Preparations have started for Jamaica Reggae Month 2012, reports the Jamaica Gleaner.
The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) have been in talks with Damion Crawford, minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and Lisa Hanna, minister of youth and culture.
This year’s theme is Reggae 50…Jamaica’s Heart and Soul. It will kick off with the staging of the Dennis Brown Tribute Concert featuring artists such as Damian and Stephen Marley, Tarrus Riley, Cocoa Tea, Junior Reid, Beres Hammond, Half Pint, and Ken Boothe.
The event will take place on 29 January at 121-135 Orange Street between Charles and North Streets.
JaRIA’s signature event Reggae Nights at the amphitheatre at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts will open on Wednesday, 1 February, with a celebration of musical heritage through classical, jazz, mento and ska, showcasing the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra, Gilzene and the Blue Light Mento Band, Maurice Gordon and a host of other acts. The full calendar for Reggae Month will be revealed at a press launch today at the Bob Marley Museum.
Reggae Month 2012 is presented by JARIA in partnership with the JTB and through the support of the Ministry of Youth and Culture. Reggae Month was officially declared by Sir Kenneth Hall, then Governor General of Jamaica, on January 24, 2008.
