Moss Jacobs Presents & Good Vibez are thrilled to bring the 2nd Annual Santa Cruz Dayz back to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Thursday & Friday, February 22& 23. In celebration of Robert Nesta Marley, Santa Cruz Dayz features an amazing lineup of artists from around the world over two days, craft and food vendors and the irie vibez synonomous with Good Vibez concerts!

Thursday, February 22 will feature Steel Pulse – 30 year roots veterans from the UK, Morgan Heritage – royal family of reggae music, Eek-A-Mouse – the originator of sing-jay, a tribute to Joseph Hill with Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill and San Luis Obispo’s own, Resination.

Friday, February 23 is another heavy-weight evening with Bunny Wailer – last remaining of Bob Marley & the Wailers, Midnite – the most popular reggae band from St Croix, Gladiators – foundation roots reggae, Twinkle Brothers – one of the most under-rated reggae bands around today, plus local favorites Soul Majestic & Prince Rastan rounding out the bill.

A BIG Thank You to all of our sponsors!
Santa Cruz Hydroponics, Glass Roots, Pure Anywear, Mystic Lion Art & Design, Metro Santa Cruz

More show info – www.santacruzdayz.com and www.raggamuffinsfestival.com or call 831-429-1325

2nd Annual Santa Cruz Dayz ‘07
A Two-Day Celebration of Robert Nesta Marley

Thursday, February 22 & Friday, February 23
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – 307 Church Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Doors at 6:30pm / Show at 7:00pm
$40 advance/$50 door
Pre-sale 2-day passes available for limited time for $70
All Ages

Thursday, February 22
Steel Pulse, Morgan Heritage, Eek-A-Mouse, A Tribute to Joseph Hill with Culture & Resination
DJS – Green Up Sound & Mtn Lion Sound

Friday, February 23
Bunny Wailer, Midnite, Gladiators, Twinkle Brothers with Della Grant, Soul Majestic & Prince Rastan
DJS – Massive Sound International & Bigga Happiness

Tickets available at the Santa Cruz Civic Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets & online at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/229432/?search_redirect=Santa%20Cruz%20Civic&tm_link=tm_header_search
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For press inquires, contact Amy Shapas of So You Can at 831-479-0711 or amy@soyoucan.com

Two days and ten hours of the best reggae has to offer awaits the reggae lover at Santa Cruz Dayz ’07.
Below are short bios on each artist. Click on the link to read more about these greats!

Thursday, February 22:

Steel Pulse:www.steel-pulse.com
Steel Pulse became one of reggae’s most successful bands in the late ’70s and early’80s. They first signed on with Island Records, and recorded the legendary “Handsworth Revolution” in 1978. Their contemporary blend of roots reggae and European pop combined with socially conscious lyrics made them an instant hit. Early gigs had them opening for acts as the Clash, Generation X, the Stranglers, XTC and the Police, and they had quite a following in the British punk movement of the late ’70s. Their next two albums “Tribute to the Martyrs” and “True Democracy” sealed their fate as inheritors of Bob Marley’s legacy.

The original members of Steel Pulse, keyboardist David Hinds, bassist Ronald “Stepper” McQueen, guitarist Basil Gabbidon, and Selwyn Brown, are all from West Indian immigrant families the Birmingham Ghettoes of Handsworth, England. Currently Steel Pulse tours with a nine-piece ensemble that includes long standing musicians Clifford ‘Moonie’ Pusey on lead guitar, Alvin Ewen on bass, Sidney Mills on keyboards, Conrad Kelly on drums and percussion, and the recent addition of two female backing singers Sylvia Tella and Donna Sterling. Some of the band members remain steadfast to traditional Rastafarian beliefs, including wearing dreadlocks and daily prayer.

Steel Pulse may have explored various styles of music since they started out in 1975, but when it comes to the message, the UK’s Grammy-winning reggae band has remained close to their roots. They have continued their commitment to fighting injustice, educating the masses, and promoting positive messages through spiritually uplifting music.

Morgan Heritage: www.morganheritagemusic.com
Morgan Heritage are more than just a legendary reggae band. They’re a revolution, a family, a force of nature, and a crew of five independent artists on a musical mission. With “Full Circle”, their seventh album for VP Records, Morgan Heritage connects with reggae’s past while blazing an uncharted path into a musical future beyond categorization. Born in New York, the band consists of five of the 29 children of Denroy Morgan, former lead vocalist of the Black Eagles – lead vocalists Una, Peter, Gramps, (who also plays the keyboards), rhythm guitarist Lukes, and percussionist Mr Mojo.

