Atlanta – Reggae crooner Gramps Morgan, son of Denroy Morgan, patriarch of Morgan Heritage and Kymani Marley, son of reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley announced recently that their North American tour, dubbed the “Reggae Revolution Tour” will kick off on Thursday, July 7th in Whistler, BC.
The monthly long tour will make stops in Vancouver, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, Bellingham and Portland, OR and will include two heritage festivals: the 27th Annual Reggae on the River in Northern California where Gramps and Kymani will share the stage with Tony Rebel, Bushman and Queen Ifrica; and the 12th Annual Ska Festival in Victoria, BC – a popular three day celebration of ska, reggae, dub and punk music.
The tour will conclude on the US West coast in California, with dates in Solana Beach, Santa Barbara and West Hollywood on July 19-21 respectively.
The tour announcement follows the release of the hit single “The Almighty” by Gramps that has garnered multiple spins on radio stations in the US, Canada, Jamaica and Europe. The single has topped the charts in South Florida and New York and is on course to do the same in Jamaica.
“I am really excited about the single ‘Almighty’ which is doing extremely well in multiple markets. I am also excited about the tour with my friend Kymani Marley. I am confident we will create musical magic when we hit the stage this summer” Gramps said.
Prior to the North American tour with Kymani, Gramps will headline the fifth annual Reggae Music Achievement Awards, which honors the top talents in reggae at Toronto’s Jamaican Canadian Center on June 4. The next day he is off to New York, where he will join multi Grammy Award winning artist Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Freddie McGregor and other top reggae acts at the historic “Reggae 4 Japan,” benefit concert, to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort of the American Red Cross at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York.
“I have been to the beautiful country of Japan. It was on one of my most memorable tours with Morgan Heritage. So when my long time friend Chin called and asked if I was available, I was naturally inclined to participate in this benefit concert. I believe it is critical that we as entertainers give when we can, whether it is our time, money or talent…I am looking forward to working with all the great artists on the ‘Reggae 4 Japan’ event to raise funds that will go towards assisting Japan in its rebuilding efforts” he said.
Gramps at recent BET Awards
Gramps, who has enjoyed tremendous success since he launched his solo career in 2009 has racked up numerous awards and nominations including the “Humanitarian Efforts Thru Music” nomination, at the 30th IRAWMA that will be staged in Trinidad later this month. Last year he earned a Soul Train nomination for “Reggae Artiste for 2010.” He previously won “Album of the Year” at the Reggae Music Appreciation Awards in Toronto; Album of the year (EME); Best New Entertainer, Best Song (Wash The Tears) and Best Cross Over (Therapy) at the IRAWMA in New York. He is also a Grammy-winning producer for his outstanding work on Buju Banton’s high acclaimed album ‘Before the Dawn,’ which took top honors at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Gramps is currently in the studio working on his sophomore album titled ‘Reggae Music Lives’ featuring the single “The Almighty.” He is also producing songs for other young reggae acts, including his son Jemere, who was recently signed to his Dadason Entertainment record label. Jereme’s forth coming album will be released soon.
Reggae Revolution Tour dates with Kymani Marley:
Thu, July 7 – Whistler, BC – Garibaldi Lift Company
Fri, July 8 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Sat, July 9 – Victoria, BC – Victoria’s 12th Annual Ska Festival @ Market Square
Mon, July 11 – Spokane, WA – A Club
Wed, July 13 – Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge
Thu, July 14 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo
Fri, July 15 – Portland, OR – Peter’s Room at The Roseland
Sat, July 16 – Garberville, CA – 27th Annual Reggae on the River
Sun, July 17 – Crystal Bay, NV – Cal Neva Resort: Frank Sinatra Showroom
Tue, July 19 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up
Wed, July 20 – Santa Barbara, CA – SOhO
Thu, July 21 – West Hollywood, CA – Roxy Theatre
