Ska at core of Music Fest

Tomorrow night, Heather's Restaurant and Lounge, 9 Haining Road, New Kingston, hosts Ska Rebirth band and special guest artiste Strangejah Cole in Music Fest. There will also be recorded music presented by Dexter 'Ska Professor' Campbell and an after party with Senor Daley of Klassique Disco/Rae Town fame.

Ska Rebirth, formed in January 2012, is Jamaica's only ska band, fitting in with Jamaica 50 as it is reviving the early days of recorded Jamaican popular music. Conceived by the band's drummer and musical director Winston 'Sparrow' Martin, Ska Rebirth plans to launch its first album in August, during the week of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence.

Martin is also celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music business this year, as is Strangejah Cole.

Most of the members of Ska Rebirth are Alpha Boy's School graduates under 26 years old. The band performed at the 16th Jazz & Blues Festival in Trelawny last month.

Music Fest is a joint promotion of the Vinyl Record Collectors Association (Jamaica Chapter) and Ska Rebirth. In December 2011, the VRCA donated $150,000 to Alpha in recognition and appreciation of the tremendous musical talent the institution has put out and continues to nurture, making an invaluable contribution to Jamaican music.

Music Fest is the start of VRCA's programme for Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence.