superstar few people ever really knew.

Thirty winners will receive knit beanies from Livity Outernational, a one love inspired clothing, hat and luggage company. Check out their full line of products at www.livity.org. One hundred more winners will enjoy a gift from one of our sponsors!...

How to Enter the Sweepstakes
Enter online at www.ReggaeFestivalGuide.com to be eligible for the fabulous Grand Prize package. Double your chances of winning one of the 180 prizes by first completing the Reader Survey online.

You must be a United States citizen and residing in the U.S. and eighteen (18 years of age or older as of January 1, 2007) to be eligible to win a prize.

The capacity crowd roared with approval as reggae musician Ziggy Marley and his ten-piece band took the stage at the Amphi-Park in Ra'anana Thursday night. Beginning their set precisely as advertised, at 9:30 p.m., Marley and his band appeared after opening sets by several local reggae groups, who, along with the multiple vendors selling Rasta-inspired clothes and bric-abrac, gave the warm evening a welcome festival vibe.

The crowd included a generous cross-section of Israeli reggae lovers: parents with little babies, Russian speakers, Ethiopians of all ages, young adults of every shade sporting dreadlocks, and even a few grandparents. Reggae is popular among the religious community (especially the newly observant), but because the show took place during The Nine Days - the mourning period between the first of the month of Av and Tisha B'Av, when listing to music is forbidden by Jewish law - there were nearly no kippot to be seen.

Peppering his set with copious "todahs" and "mah nishmas," Marley gave the appreciative audience exactly what it wanted: good-vibrations reggae music with a positive message. As the eldest son of late reggae legend Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley literally grew up on stage, and this experience showed in his set, a tight presentation of songs from his new album, Love is my Religion, interspersed with older favorites and a few of his father's lesser-known songs. With his large ensemble (including two percussionists and two backup singers), the band had a fuller, more African sound than many reggae groups, and this was used to good effect in the arrangements. Highlights of the show included the upbeat ska number "Black Cat," "Keep on Dreaming," a roots-reggae song dedicated to his father, "Salaam/Shalom," a piece about the Israeli-Arab conflict, and a crowdpleasing cover of "Forever Loving Jah," a classic spiritual anthem by Bob Marley. Closing the set with his personal anthem, "Love is My Religion," Ziggy Marley and his band quickly returned for a four-song encore which included "Africa Unite," his fathers' plea for African unity from the 1970s. Even this wasn't enough for the enthusiastic concert-goers, and they were treated to a surprise second encore: a rendition of "No Woman No Cry," one of the elder Marley's best known songs, which was dedicated to "the suffering women of Israel and Lebanon."

The younger Marley deserves credit for performing in Israel during this troubled time, having moved but not cancelled a show previously scheduled to take place on a beach near Israel's northern border. Whether music can truly change the world is open to debate, but for one evening, at least, it was easy to feel that it indeed can, if only by bringing positive vibrations to where they are needed.

The audience responded, treating the packed concert as a welldeserved vacation. But only a temporary one: one 20-year-old reveler, after expressing his amazement at the concert and his annoyance that alcohol wasn't available inside the Amphi-Park, said that he had to report back to his army unit at 6 a.m. the following day. "But every little thing will be all right," he stated with a smile, quoting a line from Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." Hopefully he's right.
 
 
 
 

Michael Franti's new DVD I Know I'm Not Alone

Anthony Bourdain in Beirut & Michael Franti's new DVD I Know I'm Not Alone
By Laura Haykel

Greetings in Peace Family and Friends,

I am writing to let you know about Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations in Beirut. It will air on the Travel Channel at 10pm on August 21. Anthony and his film crew were in Beirut just 2 days before the fighting started, and caught a glimpse of the beautiful city Beirut had become after too many years of war. The first half includes his visits to the markets, restaurants and sidewalk vendors in Beirut. The second half of the program shows their efforts to get out of the country once the fighting started. If you'd like to get a taste of what the beautiful city of Beirut looked like just over a month ago, this would be a great opportunity.

I also encourage you to check out Michael Franti's new DVD release I Know I'm Not Alone. Please see below for more info or visit his website at: www.spearheadvibrations.com Please send your prayers and good energy to the people suffering from war around the world...and specifically in Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East. PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!!!

Two years ago Michael Franti decided to 'walk his talk' and traveled to the war zones of Iraq, Israel and Palestine. This wasn't a USO green zone sponsored visit - Franti and his team organized a trip that would take him to the core of the red-zoned, war torn neighborhoods of Baghdad, the West Bank and Gaza Strip with his guitar, video cameras and the intent to experience first hand the human cost of war.

Out of this journey, Franti, has created a compelling documentary film titled I Know I'm Not Alone and a searing, reflective new album of original songs titled Yell Fire! recorded in Kingston, Jamaica and Franti's hometown of San Francisco, California.

Ironically, Franti's journey to the war-ravaged Middle East inspired his most uplifting set of songs to date. He explains, "The thing that I found when I was in war zones was that nobody wants to hear songs about war. They want to hear songs about connection to people, and songs about love and life, songs that make them dance." It was legendary Island Records founder and Franti cohort, Chris Blackwell, who suggested that Kingston, Jamaica would provide the perfect backdrop for translating these impulses to tape.

SOJA on Tour

After a phenomenal performance at Reggae On The River, SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) from Washington D.C. will be in Southern California for the following dates.

Thursday August 10, 2006
Downtown Brewing Co.
1119 Garden Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
805-543-1843
w/ Resination

Friday August 11, 2006
Sandbar
514 State St
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 966-1388
w/ Rebelution

Saturday August 12, 2006
The Roxy
9009 W. Sunset Blvd.
W. Hollywood, CA
(310) 278-9457
w/ B-Side Players & Elan

Sunday August 13, 2006
The Blue Cafe
210 Promenade
Long Beach, CA
(562) 983-7111
w/ International Farmers

Check out SOJA's release GET WISER now on iTunes

www.sojamusic.com
www.myspace.com/soja
www.purevolume.com/soja

It has always been hard for me to imagine that the creator is either male or female, animal or human. Maybe the creator is the small, but ever growing black hole scientist believe is in the center of the Universe? Maybe the God or Goddess is the projected thoughts of our collective intentions?

I strive to write from a universal and humanitarian standpoint; one verse, one love, one light. While I understand the origins and similarities between Judaism and Rastafarianism, I also understand and respect that there are many ways to view the creator. Therefore, as long as there is fruit on the vine and light divine, In Jah's Name will choose to be tolerant and respectful of all belief systems.

Do you have an animal spirit that represents a higher power? I would love to hear from you... please share with us via email and we will post your comments (anonymously if you choose) in upcoming Reggae E-guides.

Until then, much love and respect,
James Curt

P.S. Congratulations to Tanimon who correctly guessed the answer to the riddle ... "Roots!"

Passionate for human rights and politics, bourgeoning writer Curt Byrum keeps his readers abreast of current news events. In addition to being a writer, he is a Respiratory Therapist residing in California. Curt also has a passion for music of all genres, writes experimental music and is a poet/lyricist. Reach Curt at curtreggaefestivaleguide.com.

Courtesy of Roots Music Report "where only the music matters". This chart reflects the radio airplay spins of some of the most prominent people in the genre, worldwide. Reporters to the chart include over 100 radio stations who are playing reggae; record stores and distributors selling the reggae; clubs booking blues artists; and key music correspondents throughout the world.

For further information about the Roots Music Report, visit www.rootsmusicreport.com
 

