Shaggy and Friends Charity concert will be streamed live online tonight starting at 7pm. The concert features headlining artist in Reggae, Dancehall and Hip- Hop. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation, which donates to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.

Performers include Shaggy, the former Ruff Ryders first lady, Eve (who steps in for R&B crooner Ne-Yo), Maxi-Priest, Half Pint, Cocoa Tea, Deniece Williams, I-Octane, Romaine Virgo, Assassin, Wayne Marshall, Tami Chynn, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, recently added Lauryn Hill and more.

Proceeds from this year’s staging of Shaggy and Friends will go towards the construction of a 15-bed intensive care cardiac unit at the hospital. The annual concert was initially staged in 2009 and again in 2010, there was no show last year. The previous two editions of Shaggy and Friends raised over JA$57 million for the hospital.

The stream is available through iTunes. Download HERE

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Reggae singe I-Octane was recently in town and performed a few songs off his self released EP entitled Straight From the Heart at DROM in New York City. The EP features six new and original songs and is now available through iTunes and Amazon.

The invite only event was filled with media personnel and fans alike. Actor Leon, reggae artists Gyptian, Fambo, Hyah Slice, Lisa Hype and Martina were in the building to show support as well.  I-Octane opened with fan favorites “No Love Inna Dem,” “My Life,” “Lose A Friend,” “Mama You Alone,” “No More Black,” “Low Mi,” “Jah Jah Love Me (Accapella)” and “One Ting Mi Know Say.” The high energy set followed with singles from the EP such as “Burn Dem Bridge,” “Example For the Poor,” “My Problems Gone” and “Falling”.

“It was a great pleasure to come back to New York and perform in front of the radio personnel, media houses and DJs who support and help build my career. Most of all to perform with Derrick Barnett and Statement band for the first time was a great experience.” (I-Octane)

Check out a snippet of I-Octane performing “Jah Jah Love Me”

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Caribbean American Cultural Caucus Inc. presents the Caribbean Cultural Music Conference  at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036 beginning today through tomorrow Friday, September 23.

This conference has received official endorsements from the office of Brooklyn’s Borough President, Marty Markowitz, and the City of New York. In 2009 and 2010, the Caribbean Cultural Conference hosted a wide cross section of stakeholders including musicians, artists, attorneys, producers, educators, record label executives, music business students, and entrepreneurs, traveling from across the US as well as from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean territories. Panelists and guests from ASCAP, COSCAP, VP Records, Golden Krust, Headline Entertainment, Tunecore, SoundExchange, SiriusXM Radio, IRIS, A2iM, The Orchard and RightFlow were also present. We expect similar support this year. Check out the entire program after the jump.

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL MUSIC CONFERENCE 2011 PROGRAM GUIDE
DAY 1       September 22, 2011 
 

Topic: INSIDE THE PRODUCTION BOOTH
Panelists: Computer Paul, ED Robinson, Mastermind, James “Bonzai” Caruso 
11:40 am – 01:10 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: A look at Publishing
Moderator: Michelle Arthurton
Panelists: Alex Holtz, Jonathan Jones, Erica Smith, Heather Cunningham
01:20 pm – 2:50 pm: LUNCH
03:00 pm – 3:30 pm: One-on-one interview:

PITCH IT! (Music Service Company)
Jamaicansmusic.com
03:40 pm – 4:50 pm: Plenary Session 3

Topic: Brand Building, Endorsements + Marketing – Your Music in a Digital Age
Presented by: ASOM Production
Moderator: Irwine Clare
Panelist: Jay Warsinske, Stacey Bethel, Trevor Smith, Mario Evon, Keishel Williams
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm: Closing remarks

DAY 2 – September 23, 2011

Topic: Artist Management
Moderator:
Panelists: Camille Evans, Victor Lewis, Shamita Carriman – Natasha Andrews
11:10 am – 12:40 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: Navigating the New Music Business. What are my options?
Moderator: Karen Marie Mason
Panelists: David Weiss, Steve Gordon, Tyesh Harris, Kelly Griffin
12:40 pm – 01:25 pm                LUNCH
01:30 pm – 02:30 pm:

Topic: Financial Management
Tips for Music Business Practitioners
Presenter: 
02:40 pm – 3:40 pm                    Plenary Session 3

