- Updated 6/23/09 -

JUNE 26 27 28 2009 * WASHINGTON VERMONT * Cultivating Global Unity Through Sound

RISE UP FESTIVAL LINE UP:

Untouchable Anthony B - the Legendary Don Carlos
Everton Blender - Trindad's Own Queen Omega

Virgin Islands Artists:

Jahcob Seed - the Reggae Bubblers - Ras Attitude - Batch
Ras Iba - Mada Nile & the Zioneers

Brooklyn's Jah Dan Blakkamore, Fuego Campo, Dellie, and Noble Society

Senegal's Youssoupha Sidibe - The Black Rebels

Boston's Dub Station - the House of Rastafari - Jah N I

DON CARLOS

Don Carlos (born Euvin Spencer) Legendary Reggae Artist was born and raised in one of the most deprived regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known as Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for many of Reggae's greatest ever talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid and King Jammy, to name but a few. Don Carlos started his singing career in 1973 as one of the original members of Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members, Garth Dennis who later went on to joining the Wailing Souls, and Derrick Ducky Simpson. As part of the trio, Don sang lead on the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album, for producer Prince Jammy in 1977. This album was later re-released and re-titled as Black Sounds of Freedom. A year after the trio's groundbreaking debut, Don Carlos surprisingly decided to leave Black Uhuru in pursuit of a solo career. Within three years as a solo artist, developing his song writing and grooming his distinctive vocal style, in May 1981 Suffering was released. This strong release took the fraternity by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored showcase for the Negus Roots label. This album was a massive hit in Africa, selling unprecedented units. Unfortunately, the album was bootlegged, and Don never received proper royalties.

At this time, he worked alongside Goldie, his sidekick, co writer, and back up vocalist. Together they built a staunch following through touring the live circuit and releasing consistant albums including Harvest Time, Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dread Have Credentials, all three issued in 1982, Spread Out 1982 also otherwise known as Laser Beam to which the majority of tracks in this set have been culled, Never Run Away 1984, Just a Passing Glance 1985 and more recently Seven Days a Week. Don’s partner, Gold was tragically shot and crippled, putting him out of the music business.
During the eighties dance hall mania, Don had five top ten hits between 1982 – 1985- Late Night Blues, Nice Time Tonight, Dice Cup, Hog & Goat, I'm Not Getting Crazy and Spread Out. Don is still churning out solid, melodic roots reggae. Other titles in his rich catalogue include Roots and Culture, Raving Tonight, Pure Gold, Spread Out, Plantation, Never Run Away, Slow Down Vol. 3, Rasta Brothers, Prophecy, Firehouse Clash, Deeply Concerned, Ease Up, Lazer Beam, Ras Portraits, Grove w/me, Head to Head, Jah Light, Live in San Francisco (2002), and Special Edition. There's an old saying in the music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In Dons' case, a request for reinstatement to his former role as lead vocalist for a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another strong Black Uhuru album – Now. 1990 marked the reunion of the original vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years- 1989-1994- and four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio, and on the road, Don again went back to his solo career. His other titles with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of these four albums are classics with Don up front on lead vocals.

After the Black Uhuru stint, Don joined forces with the California based Reggae Angels for four successful years, and then kept some of the core players for his own permanent backing band. He has been touring successfully with this band in Europe, South America, Hawaii, and the western US. Don’s popularity has been consistently growing, so he is now one of the most sought after roots reggae artists in the business.
www.doncarlosreggae.com or at www.doncarlosinternational.com

Anthony B

Anthony B (born Keith Blair) is the living personification of Afrikan consciousness in Reggae. His single "Nah vote again" was a major factor in making the Jamaican elections of Thursday, December 18 1997, the most peaceful one since the insidious cancer of gun violence was introduced in West and Central Kingston, prior to the elections of 1967. Like his hero, Peter Tosh, the most revolutionary of the Wailing Wailers, he is an uncompromising Pan Afrikanist, in the tradition of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica's first national hero and the founder and leader of the largest Afrikan organization ever, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and Afrikan Communities League, U.N.I.A. and A.C.L.The traditional route of most Afrikan singers is via the church and Anthony B is no exception. Growing up in Clarks Town in the parish of Trelawny (a parish noted for the heroic Afrikan freedom fighters, the Maroons, who defeated the English military), his Revivalist grandmother and Seventh Day Adventist mother, immersed him in the singing, call and response and clapping mechanics of rural Jamaica. In this rural environment that Afrikan culture is best found and preserved in Jamaica, not Kingston nor urban St. Andrew.

Like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Maytals, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes, Twinkle Brothers, the Clarendonians and countless other Jamaican Stars, Anthony B honed his vocal skills in the church and school choirs and then entered the secular world. His deejaying debut was on the local sound system Shaggy Hi-Power. Moving to Portmore in the parish of St. Catharine in 1988, the musically keen teen hooked up with other aspiring teenage deejays, Determine, Mega Banton, Ricky General and Terror Fabulous on Lovers Choice Sound. Other Portmore acts that he knew or flexed with were Little Devon, Agony Polish, Cobra, Baby Wayne, Grindsman, Ronnie Thwaites, Professor Nuts and others. He steadfastly refused to deejay girl lyrics when they were ruling the roost in the early nineties. Patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait. In combination with Little Devon (the Half Pint sound-a-like singer) he made his debut single "The living is hard" on the Wizard label in 1993. Anthony B tried King Jammys, Black Scorpio and other studio producers after but none saw fit to help plant musical corn of the budding genius. Undeterred he was looking for a break at Black Scorpio studio one day when Little Devon introduced him to Afrocentric producer of Garnett "Mama Africa" Silk fame, Richard "Bello" Bell of Star Trail Label fame. The rest is history or blackstory ! Recordings and releases followed quickly and his first hit was "Repentance time". The bigger hits "Fire pon Rome", "Rumour" and "Raid di barn" followed in quick pursuit and his landmark debut album Real Revolutionary was released to popular acclaim in 1996. Late 1997 his second worldwide album "Universal Struggle" was released and again excellence is consistent. The album is one of the best in Reggae for 1997 and 1998. Lyrically, thematically and rhythmically versatile, the album encapsulates Afrikan consciousness and the Peter Tosh-like deliveries and clarity of vocals are indelibly present throughout. He was the most devastating deejay at Reggae Summits 1997, at Catherine Hall in Montage Bay, Jamaica - a consummate performer. Anthony B, indeed another Reggae king in full musical swing !!
www.myspace.com/officialanthonyb

EVERTON BLENDER

One of the few Jamaican singers to truly bridge the gap between the roots and dancehall reggae styles is Everton "Blender." When reggae fans hear the opening notes of "Lift Up Your Head," "Ghetto People Song" or "Blend Dem," they instantly recognize these songs as major cultural anthems of our time. The large number of hits Everton has accrued is most impressive. Everton Dennis Williams was born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, but grew up in Kingston 13 on Maxfield Avenue. He worked as a painter,
construction worker and decorator, but he realized that the strong chemicals he was working with were not good for his voice or his health in general. With divine help and direction, he decided to leave his job to pursue a singing career.

