Moss Jacobs and Good Vibez are proud to announce the line-up for the 3rd Annual Santa Cruz Dayz 08′ on Friday, February 22, featuring the Jamaican powerhouse, ANTHONY B, the most revered in St. Croix’s roots, MIDNITE, the legendary Cool Ruler, GREGORY ISAACS, the European music star, GENTLEMAN, and rising California reggae performers, LION CAMP, featuring Jah Sun & Ishi Dube.   In celebration of Robert Nesta Marley, Santa Cruz Dayz 08′ features an amazing lineup of artists from around the world, craft and food vendors and the irie vibez synonymous with Good Vibez concerts! 

More show info www.myspace.com/goodvibezent and www.raggamuffinsfestival.com or call 831-479-0711

For press inquires, contact Amy Shapas of So You Can at 831-479-0711 or amy@soyoucan.com

3rd Annual Santa Cruz Dayz ’08
A Celebration of Robert Nesta Marley

Friday, February 22
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – 307 Church Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Doors at 6:30pm / Show at 7:00pm
$38 advance/$45 door
All Ages

Anthony B, Midnite, Gregory Isaacs, Gentleman and Lion Camp featuring Jah Sun & Ishi Dube
Plus Massive Sound International featuring Robert Rankin’ of KKUP & Spliff Skankin of KPFA

Tickets available at www.santacruztickets.com, the Santa Cruz Civic Box Office & the UCSC Box Office

Below are short bios on each artist.  Click on the link to read more about these greats!

Anthony B: www.anthonyb.com
Anthony B (born Keith Anthony 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.

"Fire pon Rome", "Rumour" and "Raid di Barn" were all early hits 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 Montego Bay, Jamaica – a consummate performer.  Anthony B, indeed another Reggae king in full musical swing!!

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 lays 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.

Gregory Isaacs: http://www.artistsonly.com/isaachm.htm
Gregory Isaacs ranks as one of the true superstars of reggae music, with a career that spans three decades and legions of loyal fans worldwide. Like many before him, he started his singing career in the early 70’s by working with a number of producers and entering various local talent competitions. To gain artistic freedom and financial control of his own work, Isaacs started his own African Museum label and shop in Kingston in 1973. His early recordings were responsible for the development of his singing style, love ballads with his cool relaxed nasal style, as well as his ease with songs about social protest. By 1980, Gregory had become one of the top stars in the reggae world, touring the UK and US extensively. His preeminence during this period was confirmed by the nickname of "Cool Ruler," given to him by critics and fans after the title of one his albums.

Over the years, Gregory Isaacs has worked hard to keep his legendary status and reputation in the reggae business second to none. Artists Only! released "Gregory Isaacs – Live at Maritime Hall" in conjunction with 2B1 label the fall of 1998 to a great response. This all new studio album "Turn Down The Lights," produced by the legendary Lloyd "King Jammys", really brings out the essence of this veteran singer, who sounds as strong as ever with the best up-to-date musical tracks.

Gentleman:  www.journeytojah.com
When Gentleman first left for Jamaica ten years ago, he didn’t know anybody there.  On the island, he got to know the rough country life where the living standard is more than poor when you compare it to western countries.  Jamaica has become a second home to the now 27-year old, and it is here that he found the elixir for his art. Gentleman is the prototype of a restless wanderer between two worlds. Two hearts beat in the breast of the traveler between Cologne and Kingston, but they both definitely beat in the rhythm of reggae.

In 1999, Gentleman released his highly acclaimed debut "Trodin On", which featured a wide variety of dancehall riddims.  Now it is time for "Journey To Jah". If "Trodin On" can be seen as a first bright watercolor, "Journey To Jah" is a monumental oil painting in Jamaica’s traditional colors yellow, read, and green. The brimful long-player pays tribute to the latest development of reggae: the return to roots reggae.  ‘Modern roots’ is what Gentleman calls this new artistic path, but this doesn’t mean that Gentleman renounced the dynamic energy of dancehall riddims. "Leave Us Alone", "Runaway" and "Long Face", are equal dancehall songs, where every beat fits like a straight punch. Here Gentleman can prove that his spirit knows no geographical limits – a fact that also explains the homogeneity of the album.

Lion Camp featuring Jah Sun & Ishi Dube: www.myspace.com/jahsunmusic

Welcome to the Lion Camp, an association of talented reggae artists who are both highly motivated and true to the spirit that reggae music was founded on. Lion Camp was created by Ishi Dube and Jah Sun as a means to unify like-minded artists through touring, recording, and promoting. With this strong network each artist helps the next one rise. In the spirit of Jamica’s national slogan "out of many, one people" Lion Camp reinforces the fact that…."Unity is Strength"

From the heart of Humboldt County, where the redwoods meet the Pacific, a new voice emerges in the world of reggae music. Jah Sun is an artist dedicated to global and social healing. Fusing the sounds of hip-hop, reggae and world music with conscious and uplifting lyrics, Jah Sun hopes to awaken the human spirit and inspire others to live to their ultimate potential.  Jah Sun’s debut album, "Height of Light" (More Love Productions & Moodswing Records, 2006), features some of reggae’s top recording artists such as Luciano, Junior Reid, Lutan Fyah and Grammy Award winner, Yami Bolo. In a world full of sex, bling and violence, Jah Sun shines through. He brings his message of love and unity to the masses with a variety of vocal styles.  From fierce hip-hop explosions like "Nuff a Dem" and melodic ballads paying respect to generations of family in "Circles and Cycles", to rootsy anthems like ‘More Love’ and sensual, dancehall licks in ‘Fyah Dance’ Jah Sun brings something for everyone.  Regardless of style, the common theme throughout all of his music maintains the messages of positivity, love and respect, and kindness to all.  In the words of Chuck Foster states in The Beat Magazine, "Jah Sun shines brightly on the "Height of Light"…the message remains positive and focused throughout…and offers some solution to the social problems addressed." (Vol. 26, 2007)

Rising star, Ishi Dube, is a seasoned musician who will surely become a widely recognized name in the world of reggae music. Though, he was born in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, Dube hails from the Kings Range mountains of Humboldt County where by the age of 3 he had developed a love for reggae music. By 6 years old Ishi was already being primed for a career in the performing arts. At 17 he formed his first band, the Soul Rebels. A few years (and a few bands) later Ishi was blossoming into a legitimate vocalist with a skilled band performing live at clubs, events and festivals. Now 26, Ishi Dube is bringing a genuine roots sound with a newer dancehall edge to the reggae massive everywhere. The release of his self-produced debut album, "MASSAGANA – Thanks and Praise" mixed with his natural talents and hard work will ensure this soul rebel has a promising career ahead of him. Appealing to people regardless of class, color or creed, Ishi’s lyrics range from political, to spiritual, to words of social change and the message is always positive. More love, everytime. Rastafari.

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

For press inquires, contact Amy Shapas of So You Can at 831-479-0711 or amy@soyoucan.com