Generated on: Thursday 10th of August 2006 02:41:53 PM
TW	LW	Artist:	CD Title:	Label:	Weeks On:	Location:
1	2	JR REID	ONE BLOOD	VP	19
2	3	LUCIANO	JAH WORDS	RAS SANCTUARY	19
3	1	SUGAR MINOTT	DANCEHALL BUSINESS	BLACK ROOTS	19	JAMAICA
4	16	JOSEY WALES	COWBOY STYLE	SELF	19
5	10	JAH CURE	NEVER DIE LIKE A FOOL	DANGER ZONE	19	JAMAICA
6	11	ANTHONY B	SMOKE FREE	BOGALUSA	19	JAMAICA
7	8	DENNIS BROWN	SUPER REGGAE & SOUL HITS	TROJAN	19	JAMAICA
8	9	YAMI BOLO	MINISTRY	SELF	19
9	4	MIDNITE	JAH GRID	I GRADE	19	ST CROIX
10	5	NATURAL BLACK	BE PATIENT	P G MUSIC	19	JAMAICA
11	6	BURRO BANTON	RISE AND SHINE	MASSIVE B	19	JAMAICA
12	12	MICHAEL ROSE	BABYLON 9/11	LOVE INJECTION	19	JAMAICA
13	13	MISTY IN ROOTS	FORWARD	KAZ	19	UK
14	7	LACKSLEY CASTELL	PRINCESS LADY	NEGUS ROOTS	19
15	14	BURNING SPEAR	OUR MUSIC	BURNING MUSIC	19	JAMAICA
16	38	JAH MASON	RISE	UPRISING MUSIC	10
17	39	BINGHI GHOST	STREET HITS	STREET SCHOLAR RECORDS	12
18	23	ZEMA	OVERCOME	MELCHIZEDEK	1	CA
19	24	BOB MARLEY	SONGS OF FREEDOM	TUFF GONG/ISLAND	1	JAMAICA
20	28	DAMIAN MARLEY	WELCOME TO JASMROCK	UNIVERSAL	1	JA
21	3	THE CONGOS & FRIENDS	FISHERMAN STYLE	BLOOD & FIRE	1	JAMAICA
22	22	ANTHONY B	MY HOPE	MINOR7FLAT5	1	GERMANY
23	23	JOSIE MEL	RASTA STILL DEH BOUT	MINOR7FLAT5	1
24	17	MONTY ALEXANDER WITH ERNEST RANGLIN	ROCKSTEADY	TELARC	13
25	18	VARIOUS ARTIST	CAPITAL P	VP	11	NY
26	19	ZIGGY MARLEY	DRAGONFLY	RCA	13
27	20	BOB MARLEY & WAILERS	SLOGANS	ISLAND	20	JAMAICA
28	15	FAT FREDDY'S DROP	THE DROP	WANDERING EYE	19	AUSTRALIA
29	21	GREGORY ISAACS	MR. ISAACS	BLOOD & FIRE	12	JA
30	22	BEAT PHARMACY	CONSTANT PRESSURE	DEEP SPACE MEDIA	12
31	23	LEROY SMART	DREAD HOT IN AFRICA	MAKASOUND	12
32	24	ABIJAH	SAMPLER	KRUCIAL REGGAE	12
33	25	JR. KELLY	FIVE DESCIPLES- PT4	PENITENTIARY RECORDS	12
34	26	MESSENJAHZ	JOURNEY TO ZION	ONYXION	12
35	27	DILL-IN-JAH & PITT	ORIGINAL SONGS OF	AFRICAN DESCENDANTS	12
36	28	MUGZEE	OUTHOUSE VOL1	ODC/BOO RECORDS	10
37	29	THE VICEROYS	INNA DE YARD	MAKASOUND	10
38	30	BIG YOUTH	MUSICOLOGY	VISION SOUNDS	10
39	31	CHRONICLE	FEEL THIS ONE	LOCAL WORKS	10
40	32	JAH-N-I	RASTAFARI LIVE	HIGH HOPES	10
41	33	ZIGGI	HIGH TIME	ROCK'N VIBES-DAS VIBES	10
42	34	RAS PENCO	RIGHT PLACE	5TH ELEMENT	10
43	35	M	CD SINGLE	5TH ELEMENT	10
44	36	RANKIN SCROO	ABOVE DEM	CRUCIAL YOUTH/PULL UUUP	10
45	37	EVERTON BLENDER	MY TIME	EXPLORER	10
46	40	VAUGHN BENHAMIN & RAS L	THRU & TRUE	FASTAFARIA	7
47	41	DENNIS BOVEL	DECIBEL	PRESSURE SOUNDS	7
48	42	PETER BROGGS	IGZABIHIR YAKAL	KING SHILO	7
49	43	LUCIANO	GIDEON	VISION SOUNDS	7
50	44	JAH MEEK	TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL	VELOCITY SOUNDS/HOUSE OF RIDDIM	7

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To reach thousands of reggae enthusiasts, click here to learn how to advertise in this Reggae Festival E-Guide E-Newsletter.
 

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