Although Everton had recorded a handful of singles for various producers, he had yet to score with a hit on the Island. But that was about to change. In 1991 he voiced the autobiographical "Create a Sound." The song described Everton's experiences in the music business and with the Rasta faith. It was released the following year on the Star Trail label, and it was Everton Blender's first hit. He continued to record for Star Trail, who had a distribution deal with Heartbeat Records. 1994's Lift Up Your Head (HB 169) was Everton's full length debut, and featured "Create a Sound," along with the hits, "Family Man," "Bring di Kutchie," "My Father's Home," "Gwaan Natty," and the title track, which would go on to become one of the biggest anthems of the 1990's. Everton continued to record for Star Trail and other labels, scoring hits including "Blend Dem," "World Corruption," "Bob Marley," "Piece of the
Blender," "The Man," and "Coming Harder," all collected on the 1996 album, Piece of the Blender: The Singles (HB 209). At this time, Everton decided to take charge of his career and start his own label, which he named Blend Dem Productions. He began to finance most of his own recordings, a move that
heightened tension between him and many who wished to control the music production and promotion on the Island. But he persevered, knowing that being in control of his career was the right decision, and his relationship with Heartbeat became even stronger. In 1999, Heartbeat released Everton Blender's first album by Blend Dem productions, Rootsman Credential (HB 227). Alongside boom shots like "Ghetto People Song," "Why Do We Have to War," and "False Words" were Everton's own productions including "Slick Me Slick," "These Hands," and many more strong statements of Everton's faith and will to succeed. Since the release of Rootsman Credential, Everton has toured the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, establishing himself as one of the top touring forces from Jamaica.
Live at the White River Reggae Bash (HB 242) captures Everton performing his most popular material with the Blend Dem band. As the millennium came to a close, Heartbeat released an album of new Blend Dem productions that included top acts riding Everton Blender produced rhythms. Dance Hall Liberation (HB 246) features Anthony B, Tony Rebel, Louie Culture, Richie Spice, Everton Blender, daughter Isha, and others. Everton was also executive producer on Richie Spice's debut album, Universal (HB
103), and plays a role in Spanner Banner's new release, Real Love (HB 249).

In 2001, Blender released Visionary (HB 254), consisting of his trademark conscious commitment over sizzling roots and dancehall self-productions. With guest appearances by Bennie Man, Anthony B, Tony Rebel, and Marcia Griffiths, along with Everton's own strong performance, the album garnered favorable reviews throughout the music press. 2001 and 2002 also marked excellent touring years for Blender, in which he headlined several major reggae events. King Man (HB 258), released in 2002, represents another installment in Blender's legacy of excellent reggae music. In 2005 Blender did a two-month North American tour with America's Reggae Angels and July 2005 he released My Time, on Explorer Records label out of Toronto, Canada. My Time is a strong album from beginning to end. Don't miss Everton Blender when he passes through your area.
www.evertonblender.com or www.myspace.com/evertonblender

Ras Attitude

Ras Attitude is both a singer and a chanter. Originating from the Sound VIZion stable, he combines some sweet vocals (that remind many of Dennis Brown) along with some wicked chants to create a sound that has something to please all listeners.
www.myspace.com/rasattitude

BATCH

Born on the island of St. Croix, Batch became inspired by music at a very early age. With exposure to musical equipment and records he developed an interest in music. As a teen he began playing drums and became exposed to other musical instruments at a church. After completing school, Batch played professional gigs as a drummer first with Danny Tucker, a vintage roots singer out of Jamaica, then moving on as lead vocalist and drummer helping to form the reggae band Motion, along with brothers Eddie 'I-DE' and Reggie 'I-GE' Beazer in the city of Boston. They went on to win Boston's Caribbean Best Reggae Band Award for five years consecutively as a supporting band and independently performing as Motion throughout the eastern U.S., sharing the stage with some of the strongest on the reggae scene such as Tony Rebel, Spragga Benz, Sizzla, Bushman, Buju Banton, Capleton, Anthony B, Determine, Louie Culture to name a few. With Faith in Rastafari, Batch ventured into production and established his own record label, Sound V.I.Zion Records, in 1999. Strictly consciousness with an African musical Liberation, music for the mind,. With the release of 12 conscious CDs to date, including six crucial solo albums "WHO YOU ARE" 2003, / "KEEP THE FAITH" 2004, / “JAH GUIDANCE” 2005, / "TO THE ROOT"-2007, / "I-VER STRONG, / "VIZIONARY" 2008, Batch continues to be one of St. Croix's most prolific singers, producers, musicians, and revolutionists. RASTAFARI! Is Redeemer of the African Nation Mental, physical and soul. Batch is currently touring alongside players of instruments knows as the Zioneers band, Keep your ears and eyes intune for this Rasta Music movement. www.myspace.com/batchce