From Dominica to South Africa, Australia to New Caledonia, France, and Denmark as well as every major city in the United States, Morgan Heritage has come full circle to fulfill the legacy that Denroy envisioned when he grouped five of his children. “We are just vessels,” Una confessed. Of their international exposure: “Every place stands out for us,” Lukes admitted. “In South Africa, we spent three hours at Winnie Mandela’s house,” Una said. “Winnie gave us a history lesson on South Africa and also explained the devastation of AIDS across the entire continent. She told us that it was reggae that kept her going through the hard times.” Morgan Heritage toured on the Warped Tour, playing to rock audiences, who are sure to seek out “Full Circle,” their new 18-track compilation. “Full Circle” compiles a potpourri of songs to suit every music connoisseur. Dancehall fans will relish “Girls Round The World,” a track which features Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on a hip-hop, flavorful, mix. Grammy-winning Shaggy collaborates on “Keep On Jammin’,” to reprise a Marvin Gaye classic. There is also a Latin-tinged hybrid titled “U’ve Got Me,” that is sure to please every ear, north and south of the border.

On “Full Circle,” Morgan Heritage continues a journey started by their father. Together, Morgan Heritage has come “Full Circle.” Check it!

Eek-A-Mouse: www.eeksperience.com
It is not only Eek-A-Mouse’s 6 feet 6 inches height that make him one of Jamaica’s most individual talents. He has created a style all his own, and gone on to become something of an international phenomenon quite apart from the rest of the world of reggae. Hylton’s unusual name was originally that of a racehorse upon which he frequently lost money; when the horse finally won a race, he had, of course, refused to back it.

Eek eventually joined forces with producer Junjo Lawes and remixer Scientist. Backed by the Roots Radics, Eek cut “Virgin Girl” and “Noah’s Ark,” before having another go at “Wa-Do-Dem,” for Greensleeves. The latter did the trick and Eek-A-Mouse had arrived with a sound so unlike any other, equal parts singing, DJing, and disconcerting Oriental-esque weirdness, that soon all of the island was raving about the rodent.

He was the toast of Reggae Sunsplash in 1981, his bubbling lunacy providing a cathartic release to a festival otherwise in mourning for Bob Marley. “Biddy biddy beng” roiled out across the crowd, and the audience shouted it back as one, instantly cementing the syllables as the catchprase of the new decade.

A chat with Eek-A-Mouse is something of an aural adventure. More than a quarter-century of recording, global touring and enough years of residency in the suburbs of Irvine to justify an accent heavy on California mall girl-isms have hardly changed the dancehall godfather’s husky Kingston patois. Though his voice is smooth and rich in tone, Mouse’s unique re-imagining of English grammatical rules can prove challenging to the unprepared ear. “I’m Mouse, you know? I’m Mouse, so I can change my style any time. There’s different reggae now … hip-hop, dance, regular reggae. Just like Eek-A-Mouse. I’m also unique, you know? Different.”

Tribute to Joseph Hill with Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill: www.culturereggae.net
Culture has long been reggae’s preeminent harmony group. Born in the 70’s golden age of reggae, the ever viable Culture has garnered continual US and international acclaim for its long series of classic “roots “ albums. Culture’s legendary “Two Sevens Clash” was Reggae Album of the Year in 1977 and is acknowledged by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2002 as #25 of the 50 all time coolest records (the only reggae album to make the list).

On August 19, 2006 while on tour in Europe, Joseph Hill passed suddenly and decisions for the future of the tour and the group were made quickly. The European promoters of the upcoming dates requested that the group continue the tour as a tribute to Joseph Hill. It was then that Joseph’s son, Kenyatta, stepped away from the soundboard and picked up his father’s microphone. Kenyatta was familiar with all of the music and was perfect for the role of new lead singer for Culture. The tour went on without pause and show after show, audiences, promoters and critics alike were amazed at the way Kenyatta was so much like his father onstage while introducing an element of his own. One critic was quoted as saying “It was more magic than tragic”. The final proof that Kenyatta was the logical choice took place in Jamaica at the memeorial concert for Joseph Hill. There was no doubt that when Kenyatta stepped up and performed that he was the highlight of the star-studded night.

Current plans are for Kenyatta to go into the studio to complete tracks already started by Joseph Hill and to add a few of his own to unreleased Culture material. This will be a fitting transition for Culture and touring will continue with Kenyatta on lead vocals.

Resination: www.resinationmusic.com
Since their formation in 1999, Resination has grown exponentially from a powerhouse quartet, into a nine piece roots, rock, reggae machine that is taking the reggae community by storm. Emitting eclectic sounds of jazz, soul, reggae, funk, and blues, it is no wonder why Resination makes any crowd demographic stop and dance in their spot. On top of the colorful modern roots reggae rhythms that the players of instrument showcase, lead vocalist Vance Fahie takes the crowd on an unforgettable journey of positive energy and conscious messages.

