Greetings from Kyle Russell to you as a Registrant (or key attendant) 
of the KRucial Roots Reggae Fest & 10th Anniversary Reggae Ambassadors
Conference.

One Love to each and every one. I've taken on booking the Itals
nationally, and have interesting plans for the fall. But I wanted to
review the other weekend, and hope to get some feedback from I & I.

First, to those who couldn't make it because of other obligations - or 
could only attend a few events - we thank you for participating, even 
from afar. We hope this update and the word of mouth from those who were
here will encourage you to come to every event next time, whenever we 
gather next. We'd like to hear from you same way, your thoughts and 
observations after reading this.

Next, and this is truly heartfelt, we thank those who did come for their
participation and cooperation in all aspects of the weekend. You are the 
real reason I put this on. It was empowering to sit and reason with 
folks who have the same passion for the King's music. We all talk of 
what could and should be done - but just by showing up and being present
- you have done the hardest part. You are an inspiration to us all.

The Conference portion of the weekend was very positive and constructive.
It was a good thing we were able to add Sunday, we needed the extra time
for reasoning. Even the meet & greet Thursday night added vibes and got 
us acquainted (thanks to Mang Dub). Special thanks also goes out to the 
All Asia for providing the space and letting us do our thing. They were 
a Jah-send after Rhythm & Spice folded unexpectedly.

I would like each of you to forward to me a summary of what you thought 
was good (or worked) about the weekend; any suggestions you might have 
for future events (or repeats); and specifically what you plan on doing 
next in your own region, or what you envision next for RAW.

On the last Conference day, I summarized what I thought the weekend had
achieved:

For one, it revived the conference as a much-needed (and desired) focus 
for RAW after 4 years dormancy (out of 10). This was especially important,
and fitting, for the 10th Anniversary, and laid some groundwork for future
regional and global activity.

Next, the weekend generated a lot of new interest (including pre-Fest,
in-depth press coverage in 2 area papers), expanding RAW's name 
recognition dramatically (thousands of flyers went out). We certainly 
tripled RAW's New England & Massachusetts membership anyway.

Attendance was good for what was ultimately a first time event, unique, 
and groundbreaking. We held our own in spite of the unfortunate 
competitive booking of 3 significant reggae shows in town (on every night
of the same weekend). We scheduled, and made other promoters well aware 
of our movements long in advance, oh well. But this demonstrates the 
viability of a multi-day event of this nature, regardless of what else 
may be going on in town.

Russell Gerlach was not able to attend due to professional obligations, 
but we had no shortage of topics to cover, and the vibes went on same way.
We even got to watch and discuss the Roskind's One Love video. And 
Florida video personality Suki passed through to interview and mix with 
the massive.

The people at Bill's Friday were there for Dub Station (as opposed to
walk-ins from the Red Sox game that night), and represented the most
diverse audience of the weekend. Dub Station's backing all weekend was
exceptional, and a tribute to the diversity of the various RAW artists
featured (Zema; Paul Wayne; Dion Knibb; I-Tal Fire; Skiffington;
Nachilus; Runskie, Live Wire & Cutty; I Rebel Soul; and Marquis Melody),
and showcased each one in the best possible light. Give thanks to all the
singers and players of instruments who came forward to share their craft.

Various sponsors, including the labels Heartbeat, ROIR, VP, and
Sanctuary/RAS were also quite generous in supplying us give-away bonus
bags for registrants, we thank them heartically.

The mostly young folk and jam-band fans were happy to check Midnite's
trance-like set on Saturday, at the Middle East downstairs, which is
certainly a destination venue, not a walk-in nightspot. A more mature
audience (including some dreads unseen at shows for years, alongside the
Bill's Sunday regulars) was treated to a superlative delivery by Ras
Michael & the Sons (and daughter, Zema) of Negus, a welcome treat after
more than 10 years away from the East Coast.

All in all, it was a weekend to remember, and a good foundation for 
future works.

Giving thanks, Kyle Russell (RAW #238)