Ras Iba

Iba (pronounced: 'Eye-bah') was born Charles "Chucky" Encarnacion on May 7, 1970 on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. As the son of a musician, Iba was indoctrinated into music at a very young age and his passion for knowledge led him to embrace the teachings of Rastafari in his formative years. Overtime and thru much diligence, Iba became lead singer of St. Croix's Front Line Reggae Band and quickly became one of St. Croix's celebrated singers. In 1995, life and mother nature (Hurricane Marilyn) intervened in this burgeoning career and Iba relocated to Connecticut, USA. In Connecticut, Iba kept at his passion by fronting the Survivor's Reggae Band for the next 3 years. In 2001, Iba recorded several songs with Bambú Station that were selected for their award-winning compilation "Talkin' Roots - Volume I". Iba's song "Chant" was selected as the lead track and helped usher in a globally recognized talent pool of artists from the Virgin Islands. Iba's song was heavily rotated throughout the United States and Caribbean helping to solidify "Talkin' Roots I" as a modern classic. Mt. Nebo Records launched Jah Lion (Children of the Nile), Iba's debut album on July 1, 2003 which has generated outstanding reviews and critical acclaim from industry experts, radio personalities and reggae fans alike. Since the release of his first album, Iba has traveled all over the world spreading his message of righteous living, morality, world peace and unity. Iba's tours has taken him to Hawaii, Israel, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, and all across the U.S. He has made appearances at many festivals including Sierra Nevada World Music Fest, Monteray Bay Reggae Fest, Ja sound European Reggae fest, Cheimsee Reggae fest, Hamm Reggae fest and many more. Iba has released his highly anticpated sophomore album, "Many Lives" in August of 2006. This album contains many great songs and improves further on his first album "Jah Lion(children of the Nile)". It includes a spirited collaboration with Ijah Menelik of Montseratt entitled "Afrika", insightful and energetic songs such as "World Crisis", "Jah Teachings", "Save The World", "Stay in the Right", and the already much beloved ode to his Mother and all mothers, "Strongest Woman". Unlike many releases of today, the album contains even more songs very worthy of mention in any review of the album. "Many Lives" is a wonderful celebration of music and community building. Iba's voice and delivery is very distinct and his phrasing belies the normal song-writing formats commonly used in music today. Iba's honesty and life-approach also comes out solid in his presentation and his songs are filled with harmonies and call-and-response lyrics, which are always engaging to the audience. Distinct, interesting, harmonious!
www.myspace.com/rasiba

ZIONEERS

It is with much respect we must highlight one of the most treasured bands from the Virgin Islands. While not receiving worl-wide acclaim, the ZIONEERS have trodded spiritually in the depths of the music from St. Croix to Puerto Rico since the early 90's. Holding the band's current foundation of drum and bass is the father and son combination of Ras Ibeshee and his son Ras Kwome. You WILL talk about them after you witness their skill level and vibes. Multi-instrumentalist and singer Ras Ibednego and keyboardist Sonny Andrews gives to the group the versatility and heartfulness that makes this one of reggae's premier bands. Don't let the lack of corporate advertisement dollars fool you. The fans at the 2005 Sierra Nevada World Music Fest says so. The folks in New Orleans says so. Chicago, California, North Carolina, Boston, Virginia, Florida and all the many places that have experienced this band says so.
www.soundvizionrecords.com

