When it comes to the recognition of Jamaican music and culture, Caribbean entertainment specialists Irish and Chin continue to rise to the occasion. In their latest event, dubbed “Reeewind to Rocksteady,” the tastemakers will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rocksteady with renowned acts Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, David Rodigan and the Code Red band on Saturday, November 26, 2016 inside the posh Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York. Adding to the music spectacular will be “early warm” music from Ninja Crown, of the internationally acclaimed Mighty Crown sound system.
Planning of this special edition of Irish and Chin’s “Reeewind,” a spectacular tribute to Reggae music’s influential soul-driven predecessor Rocksteady, unfolded some months ago for the team. And while devising the ultimate line up, “all roads led to” Reggae music icons Marcia Griffith and Freddie McGregor to fill the artist slots. The selections made perfect sense, given both artists’ rich careers, which span over 5 decades. Notably, the leading acts boast music catalogues that channel Rocksteady, Reggae and every era of modern Jamaican music. Add immaculate stage presence, current hits (Freddie McGregor is enjoying attention for his latest album “True to My Roots”) and incredible followings to the mix and there is a hearty recipe for entertainment that awaits music enthusiasts.
“Throughout the years, REEEWIND has grown to be the biggest brand in live vintage entertainment,” says Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin. “Each staging is geared at bringing patrons back to a specific period in Jamaica’s rich music culture. And as deserved, this time around we have chosen to salute the unprecedented Rocksteady, honoring some of the genre’s biggest contributors.”
Music lovers are certainly in for a treat during the first “Reeewind” to feature a band, as Code Red is heralded for rocking audiences with infectious Rocksteady sets. Because of the DJs pivotal role in Jamaican music and culture, it was befitting for one of the world’s most noted Reggae DJs, David Rodigan, to be a part of the highly anticipated event. David Rodigan’s knowledge and love of the music and culture shines through his performances. The pioneer radio DJ and selector will certainly thrill the audience with classic tunes and rare music gems during his only U.S. performance of the year.
” ‘Reeewind’ is a great vehicle of unifying the selectors who play the music with the artists who have been at the forefront of the culture for years,” adds Chin.
Irish and Chin launched their “Reeewind” brand in 2009, as a goal of celebrating legendary artists and showcasing the historical artist and sound system connection. Some of the industry’s most respected artists have touched the famed “Reeewind” stage including the late Sugar Minott, Luciano, Yellow Man, Cocoa Tea, Shabba Ranks and many more. The team is thrilled over “Reeewind to Rocksteady,” which they believe will be the most supported of their signature “Reeewind” events based on it’s overwhelming buzz. “Reeewind to Rocksteady” is quite a way to kick off the holiday season!
