Originally formed in 1997 for Easy Star Records’ earliest recordings, the Easy Star All-Stars existed mostly as a studio entity until releasing Dub Side of the Moon in 2003. The group, which operates as a collective with a rotating cast of musicians and singers, was put together by Easy Star co-founders Michael Goldwasser, Eric Smith and Lem Oppenheimer. These three have directed and managed the band ever since. In 2009, the All-Stars played 125 shows in 25 countries on 6 different continents, truly establishing themselves as one of the top reggae touring acts in the world. The band was nominated for a UK Festival Award for its three-day, three-stage performance at Glastonbury 2009.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HK3oE6fRD0

Destroy Babylon are a Boston, Massachusetts based band that heavily incorporate elements of dub, reggae and punk with their songs. They have shared the stage with various acts ranging from The Wailers and Lee “Scratch” Perry, to Bad Brains front man HR and UK Legends The English Beat.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=in0hHzwLH0A

$15 Door | The Newport Blues Cafe | 286 Thames Street | Newport, RI

Jahdan Blakkamoore has long made a name for himself as a gifted and inspiring Reggae/Dancehall/Hip Hop/Dubstep artist -- both nationally and internationally. His music has been described as “Urban World Music with a message.” Jahdan’s sense of melody, superb song writing skills and ability to effortlessly cross over genres has solidified his status as a relevant artist in Reggae music. As lead singer of his group Noble Society, they received Best Reggae Album of the year on iTunes for ‘Take Charge’ in 2008 and he has not stopped to win over worldwide audiences since. His solo debut album ‘Buzzrock Warrior’, released worldwide in 2009 on the Gold Dust/!K7 label, was also voted Best Reggae album of the year on iTunes. His solo debut has long been anticipated by his large fan base spanning from Brooklyn to Oslo, built over many years of delivering command performances and recordings throughout the US and Europe. ‘The General’, the first single released from ‘Buzzrock Warrior’ was chosen for Song of the Week on National Geographic World Music soon after its release. After a successful European tour with Noble Society in support of their forthcoming album ‘PPM’, Jahdan released his mix tape ‘Global Warning’ a preview to his current solo album ‘Babylon Nightmare’ released December 7th 2010 on the Lustre Kings label. “All Comes Back to One” the first video and single from the album has been receiving positive reviews globally. Routes for a supporting tour with Noble Society are currently being planned for 2011. Jahdan is a featured artist on the track “Cash Flow” from Diplo and Switch’s Major Lazer collaboration. He also wrote the song “Struggla” on Matisyahu’s new album. His verse on the hook of Smiff N Wesson’s classic, “Sound Bwoy Buriell” is still played regularly in clubs around the world and in radio throwback sets on Hot 97 by Funk Master Flex, Mr. C, and others. Jahdan has shared the stage with great artist such as Anthony B, Sizzla, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and many others.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOXG-23P5Us

The Ocean Mist | 895 Matunuck Beach Road Wakefield, RI | (401) 782-3740 | 21+ | $27.50 Advance | 30 Door

In 1976, Levy formed a band with his cousin, Everton Dacres, called the Mighty Multitude; the pair released “My Black Girl” in 1977. Levy established his solo career the next year with “A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love”;though the single was a failure, the fourteen year old was a popular performer at Jamaican dancehalls. In 1979, Levy met Henry “Junjo” Lawes and Hyman Wright, both record producers, and recorded several singles with the Roots Radics, including “Al Yah We Deh”, “Looking My Love”, “Englishman”, “Skylarking”, “Wedding Ring Aside” and “Collie Weed”, all of which became hits and established Levy’s career. Levy’s next few singles were similarly successful, including “Shine Eye Girl”, “Wicked Intention”, “Jumpy Girl”, “Disco Music”, “Reggae Music”, “Never Tear My Love Apart”, “Jah”, “You Made Me So Happy” and “When You’re Young and in Love”. Levy then recorded several duets with Toyan, Jah Thomas and Trinity, and appeared at Reggae Sunsplash in 1980 and 1981.

In the 1990s, Levy continued to release periodic hits in Jamaica, and more rarely in the UK, although his vocals were sampled and used in many underground and released jungle tunes. In 1998, he released Living Dangerously, which included a collaboration with one of Jamaica’s most prolific deejays, Bounty Killer, and with Snoop Dogg. The release was one of Levy’s most successful since the start of the 1990s, and saw him finally achieve some success in the US. Levy performed on two tracks on Long Beach Dub All Stars 1999 album Right Back, and also played a few shows with the band. He was featured on a 1999 track by the Rascalz titled “Top Of The World”, also featuring K-os. Levy also appeared on two singles by rapper Shyne (notably Shyne’s 2000 debut single, “Bad Boyz”), and on a track for drum and bass artist Aphrodite’s 2000 album Aftershock. “Here I Come” returned to the charts in 2001, with a new version by Levy and Talisman P reaching number 37 in the UK.

In 2004, he contributed to a track on the album White People by Handsome Boy Modeling School, a project by Prince Paul and Dan the Automator. He also did some collaborations with Slightly Stoopid on their 2005 album Closer To The Sun. Most recently, Levy made a guest appearance on the single “No Fuss” by Red-1 of the Rascalz, from his 2007 album Beg For Nothing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aha4lx30g4

Catch NYC’s The Slackers live at One Pelham East on Tuesday July 19th, brought to you by Strangeland Tuesday summer reggae series.

One Pelham East | 270 Thames Steet | Newport, RI | 21+ | $10 Advance Tickets available at Water Brothers

The Slackers are a New York City band, formed in Brooklyn in 1991. The band’s sound is a mix of ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, soul, garage rock, and jazz. The Slackers’ notability is credited to their prolific career, tours of North America, Europe, and elsewhere, and signing to notable punk label Hellcat Records. They were the featured musical guests on All Things Considered on National Public Radio on July 24, 2001, playing songs from their album Wasted Days.

This focus on the live show is not surprising because the Slackers have a good part of their existence on the road. Since 1997, the band has been doing around 110 shows a year. This includes some 20 major North American tours, 14 European tours, 3 Japanese tours and 2 Brazilian tours. They have played in 42 different US states, 6 canadian provinces, 22 european countries, 4 Latin American nations, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea.

They have appeared on the stages of the Warped Tour (1998), the Lowlands Festival (1999), Pukkelpop (1999, 2004), CMJ (2000), Montreal Jazz Festival (2000), the Bourges Festival (2001), the Dour Festival (2002, 2007), Deconstruction Tour (2004), Augustboller (2005), Streetbeat Festival (2005), Popkomm (1999,2006), Summerjam (2007), Mighty Sounds (2007), Ilosaarirock (2007) and Glastonbury (2008).

They have opened for Rancid (1999,2003, 2006), Hepcat (1999), Joe Strummer (2002, 2003), Flogging Molly (2002), Jimmy Cliff (2002), the Beat (2002), Pennywise (2004), Toots & the Maytals (2005), The Pogues (2006), and John Spencer’s Heavy Traffic (2007).

They have sold out numerous headlining gigs including such venues as Bowery Ballroom (nyc), Slims (San Francisco, 3 times), Lee’s Palace (Toronto, 2 times), The Garage (London), CBGBs (NYC, 2 nights in a row in 2006), Troubadour (LA, 3 times in 2006), the Knitting Factory (NYC, 5 times), the Melkweg (A-dam), SESC Pompeia (Sao Paolo, 2 nights in 2006), and the Loft (Tokyo). The band has come a long way from their little dirty rehearsal studio on e. 3rd street on the lower east side.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR4toVyxlMA

When I say Mighty you say Mystic..! Mighty! Mystic! Mighty! Mystic! : Is the triumphant chant that echoes from the crowd as Mighty Mystic walks on stage. With Mic in hand Mystic begins to sing “He who runs away will live to fight another day”, the crowd erupts like liquid flame from a volcano. Mighty Mystic has arrived and it was worth the wait. However the story of Mighty Mystic did not begin there, it began some twenty plus years ago in the country side of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Mighty Mystic was born Kevin Mark Holness to parents Morris and Sonia Holness. As a child young Mystic showed early interest in his native island’s music. It was common to hear Mystic singing songs like “Buffalo Soldier”, “What the Hell the Police Can Do” or hymns sung in Sunday morning Church. It wasn’t until some years later when his family relocated to Boston that Mighty Mystic began to wet his feet in the local music scene.