Queen Omega

Now twenty-five years old, Queen Omega hails from San Fernando in Trinidad. Encouraged by her mother (to whom she pays moving tribute on "Mama"), she began entering local talent shows from the age of nine, writing her own calypsos and even rapping on national television. Later on she sang backing vocals for local producer Kenny Philips, accompanying numerous top Soca acts both in the studio and on stage. Raised in a musical family, shed grown up listening to soul artists like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston, as well as jazz and the traditional music of Trinidad. Such foundations were to serve her well later on; her favourites however, were reggae and dancehall. Inspired by the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I, her song writing skills soon blossomed, with roots and reality themes coming to the fore as her love of Rastafari deepened. It was on a trip to Jamaica with the Solomon Band where she performed at the Caribbean Music Expo in late 2000 that she met producer Mickey D, who brought her to London the following year for sessions that resulted in her debut set, "Queen Omega". This was followed by several hit singles and a second album titled "Pure Love". Early 2004 Jet Star released "Away From Babylon", Queen Omegas third and most accomplished album then, finding her still residing within Mickey D's Green House Family. With these three albums and many well received live performances, Queen Omega has been absolutely blazing a trail for female roots reggae artists. And she continues to do so with this brand new collection of tunes. Now under the wings of the very talented French production Bost & Bim & the label Specail Delivery Music, she shows that she has improved her vocal delivery further. She mixes (but not so much) her standard singing with deejaying, and is equally efficient at doing both. Besides that she once again fully showcases herdevastating ability to write to the point messages. Thus Queen Omega is well on her way to creating a sort of consistency the roots side of reggae has never had from a female artist.
www.myspace.com/queenomega

Jah Dan Blakkamore, Fuego Campo, Dellie, and Noble Society

A group of classically trained musicians led by deejay Jahdan; internationally known for his work on the classics “Sound Bwoy Bureill” (Nervous) and “D&D Soundclash” (Koch) as well as his features with Branford Marsalis, DJ Premier, dead prez and Bootcamp Clik. After complementing so many Jahdan is now stepping to the forefront as Urban Reggae’s leading front man, proceeding on the mike as a conscious singer as Dan Fuego plays beautiful guitar backings and produces. Their style blends cultural sounds with a feverish aesthetic of showmanship and intensity. The groups’ founder and producer is guitar maestro Diego “Fuego” Campo. Campo’s groundbreaking beats and riddims keep Noble relevant to the ever changing trends of “Yard”, while stimulating the masses with an undeniable appeal. www.noblesociety.com

DUB STATION

DUB STATION's been a fixture on the U.S. scene for over a decade - backing dozens of acts, including ABIJAH (see www.MySpace.com/AbijahPeppa3music), RICHIE SPICE, JUNIOR KELLY, SHINEHEAD, and many more. Some acts recorded with include ABIJAH, TOM OBRIEN, SHAKA BLACK, SONBEAM, and JUS GOODIE. Festival appearances across the country have included most of the greats: BLACK UHURU, BUJU BANTON, BERES HAMMOND, THE WAILERS, JIMMY CLIFF. DUB STATION's also toured the West Coat, Hawaii, Colorado, the Midwest, the Northeast, and made forays into Canada and even performing in Jamaica. www.dubstationonline.com

Black Rebels

We are Black Rebels, and we play world reggae from the roots of creation. We have been serving up one drop music for over 20 years, from our roots in Africa to our home in New England. Our purpose is to ignite the forces of inspiration with our music by committing ourselves to the highest good. Through our music and our lives we represent an intergenerational and intercultural community devoted to love, justice, and the evolution of spiritual princlples. We believe that children deserve to be at the core of our society, and that they are inherently deserving of rights and an atmosphere of trust. We embody the co-creative dynamic (spirit) of the male and the female in balance.
www.myspace.com/blackrebels