Topic: The Do’s and Don’ts of Touring
Moderator:
Panelists: Oliver Millwood, Copeland Forbes, George Michailow – George Crooks
03:50 pm – 04:50 pm                  Plenary Session 4

Topic: The Changing face of radio
Moderator: Stan Smith
Panelist: Gary Bernstein, Pat McKay, Dubmaster, Sidney White, Kerry Dennis
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm        Closing statements

ARTIST SHOWCASE CLOSING PARTY
6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
LIVE Performances By Ed Robinson, Lyrikal, Mario Evon, Mastermind
Artist Showcase Contest, Caribbean Dance off, PLUS invited celebrity guest and host
MUSIC BY:  Road International
WEBSTER HALL @ THE STUDIO
125 East 11th Street NY N.Y 10003
ADM: $15.00
Sponsored By: RedStripe Tower Isles VP Records Road International ASOM

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Stephen Marley teamed up with Melanie Fiona for “No Cigarette Smoking” directed by Fatima Curry. The scenery was beautiful, but I would have love to see a little more interaction between the singers and the girl on the bed, who’s not Melanie Fiona, kind of threw me off.

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In a weekend where there are plenty of options for Caribbean entertainment, I chose to head to Roy Wilkins Park with good reason. Great music under the sun (and stars) makes a music festival that much better. It’s was one of the few family friendly events promoted and unlike stereotypical Caribbean events, they started on time and ending at a decent hour. Reggae, Rhythm & Blues at Roy Wilkins Park, organized by Irie Jam Media, is the first concert in the New York City area to combine Reggae, Soca, R&B and Dancehall on one stage. While the line up may have seemed like a mixture of artist, this is not necessarily a new set up. Music festivals with a variety of artists like Glasonbury Festivals and Jamaica Jazz & Blues have had years of success, but this is a first for Caribbeans living in New York City, but it’s no secret the Caribbeans love all kinds of music and this show was evident of that stance and truly set itself apart from the other concerts happening over Labor Day weekend.

I got to the park a little early and caught a few of the opening reggae and dancehall acts as check out a few of the vendors in the park — checking out some jewelry vendors, sampled sweet plantain chips from Grace Foods and got a refreshing Fruit Punch from a Pina Colado boothe.

I returned to the stage area just in time to catch the end of legendary Leroy Sibbles took the stage early singing all of his hits from his Heptone days as well as songs from his solo career.

The crowd got an early treat from Soca Monarch King, Machel Montano and the HD Family. This was my first time seeing Machel in concert and there was not a person in the crowd that was not whining their waistline. Although his energetic performance was abruptly disrupted by a power outage his band and dancers continued to perform somewhat a freestyle set until the power came back, proving his humble ability to rock a crowd regardless of the circumstances. We all know, had the same thing happened to some artist they would have just walked off stage. Performing “Bend Over”,  “Go Dung”, “Jumbie” and a slew of other hits hist performance was nothing less than outstanding.

R&B songstress Monica has a great catalog of hits like “So Gone”, “Love All Over Me” and “Still Standing” which she seemed to run through them all too quickly. Her songs resonated with the audience, but it seemed like we were watching a rehearsal more than a performance and she was dressed for a lazy brunch.

Babyface had a phenomenal performance! It was my first time seeing him as well. Dressed in a full white suit Babyface was looking dapper and ready to please the crowd! The R&B vertaran not only did songs from his own extensive catalog “Whip Appeal”, “Never Keeping Secrets” and “Cool In You”, but also performed hits which he wrote for Bobby Brown, Tevin Campbell, Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men. Babyface’s performance simply delightful, the newly added R&B line up to the roster proved to be a success, this addition was the best part of the night.

Dancehall newcomer I-Octane has been making quite a name for himself and is probably one of the hottest artistes right now, with only five minutes to perform the talented singer breezed through songs like “No Ramp Wid We” and ‘Mind Who You A Diss” . The crowd definitely wanted him to stay longer, but he was under time constraints.

Tarrus Riley did a mini tribute to Buju Banton before delving into a few of his songs including “She’s Royal” and “Contagious”.

Closing out the night, The Gully God, Mavado was clearly the most anticipated in the crowd. This weekend was the first time he’s performed in the U.S. in two year. The singjay was clearly happy to greet his fans with a few of his well known songs “On The Rock”, “Money Changer”, “Last Night” and his latest hit “Delilah”.