After several years of developing his craft and several small scale releases Mighty Mystic teamed up with producer Mike Cip to develop Mystic’s first National/International venture. The duo wasted little time and scored a hit with their first release “Riding on the Clouds” in 2006. “Riding on the Clouds” was received with tremendous accolades and stood on top of Reggae charts both nationally and internationally for the following 2 years. Mystic continued on his early success with the release of “Better Times”, “Fire Town”, and Revolution, all of which gained Mystic great notoriety and opened the eyes of music lovers towards Mighty Mystic. For his efforts Mystic would earn several “Artist on the Rise” and a dozen “Best new Artist” Awards proving that Mighty Mystic was making great strides as a one of the young artist to watch out for.

Mighty Mystic’s early success landed him on his first national tour which opened Mystic’s eyes to the world around him. Mystic returned from the tour more passionate and devoted than ever and immediately threw himself back in the studio. Over the next six months Mystic and Producer Mike Cip recorded, mixed and mastered over 80 songs for Mighty Mystic’s next project. Mystic would emerge with a diverse catalog and a more universal sound along with another key element, the element of a band… The first release off this new project came in Nov, 2008 titled “Here I Am” Ft Reggae Pop Icon Shaggy. The song was an instant success and could be heard in the clubs, College and Urban Mainstream Radio as well as been seen on TV such as MTV JAMZ. Mystic kept the good vibes flowing with the 2009 release of “Slipped Away”, “Free”, and “Hero”.

Mystic’s new sound and musical diversity proved to be a magnet for music lovers who were in search of something refreshing and as a result fans began to pour in from all walks of life. Mystic has managed to do something that few Reggae artists living in the U.S have ever done; he has been able to have and maintain an ever growing and thriving career with devoted fans despite not living in Jamaica. Mighty Mystic can be described as a charismatic man on a mission; he’s gone from being a fan of Reggae to a contributor of the art. His diversity has allowed him to cultivate a wide and loyal following.

In March 2010 Mighty Mystic announced that his debut Album “Wake up the World” would hit iTunes, Amazon and all other online retail stores November 24, 2010 via Big Fish Digital Distribution Inc. Mystic says; “My album can be summed up with one word, UNIVERSAL. Music is life and life is very broad, so I wanted to design something that can suit all people that was my mission”. That May, 2010 Mighty Mystic and his Thunder Band performed for a sold out audience at his Album Listening Party at Paradise Rock Club in Boston. The response was overwhelming and Mystic’s fans are excited and ready for the November release. Mystic’s first official Single off of his “Wake up the World” Album is titled “I Alone” which has already picked up major support on the Reggae/Urban music scene. On September 10, 2010 Mighty Mystic and the “Thunder Band” performed live on NBC Channel 6 Maine as part of a weekend run culminating with a Mighty Mystic concert live at Port City Music Hall, in downtown Portland Maine. Be on the lookout for this invigorating, infectious artist as he climbs the ladder of success with humility and passion.

Mighty Mystic live at The Newport Blues Cafe | Wednesday July 20th | $10 Admission | 21+

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MBdx7OC78E

About Jason Jarvis (Vocals & Percussion) Jason has been writing and performing music continually since 1984. His family came to the United States from the Bahamas and settled in Westerly, RI, which is where lives and is currently raising his own family. Jason embodies the spirit of Reggae music, the rhythm, the passion and the positive energy it creates. Jason is a seasoned musician playing percussion, guitar, harmonica and flute in various bands including long time New England favorite Green Tea. Throughout the years Jason has honed the ability to connect with an audience and “share the vibe”. His tone and depth as a musician are evident as he entertains audiences on a journey through the expansive Bob Marley catalogue.

