NEW YORK – Two of Jamaica’s greatest reggae talent are set to be celebrated next month as ‘Jamaica’s Greatest, The World’s Best’ reggae festival gears up to pay tribute to their own.
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is celebrating its 15th year and Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, Johnny Gourzong, revealed that Lloyd Parkes and the Fab 5 band will be honored at the festival, set for July 15 – 21st in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Lloyd Parks has had a very lengthy and prolific career as both a master bass player and singer. From his first vocal group in the late 60’s, to his continued success as a backing musician, Parks has probably come in contact with everyone in the reggae music business. In 1974, he founded the We the People Band.
Fab 5, formed in 1970, is Jamaica’s pre-eminent popular band. Their first recording, “Come Back And Stay”, was number one in Jamaica, and in their first year on the road, and for the following two years, they won the only available awards, the Swing Awards for best band of 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74. They also took the El Suzie Award as Joint Top Road and Dance Band for 1975-76 and the RJR Listeners’ Award for Best Band in 1980.
They backed Johnny Nash on all the reggae cuts comprising most of his platinum album “I Can See Clearly Now”. Two singles from that album, “Guava Jelly” and “Stir It Up”, established Bob Marley as a major songwriter on the international scene.
Lloyd Parkes & We the People will also perform at the show, backing veterans Half Pint, Leroy Sibbles, Mighty Diamonds, Tiger & Pinchers. The Fab 5 band will perform on Saturday and back Chaka Demus & Pliers, Frankie Paul, Admiral Bailey, Gem Myers, Ernie Smith & Pluto Shervington.
Fab Five is also set to perform at the opening Beach Party for the festival on July 15. Other performances will come from deejays Liquid of ZIP 103; DJ Marvin of Fame 95; Craig Ross and Pieces.
On Thursday, July 19th, there will be an ‘Explosion’ on the Vibes City as the hottest reggae stars under the sun take to the Sumfest stage. They include Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Cham, Elephant Man, Movado, Lady Saw, Vybz Kartel, Vegas, Anthony B, Chuck Fenda, Wayne Marshall, Macka Diamond, Ninja Man, Voice Mail, Assasin, Busy Signal, Aidonia, Gyptian, Lutan Fyah, Kip Rich and Munga Honourable.
On Friday night, July 20th, fans can get ready for Evolution, with Shaggy, Buju ‘The Driver’ Banton, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Da’Ville, Cherine Anderson, Alaine, Etana and Christopher Martin.
The curtains come down on the reggae part of the year on Saturday July 21st with internationally acclaimed songstress, May J. Blige, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammon, Tessanne Chin and Bajan sensation, Alison Hinds.
Officials of the reggae festival will roll into the Big Apple on June 12th for the annual New York kickoff of another Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.
The media launch party is set for the S.O.B’s nightclub, 204 Varick Street at West Houston in Manhattan from 7 p.m. and is being presented this year by VP Records. Media practitioners will be able to mingle with Summerfest officials and sponsors while toasting with ice cold Red Stripe.
