MIAMI – This past weekend’s 2006 South Florida Family Reggae Festival is now in the history books as a day of music, culture, good food, and good vibes, held on Sunday, November 5, at the beautiful tree-lined waterfront Legion Memorial Park in Miami.
The order of the day was the celebration of reggae and Caribbean culture as a part of the fabric of South Florida, and the breeze filled afternoon in the park was a perfect tribute to its purpose.
The success of this year’s fest is due in part to the enthusiasm of the crowd as well as the cooperation of City of Miami Police who even let the show go a half-hour extra in time until 7:30pm as international Reggae artist, Nadine Sutherland, finished her electrifying performance.
Nadine Sutherland
Chrisinti, who also co-headlined this year’s festival, had the crowd enthralled with his soulful singing style and uncommon poise as an artist on stage.
The South Florida Reggae showcase artists Causion, Marijah, Shaze, Natty Remo, Kehv, Zyon High, and Sugar & Spice the Clowns all turned in outstanding performances showcasing up and coming talent on the festival stage sponsored by C.E.D. Entertainment.
Marijah, in addition to performing in the Showcase, presented a children’s drumming workshop where kids were assisted in making their very own percussion instruments.
Children’s Drumming Workshop led by Marijah
WAVS 1170AM’s popular radio personality, Richie Rich, did a great job as the day’s emcee of festivities as well.
“This is an ideal family festival that has great potential to bring the community together.” says Ray Fauntroy, longtime Miami based civil rights leader.
All artists who performed greeted the fans signing their CDs, posters, and photos for fans and there was a special appearance by the legendary voice of Reggae superstar group Third World, William “Bunny Rugs” Clark, signing his new solo CD release.
Bunny Rugs (Third World) signs autographs
Local businesses, including VP Records, Club Revolution, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Caribbean Entertainment Group donated prizes that were raffled off throughout the day.
MYSTIK 1400AM’s C-Roy The Entertainer presented Cosmic Force Sound System’s Paul Chin Quee with this year’s South Florida Reggae Pioneer Award. Chin Quee along with his brother, Clayton Chin Quee, and late uncle, Winston Chin Quee co-founded Cosmic Force Sound System who has promoted Reggae music to the South Florida area since the mid 1970s, and been the starting ground.
Planning of the 2007 South Florida Family Reggae Festival is already under way. Scheduled again for next fall, the Festival will continue to build on its primary theme of presenting the best of the South Florida Reggae and Caribbean community.
Organizers will also partner the Sunday festival with their first-ever International Reggae Conference. The conference will take place the Friday and Saturday before the South Florida Family Reggae Festival and bring together key members of the reggae music industry for an important networking and business opportunity.
