Etana embarks on busy tour schedule

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Roots-Reggae singer Etana has a full schedule ahead of her as 2011 is shaping up to be a year that she will spend on the road.

The Roots singer jetted off for a tour of the United States last weekend and has upcoming tours of the Caribbean and Europe scheduled for later on in the year. Still, she insists that she will be in Jamaica for at least one show this year. "I definitely want to do Sumfest," she said.

But according to the singer's road manager, Junior Fraser, that may be one of the few chances local fans will get to see Etana perform.

"This is going to be a very busy year, especially now that she has a fabulous new album out that I am sure is going to be a hit," he said.

Etana's latest album, Free Expressions, was released February 8 to rave reviews, and the tour dates will be coming fast and furious as the singer promotes her latest work.

The tour dates began with a performance at Club Pana in Tampa, Florida, on Friday. Stops followed at the Hard Rock Café in Orlando and De Real Ting Café in Jacksonville, respectively.

From there, Etana was to embark on a radio blitz in the tri-state area that includes appearances on Power 105 in New York and Hot 97 in Boston.

Performances in Indianapolis, Rhode Island, Syracuse, Washington, and Bridgeport follow in early March, and they will be followed by show dates in St Louis, Kansas City, and Columbus by mid-March.

In April, it's South America's turn to enjoy Etana's music as she is down to perform on shows in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Afterwards, it's back to Jamaica for a couple of shows, including the curry festival.

Fraser revealed that the hectic schedule also includes shows in Texas, California, and Arizona in May before Europe for the various reggae festivals in June and July.

Winter dates are also on the calendar for Europe between October and November as well as dates in the United Kingdom where the singer's music is hugely popular.

"There is a lot to do because we are even getting calls for her to perform in the Cyprus Islands, Istanbul and Australia," Fraser revealed.

"Africa is going to come up in there somewhere, too. There are a lot of things to get done."