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On Saturday, August 20, reggae crooner Beres Hammond, along with special guest Wayne Wonder, will be performing live at the Sound Academy on Polson Street in Toronto. Check out the flyer below, or call 416-953-7911 for more information.

Kingston Class Reunion Promotions presents Bam Bam! In The City (Rockaz 3) featuring live performances by dancehall veterans Chaka Demus & Pliers, and Tiger. It will be Tiger’s first performance in Canada in over 15 years. For more information, please call 416-525-3394, or add the BB pin 26ACD6D5. Note, this event has been rescheduled from July 2 to July 16.

Tiger, Chaka Demus & Pliers Live In Toronto – July 16

Delroy Sterling Productions, in association with Pattie World are pleased to present the 5th staging of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards which will be held June 4th at the Jamaican Canadian Association, 995 Arrow Rd.

Presenting Canada’s cream of the crop, the 5th Annual Reggae Music Awards is divided into 20 categories ranging from ‘Best Reggae Album,’ to ‘Best Radio Disc Jock’ to ‘Best International Artist.’ Previous winners in each category include Steele’s album ‘The Man The Music,’ Natty B for the radio show Zion Train and Busy Signal for best international artist.

In addition to the awards presentation, nominees and fans will be treated to an all-star stage show this year, which features award winning and international Reggae artist Gramps Morgan, George Nooks, and Trilla U. Supporting talent includes Exco Levi, Jill Donaldson, Nicole Green, Jimmy Reid and Tony Anthony. Additional music will be provided by Massey Sound and Soul 2 Soul, and will be hosted by Ms. Danae Peart of CHRY 105.5 FM, with backing from EOP Band. Also attending this year will be specially invited guest, Big A from Irie FM, Jamaica.

Toronto’s Mayor, Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, has proclaimed February 6, 2011 as “Bob Marley Day”, and has invited all citizens of Toronto to salute the great musician and humanitarian, Bob Marley. The complete proclamation is detailed below in italics, and may also be viewed on Toronto’s official website here.

WHEREAS Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, and in his 36 years created a legacy of socially observant music which continues to inspire hope and acceptance around the world.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2011 as “Bob Marley Day” and join with citizens of Toronto to salute a great musician and humanitarian.

Mayor Rob Ford

An event over 35 years in the making was realized in Toronto, Canada where The Heptones united for an evening called ‘The Heptones Reunion,’ on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Presented by Kingston Class Reunion Corp, and sub-titled ‘Rockaz Pt. 2,’ The Heptones performed history for their eager Toronto fans, who filled the Jamaican Canadian Association to capacity, and dressed as if they were in the company of their King.

Opening for the Heptones were Mel Dube, Tony Anthony and Nadeera. Canada’s Reggae songstress Ammoye also opened, performing with her trademark sugary voice which immediately connected. Fans sang the punch line to her song, and called her back for an encore!

Uncle Jonny, backed by the EOP Band, thrilled fans who were treated to several songs from his catalogue, including new music from his soon to be released album ‘Roots Reggae’, which is due in stores in April, 2011.

The climax for the evening without doubt was The Heptones performance. The King, Mr. Leroy Sibbles, was announced to the stage by the shows’ hosts, Delroy Sterling and Natasha Von Castle who was met with thunderous applause, hanker-chiefs waving, and women eager for a touch of the Kings hand.

“There is no doubt about the energy from tonight’s show” said Delroy Sterling. “Toronto hasn’t seen something like this in a long time.” Opening with the signature song “Party Time,” the mood was set; couples embraced, and fans danced.

“The Heptones baptized Toronto with their trip down memory lane” said Natasha Von Castle. “Fans were so in tune with Leroy’s every move on stage, that his sweat fell on them, and they didn’t mind. This was a truly incredible and historical event!”

“This was one of the most special nights to me. Barry and I haven’t performed like this in years; the fans really got a rare treat,” said Leroy after the show. Fans rushed and protested until security let them past to take pictures with the star.

The events promoter, DJ Wiz was happy with the turn out of the night which included a capacity audience, and a bar that had to be re-stocked to keep up with demand. When asked who’s next to take the Kingston Class Reunion stage, he smiled and said “we’ll see!”

The organizers of the 20th Anniversary Jamaica Day Celebration would like to thank all the people who came out for Jamaica Day (despite the heavy rain) on Saturday, July 24, 2010. Unfortunately with the risk of thunderstorms continuing throughout the evening, the event had to be postponed. All artistes are now being re-confirmed to return for Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Downsview Park.

Advance ticket holders who can’t attend the new date will be able to obtain a full refund at the original point of purchase (before August 21). Tickets for July 24 will be honored, and need not to be exchanged for new tickets. Please visit jamaicadaytoronto.com for additional updates.

Veteran dancehall / reggae artiste, Sugar Minott, performs live on Thursday, May 6, at the Lula Loungeon Dundas Street (West) in Toronto. Check out the flyer below.

Music lovers in Toronto are gearing up for the Klassique Rae Town 28th anniversary event, which happens tomorrow, April 24 at the Naija Banquet Hall. Two of Jamaica’s best selectors – Senor Daley of Klassique and Rory of Stone Love – will be going up against each other in a vintage showdown that will be sure to please.

Grandmaster and Sepe Lee will be presenting the Vintage 2010 – The Gold Series – at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto on Saturday, February 27. The event will feature veteran selectors Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell (of Stone Love fame), alongside Senor Daley (of Klassique fame) and local star, Grandmaster Rosa. Check out the flyer below.

Rita Marley, reggae singer and wife of the late great Bob Marley, will headline a fundraising concert for the people of Haiti in Toronto this Saturday, February 6 (Bob Marley’s birthday). The concert is dubbed “One Love For Haiti”, and happens at Kool Haus in Downtown Toronto. Mikey General and Luciano are also among the featured performers. The money raised from this event, will be donated to Haiti through UNICEF and the Haitian Consulate in Toronto.