Irie Jam also honored recently murdered producer and VP Records own Joel Chin in a video montage. In addition Jamaican American U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke honored the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man for his contribution to music for over 30 years.

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Here’s a sneak peek of Melanie Fiona and Stephen Marley on set filming the video for “No Cigarette Smoke(In My Room)”. Love this song, can’t wait to see the finished video.

Melanie Fiona on WhoSay

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While some head to the Hamptons, Caribbeans in New York City – or those visiting the New York area – head to Brooklyn! Labor Day weekend has become synonymous with Carnival in New York (aka the West Indian American Day Parade). Caribbean events will be at an all time high this weekend and it’s one of the best times to partake in festive events as sort of a last “hoo-rah” of the summer. The weekend is filled with fetes and festivals sprinkled throughout the boroughs. Here’s a list of a few events on my radar that you may want to check out over the weekend.

Hot 97’s On Da Reggae Tip is hosted by Bobby Konders & Jabba. The duo have been holding down the riddims on Hot 97 every Sunday for years with their radio program On Da Reggae Tip, this concert is an extension of their program and has become the unofficial kick off to Labor Day weekend. Performances by Mavado, Stephen Marley, Barrington Levy, Gyptian, Demarco, Elephant Man, Stephen & Chino McGregor, Ding Dong. If you can’t make it to the concert, the after party at BB Kings.

Reggae Rhythm & Blues is one of the first attempts in the New York City area to present Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and R&B on one stage. On Sunday, Sept. 4 Babyface, Monica, Mavado, Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley and recently added John Holt and I-Octane will all hit the stage in true reggae festival style at the outdoor venue, Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.  As a family friendly event, children under 12 are free, for additional details and ticket information click here.

The artist line up for 5 Alarm Blaze looks like you may get exhausted (in a good way) so make sure you have enough energy for this concert/party Sunday, Sept. 4. Damian & Stephen Marley, Elephant Man, Mr Vegas, Bunji Garlin, Faye-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, TallPree, Serani, Ding Dong, Ricky Blaze & more will perform Sunday night, Sept. 5 at Webster Hall.

Taking in the parade on Monday, Sept. 5 is a must! Whether you are playing mas or watching from the sidelines, the West Indian American Day parade is a great time to see Caribbeans coming together carnival style. The elaborate costumes, the music blasting from huge speakers, the flags waving, hips gyrating … and the food!  It’s a great time for newbies to experience Carnival culture and if you’re not into the parade you can always participate in J’Ouvert to see the floats setting up. Check out the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for parade route and details.

If you’re not too tired, head to lower Manhattan for Rice and Peas Party. The Labor Day edition of the monthly party kept every first Monday of the month is sure to be filled with good vibes to close out your Caribbean weekend.

For additional parties and events going on this weekend check out sites like Trini Jungle Juice, DatzWhatzUp and Event Bug.

Stay tuned for the my NY Carnival Survival Kit, everything you need to survive this weekend!

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New York radio station Power 105  is back with Power Live featuring Miguel and Olivia at BB Kings

Finally! A great line up with a variety of Caribbean women doing their thing.  DJ Norie of Power 105.1 presents Melanie Fiona, Alaine, Spice, Tifa and Lumidee will be at BB Kings in New York City July 17. (Newly added to the line up Patra)

Nikki Z presents Lakefest in Connecticut. Enjoy a great Reggae concert outdoors on the lake. The show headlines Beres Hammond and Wayne Wonder with more to be added.

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Reggae for Japan is an amazing Benefit Concert, coordinated by Japanese sound system Mighty Crown and Irish & Chin, with an all-star line up  of Reggae and Dancehall artists coming together in honor of giving back to Japan. Stricken with a major earthquake in March of this year, Japan still has yet to recover from the devistation from the multiple aftershocks and tsunami.

Japan has been a longstanding supporter of Reggae and Dancehall, as for many artist it is a” must” destination when traveling for their tours overseas. The country’s sub-culture of Reggae and Dancehall lovers makes this concert that much more necessary, as they have supported the culture’s growth internationally.

The concert, originally set for April has been pushed back to June 5, takes place at York College in Queens, NY and will include Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Etana, Mr, Vegas, Tanya Stephens, Chino, Stephen McGregor, Laden, Alaine and Fire Ball.

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