About Greta Frost (Vocals, Guitar & Percussion) Greta Frost has been writing and playing her original music since the age of 13. Prior to that she studied classical piano for 5 years and found the voice that has evolved into what you hear today. Born and raised in the cradle of love that is Rhode Island, she traveled the country playing music coast to coast before sewing seeds in the state of Vermont. The mystical mountains and the cities she visits give the many songs she writes and performs a unique sound, uplifting as they are relaxing. Creative thinking and positive progression are a crucial part of her music and passion for life. Whether she is playing an acoustic guitar or chatting on the microphone, her love for music and humanity shine through. Peace to all who are passing through~

About Mel Corcino (Drums) Mel was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in the great Town of Juncos. My lovely wife is Meliza Jimenez and my daughter is Natasha Nicole. He was student of the percussion department in the “Escuela Libre de Musica” (Caguas, Puerto Rico) under the supervision of well-known percussionist Jose “Pepe” Torres. Currently, he is continuing his drumming education with Drumming Global Ambassador Dom Famularo. Mel has been playing drums since 1985. He had the opportunity to play in great bands growing up back in Puerto Rico. These bands were Orbe Azul (Latin Pop Rock; 1996-1998), Sweet Spirit (Christian R&B), Nueva Identidad (Christian Pop Rock), Orlando Pabellon Latin Jazz Quintet (Latin Jazz). He relocated with his family to CT, USA on March 2004. Currently, he resides in the Town of Salem. Mel teaches drums at The Music Bureau, Salem, CT. If you want to contact Mel for lessons or substitute work, please email mmcorcino@yahoo.com or call (860) 287-7584.

About Brian Lauri (Vocals, Organ, Piano, Synth) Brian is the backbone of Hope Road and brings the “it” factor you have heard about. Recreating the music of Bob Marley requires headspace and feel and that is what Brian brings to the group. He is an accomplished pianist/organist and draws from nearly twenty years of live performance, music education and life lived to the fullest. Brian has recently had the opportunity to perform with legendary Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and has taken every ounce of inspiration and poured it back into his music. Brian is well connected in the northeast and has performed throughout New England in hundreds of venues to literally thousands of listeners. He currently resides in Memphis, NY and runs a recording studio where he handles engineering and production. Please contact us here for rates, availability and information regarding the studio.

About David Allen (Vocals, Bass) David is the veteran in this group of seasoned players. He currently resides in Richmond, RI with his wife Cathy and son Paul. He holds down the groove with masterful syncopation and arranges the sweet harmonies and melodies that make Bob’s music so special. Dave, like the rest of this group, has played in hundreds of venues across New England and has focused his energy on vocal harmony & groove. “Keep it simple, keep it moving & sing it sweet”.

About Jamie Conroy (Vocals, Guitar) Jamie has been performing, writing and recording music since 1985. He currently resides in Ashaway, RI with his family. Jamie keeps the roots, rock, reggae chucking and recreates the beautiful guitar lines and textures as Bob and the Wailers did so well. There is always something about those first few guitar notes of a song that just take you there and that’s what Hope Road is all about. “You’ve got to dig to get it” but when you get it its usually magic.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ0Nl_p1D8A

Their debut single, “In A Disya Time”, is regarded as the group’s finest work, and topped the Jamaican chart. 1987′s Rasta Philosophy was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Reggae Album.The line-up has changed over the years, with former solo artist David Isaacs joining in 1987 when Ricketts was sentenced to a prison term, preventing him from travelling to the United States.Davis left the group in 1994, and was replaced by Porter’s daughter Kada.The Itals continue to tour in 2009 in support of the newly released compilation of early works produced by Lloyd Campbell, with Davis, Isaacs and Kada joining Keith Porter

Featuring top choice selectors:

- OMEGA SOUNDS (DJ Realm and Jah Soldier)
- DJ BABY MATT
- SILENT ASSASSIN
- CHANCELLOR
- RYSTAR
- SISTA LAURA

Free admission from 9pm to 1am on the Rhino Bar side. Facebook event HERE.

Matisyahu live at Lupos:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVY92FUSPZI

Steel Pulse live at Lupos:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-gutnShexY