Youssoupha Sidibe

The music of Youssoupha Sidibe is deeply infused with a longing for the full realization of divine love in this world. Youssoupha’s musical career began over twenty years ago in his home of Senegal, West Africa, where he was trained as a Kora player at the National Music Conservatory of Senegal. His music fuses traditional West African sounds on the Kora, with the Sufi devotional chanting of the Senegalese Baay Faal community. The angelic sounds of the Kora, an indigenous harp, soulfully carry Youssoupha’s devotional lyrics sung in Wolof, Arabic, French and English. Since his arrival on the international music circuit, Youssoupha has recorded, performed, and/or collaborated with artists such as India Arie, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Charles Neville, Future Man, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and Matisyahu. His latest collaboration, “Shalom/Salaam”, was with artist Matisyahu, on the album entitled “Youth”. “Youth” also contains an additional track, “Ancient Lullaby”, which features Youssoupha on Kora. Rolling Stone Magazine picked “Shalom/Salaam” as one of the two “key tracks” on the album. Since it’s release, “Youth” has gone Gold, and in January 2007, the album was nominated for a Grammy award for best reggae album of the year. Youssoupha’s music has served to invoke the divine through Sufi sound in the presence of many large and diverse groups of people. Youssoupha has performed, recorded, and led healing music workshops throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. He has graced the stages of many notable venues such as Reggae on the River, Manhattan Center, Earthdance World Peace Festival, The Warfield Theatre, and many more. His music is inspiring and empowering for people of all ages. The sound of the Kora beautifully blends with the powerful human emotion and faith that Youssoupha embodies. Sacred Sound brings a new dimension to the celebration of the human experience.
www.myspace.com/youssouphasidibe

Jah N I Band

JAH-N-I Roots Band (pronounced Jah-In-I) has been striking the airwaves with music of mystical over standing of the time in which we are living in. Based in Dorchester, MA, they are often seen as a roots band out of the hills like hermits / Ancient Rasta men and wombman, delivering a message of truth and of righteousness while pointing out the reality of life and its reasons. The band was originally formed in 2002 by Barriffe Mackenzie, an inspired Rasta now an initiate of the levity. The members of JAH-N-I were all born in different parts of the earth but have one common ground, music and the desire to play and sing, music that can create a change in the common and uncommon environment. JAH-N-I music is a collective effect that carries a vibration of truth with right rhythm, for the mind, body and soul.
JAH-N-I released their first album “Rastafari Love” in 2005 with High Hopes Conscious Records. The album received huge attention from around the globe, in the United States and across the water; Belgium, France and Germany to name a few. JAH-N-I has also shared the stage with performers such as the Wailers, Stephen & Kymani Marley, Freddie McGregor and Midnite. They also appeared at the 2007 Vermont “Rise Up” festival. The band was also nominated by Boston’s Urban Awards for the best roots band in 2007. Group member Dinquinesh was nominated for the Joe Higgs award for best new female vocal. JAH-N-I is a roots reggae band that carries a diverse sound from players of instruments to singers of songs. They are a great example of a melting pot of Rastafari in its true essence and its influence on the world. This is a band that will re-light your wick if it were ever to go out.
www.myspace.com/jahnirootsrasta

Reggae Bubblers

The Reggae Bubblers is a Conscious Roots Reggae band out of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. The band has been in existence since 2001. The Bubblers have produced 7 CDs, with two more being released in 2007. Along with the Reggae Bubblers series, The Bubblers also pioneered the Black Starliner Volume series featuring various Virgin Island artists, all music played by the Bubblers. www.myspace.com/reggaebubblers

Jahcob Seed

This music is a humble attempt to give thanks through sound vibration to the Most High, the master and breath of all creation. Oh Elohim, heal our african nation. Yahweh El Shaddai Yahoshua. Jah Rastafari.
www.myspace.com/jahcobseed

House of Rastafari

A Boston -based Nyabinghi ensemble and Spiritual Cleanser, chanting songs of Praises onto the King and Queen of Creation. Our goal is to bring people back to their true consciousness by the way of singers and players of instruments, the voice of Jah Rastafari.
www.myspace.com/naturalvibesllc

Plus WORLD WIDE AND INTERNATIONAL SOUND SYSTEMS:

SATTA SOUNDS, ITATION SOUND & RISE UP SOUND