The initial groundwork was laid by lead singer Vance Fahie (AKA “Noche Man”), bassist Ian Hartman, and lead guitarist/backing vocalist Patrick Pearson. The past few years has seen the addition of a horn section comprise of Patrick “Rojo” Reynolds on trumpet, and Colin Dean on trombone. Thomas “Toes” Cuffe, provides the essential keyboard rhythms and Mike “Mikey J” Jimenez excels on rhythm guitar. The soulful Empress, Raeme Miner, lends her voice to complete Resination’s three part harmonies and takes the lead on a handful of tracks. “Tuff” Tim Cordero lives up to his name and holds down the steady roots rhythm on drums

Resination’s third album, entitled Conscious Development, showcases Resination branching out in new directions, all the while maintaining the “Resination sound”. The new album is bound to take California based reggae to new heights. Without a doubt, a Resination show is always positive and uplifting, captivating the masses and unifying the people who share the love of not only the music, but also the message it sends!

Friday, February 23:

Bunny Wailer:
Born Neville O’Riley Livingston, in Kingston, Jamaica, Bunny Wailer’s relationship with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, the two other principal members of the Wailers in the 60s and early 70s, stretches back to his childhood, when Marley and Wailer lived under the same roof in Trench Town (a notorious Kingston ghetto). As teenagers, Peter, Bob, and Bunny would spend their evenings practicing harmonies tutored by Joe Higgs (veteran reggae superstar). In the early 60s, as the nascent Jamaican recording industry began to gather strength, the trio formed the Wailers, recruiting other friends into the fold.

With Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell’s understanding of contemporary rock markets, and the emphasis on albums and live shows, the Wailers brought the sound of roots reggae to an international audience with Catch a Fire (1973) and Burning (1973), the latter featuring two fine songs from Bunny, ‘Hallelujah Time’ and ‘Pass It On’. These albums broke the Wailers outside of Jamaica gaining a new worldwide respect and focus for reggae music. However, this success had taken its toll on the group. Bunny, for largely unspecified reasons, seemed reluctant to take part in the endless globetrotting necessary to consolidate success in Europe and America. By 1974, just prior to the release of Natty Dread, both Peter and Bunny left the group to concentrate on their solo careers.

Bunny inaugurated his own Solomonic label upon which all of his recordings have since appeared in Jamaica. His first solo records, Searching For Love had emerged in limited quantities in the early 70s. Wailer’s subsequent albums continued with varying degrees of success, until he adapted to incorporate aspects of the burgeoning dancehall style, hitting big with records like Riding. An album of Bunny’ covers, Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers, garnered further critical plaudits, followed by a similar collection entitled Tribute To the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, in honor of the passing of his old spar. He has won a Grammy-Award three times.

Midnite: www.midniteband.com
Hailing from the Island of St Croix, Midnite is one of the most promising roots reggae bands of the millennium. They are vanguards of conscious reggae whose profound and innovative lyrics are sincere and deeply rooted. Their cd recordings and live performances will have reggae and non-reggae listeners open to the messages they bring.
 
Lead singer Vaughn Benjamin’s electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices in reggae–soulful, chanting, edgy. Vaughn’s potent lyrical style and his brother Ron’s exquisite musical directorship and outstanding bass lines form the nucleus of this group.  Sticks man Christian ‘Sly’ Molinna-Curet layes down crucial one-drops on drums, while Ankh Watep bubbles on keyboards.  Edmund Fieulleteau and Kenny Byron round out the crew with their excellent guitar work.  Midnite weaves the cultural lyrics of “old school” roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening encounter. Reggae – naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite’s musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements.
 
Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed 3 hours. Their vigorous, weighty sound, driven by the punchy bass lines creates a vibe that penetrates straight to the heart. These epic musical communions have earned Midnite an enormous following throughout the roots community.

Gladiators:
The Gladiators have been in the arena since 1967, when Albert Griffiths formed the legendary band—whose name was suggested to him during a bus ride by a traveler who had just seen the movie “Ben Hur.” The idea of men who fought for their liberty against Babylon immediately seduced the rasta and the name stuck, remaining a testament today to the hardness and struggle of Jamaica. From their first hit “Hello Carol” to their seminal classics Trenchtown Mix-Up and Proverbial Reggae, The Gladiators have always given the best of themselves in studio and on stage and proven that they are without protest one of the first real Roots Rock Reggae bands.

Twinkle Brothers with Della Grant: www.twinklemusic.com
The Twinkle Brothers hail from the north coast of Jamaica in the ghettos of Falmouth, the Parish of Trelawny. The two brothers, Norman and Ralston Grant, were baptized in the church of Anglican Diocese. They started singing in the Sunday school choir and concerts at the age of six and eight respectively. At that time they started to make their own instruments since they could no afford to buy them. They made guitars and drums from various tin cans (garbage can, sardine, milk, etc.) and fishing line.

From native tribal music, to spirituals, to blues to R&B, all of these musical elements have produced some of the greatest talents the world has seen. It is rare that you find a talent that embodies the evolution of music and speaks to the multitudes of generations both past and present. Della Grant is one of those innovators; her masterful mix of reggae, soul and gospel music has marked her territory in the world of music.

A gifted singer from a family of talented musicians, she has been singing since the age of six. Continuing a family legacy of gifted musicians, her husband Ralston Grant along with his brother Norman are the famed “Twinkle Brothers”. Her acceptance in the reggae community has been not only welcomed but also embraced. Her poise as a singer, her grace as an artist and her talent as a human being can be heard and seen through her music.

Soul Majestic: www.soulmajestic.com
West Coast based, nationally touring roots reggae band, Soul Majestic, was formed in the late 1990’s by lead singer and songwriter, Eric Iverson (a.k.a. Eric-I who joined forces with singer Oriana Sanders, guitarist David Lyons, and percussionist Brian Jarvis. Soul Majestic has strong roots in the local Santa Cruz and Bay Area music scene where they first introduced their blend of classic Caribbean rhythms, powerful, uplifting modern lyrics and an infectious stage energy that gets the young and the old, people of all colors of the rainbow up on their feet!
 
Along with their strong, universal messages incorporating such topics as the protection of our environment, political, social and economic concerns, and family, life and love (no recycled lyrics here, folks!), Soul Majestic stands out from the rest with their balance of male/female lead vocals. Overcoming assumptions one may make about a California reggae band, Soul Majestic has aligned themselves with and been welcomed by the most respected in the business – recording their second album at the legendary Tuff Gong Studio with some of the best artists Jamaica has to offer, touring nationally with world-renowned reggae greats and performing at some of the largest attended festivals in the US including Reggae on the River, Ragga Muffins, Earthdance, and Sierra Nevada World Music Festival to name just a few.

Prince Rastan:
Prince Rastan (Rastan M. Campbell), was born in Oakland, CA in 1990 and now lives in Santa Cruz, CA. His parents were both born and raised in Jamaica. He has five brothers and three sisters. He has been performing for 12 years, getting his start at the Annual RaggaMuffins Festival. In 2004, Rastan was awarded the Bob Marley Award for Lifetime Achievement for being the only artist ever to perform 10 years in a row at RaggaMuffins – from age four to 14! He has performed at many other festivals, concerts and clubs, including Reggae on the River, SNWMF, Monterey Bay Reggae Fest and the Peter Tosh Anniversary. His own style in dancehall reggae with a little blend of rap and hip hop. Past cds are “Father and Son” and “RMC”. Look for his next cd, “Wave Your Napkin” now!
Local, Reasonable Accommodations :

Hotels:

Santa Cruz Beach Inn – 600 Riverside Ave
831-458-9660
www.scbeachinn.com

Best Western Inn – 126 Plymouth
831-466-0571
http://www.bestwestern.com

Quality Inn – 1101 Ocean Street
831-427-1616
http://www.choicehotels.com

Americas Best Value Inn – 522 Ocean St
831-469-7158
http://americasbestvalueinn.com

University Inn & Conference Center – 611 Ocean St
831-426-7100
www.ucscinn.com

Mission Inn – 2250 Mission St
831-425-5455
www.mission-inn.com

Tent & RV Camping:

New Brighton Beach State Park
1500 Park Avenue Capitola, CA 95010
831-464-6330 or 831-464-6329
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/newbrighton/index.php

Seacliff State Park
201 State Park Dr Aptos, CA 95003
831-685-6500
RV only
For hookups you must reserve ahead of time – call 800-444-7275
For overflow non-reservation camping you must be self-contained
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/seacliff

More show info – www.santacruzdayz.com and www.raggamuffinsfestival.com or call 831-429-1325
For press inquires, contact Amy Shapas of So You Can at 831-479-0711 or amy@soyoucan.com

Amy Shapas
So You Can
831-479-0711 ph
831-479-4242 fax
soyoucan@sbcglobal.net
www.soyoucan.com