(¯`·._(¯`·......Wha Gwaan in R.A.W......·´¯)_.·´¯) Friday, September 21, 2007 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ *INDEX [1] Katchafire- "Say What You're Thinking" [2] Native Elements at Pier 23 this Weekend!!! [3] Ras Alan interview & September 2007 performance [4] RENEGADE REGGAE CALENDAR [5] Roots Splash V featuring Army, Ancient King & Mystic Vision Saturday, Sept 29th [6] THE WISDOM OF RASTA JESSE DAWN (updated SEPT 21. CONSCIOUS STUFF! [7] Nomination form for Board Elections _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ [1] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Mark Taylor [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Katchafire- "Say What You're Thinking" Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:29:53 –0500 From: Mark Taylor New Zealand's #1 group, Katchafire reaches a new level of musical depth and maturity on their third U.S. release. "Say What You're Thinking" brings 12 original tracks with jazz, pop, rock and even hip- hop influences enhancing a solid roots reggae foundation. The harmonies are tighter, the songwriting more compelling, and the band's instrumental prowess is up a couple of notches. Touring the world and finding new fans all over the Pacific, Hawai'i, Europe and the mainland U.S. in the past year and a half has seasoned this group and expanded their musical horizons. The results are truly world class. Katchafire is well-known for trading instruments among themselves during their marathon live shows. This versatility is demonstrated as never before on "Say What You're Thinking", with no less than five different band members sharing songwriting and lead vocal duties. Frontman Logan Bell contributes four tunes including "Meant To Be", an instant classic love song already getting major airplay on all the Hawaiian Islands. Jamey Ferguson delivers his unmistakable raspy leads on four more, including the thoughtful title track and gospel- tinged "Doesn't Anybody". Percussionist Leon Davey shows off his vocal skills on "Now Girl" and "Love Letter", as does drummer Jordan Bell on "J Dubb". And keyboardist Hani Totorewe shines on "This World", a timely piece of social commentary that's positive and uplifting without being preachy. With double platinum status and over 100,000 records sold in their home market, Katchafire graced the cover of New Zealand Musician earlier this year. Last year they conquered Hawai'i, becoming the first non-local band ever to headline the KCCN Birthday Bash at the Waikiki Shell. Their first two albums "Revival" and "Slow-Burning" hit the national Reggae and World Music charts hard. With the musical evolution evident on their latest release, combined with their relentless tour schedule and phenomenal live shows, it's only a matter of time before the whole world is Katchafire country. Looking forward to your feedback on this- click below for more! Thanks, Mark T. 888-441-7440 http://www.myspace.com/katchafireofficial http://www.katchafire.co.nz/ [2] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Native Elements [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Native Elements at Pier 23 this Weekend!!! Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:30:36 EDT From: Greetings, Just wanted to put out a reminder that we will be performing at Pier 23 this weekend, Saturday Sept. 22nd (instead of the 29th). As always our resident selector, DJ Arrow of Youth Fiya Sound Crew will be on the 1's and 2's spinning the hottest bubblers straight from yard between sets. Please let everyone know that the reggae party will be in session this Saturday under the tent and stars on the back patio at Pier 23. Much love and respect. As a side note our bredren from Oahu, Humble Soul will be performing at Pier 23 the following night (Sun 9/23) backed by THC. Go deh! Guidance, Native Elements Band The San Francisco Treat! www.native-elements.com SAT. 9/22 10PM PIER 23 CAFE, SF Native Elements + DJ Arrow Shandog on the dub mix 21 & up $10 [3] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Ras Alan [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Ras Alan interview & September 2007 performance From: Ras Alan Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:34:23 -0500 (EST) Greetings friends! Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine just published an interview with Ras Alan on the topics of Appalachian reggae and reggabilly. Check the article and a cool magazine dealing with southern Appalachia at: http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/content/September-2007/Ras-Alan/ Ras Alan & The Lions will close out the annual 3 day Flatrock Music Festival on the Main Stage at Lake Ton-a-Wondah in Flat Rock, NC, on Sunday afternoon, September 30, at 3pm. Remember the Lion's set at the 2004 festival on Saturday night, right after Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys? Reggabilly! Other performers at Flatrock this year include The Subdudes, Barefoot Manner, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Waybacks, Randall Bramlett Band, Ginn Sisters, Whippersnappers Family Band, Sol Driven Train and many others. Come welcome in the changing (hopefully!) of the seasons at this mountain family festival. More info at http://www.flatrockmusicfestival.com/ Thank you one and all for your positive words, deeds and vibes throughout this long, hot summer. Got some pickles and salsa from the garden canned, the children continue to grow and learn and make us proud, there's a big pile of firewood to split and ever more reggabilly songs... Respect, Ras Alan Red Pepper Records http://www.appalachianreggae.com http://www.sonicbids.com/rasalan http://www.cdbaby.com/all/rasalan http://www.myspace.com/rasalan [4] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kaati [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: RENEGADE REGGAE CALENDAR Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:00:19 -0700 From: Kaati RENEGADE REGGAE CALENDAR - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA www.renegadeshows.com 530-583-2801 Thursday, September 27 ISRAEL VIBRATION AND ROOTS RADICS also Zion Roots Harlows, Sacramento, CA Doors Open at 8:00 pm/9:00 pm 21 and over $20.00 advance Tuesday, October 9 MIDNITE ­ reggae from St. Croix, VI Harlows, Sacramento, CA $20 adv/$25 day of show Doors 8:30/Showtime 9 21 + Thursday, October 25 GROUNDATION - reggae Harlows, Sacramento, CA Doors 8/Showtime 9pm $15 21+ www.renegadeshows.com 530-583-2801 Kaati #111 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE P.O. Box 50635 Reno, NV 89513 (775) 337-8344 fax: 775/337-6499 Sign up for our weekly Reggae Festival e-guide newsletter Go to [5] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Jah Breeze [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Roots Splash V featuring Army, Ancient King & Mystic Vision Saturday, Sept 29th From: Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:22 PM Could you please post to "Whaa a Gwaan" Newsletter: Saturday, September 29th, The Ethiopian Millennium Celebration at Ibex Ethiopian Café 3219 MLK Jr. Way South in Seattle will feature Army, Ancient King, the Blackseed Band from St. Croix and Mystic Vision from New Mexico. Combining Army with Ancient King and a Mystic Vision Mix is pure Joy and exhilaration. Army's vocal is soothing but poignant, while Ancient King brings the eruption with the conquering sound. Mystic Vision anchors the lineup with their Native Roots Sound, Like all previous Jah Breeze RAW #85 Productions, this is another Jubilee of Zion. Don't miss the consciousness movement at it best,"The Seeds of Truth" Tour. For more information www.jahbreeze.com, www.mindfulmarket.com, www.ticketswest.com.....Selah!!!! [6] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Jesse Dawn [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: THE WISDOM OF RASTA JESSE DAWN (updated SEPT 21. CONSCIOUS STUFF! Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:33:06 -0700 (PDT) From: jessetheone HELLO RAW! THIS IS GOOD CONSCIOUS STUFF! PLEASE POST! GREETINGS FROM RAW MEMBER 1656 FOR WHA GWAAN: THE WISDOM OF RASTA JESSE DAWN--- LYRICS FROM HIS LATEST SONG TITLED SAVED BY REGGAE (Jesse Dawn, Sept 21, 2007) Maybe they¹re tired of seeing my face--- But they can¹t get me outta the race--- East Coast to California--- To Mexico, Asia, Hawaii and Australia--- Steady-releasing musical licks--- From 1975 to 2006--- Hangin¹ IN to de mix--- Hangin¹ ON to my face--- Knowin¹ my proper place--- Steady keepin¹ up de pace--- Releasing 6 good albums and 2 good books--- Released despite all the screwfaced looks--- Countless self-designed concerts I made--- So no Babylon business could corrupt them or invade--- Even though I couldn't make a profit--- My productions kept going, nothing could stop it--- Rasta in control---CONSCIOUS and lean--- Dreadlock at the Wheel, a TRUE rootsman scene--- Youthman style all the while--- Keepin¹ BOB in my soul‹ Getting more and more WHOLE--- Getting STRONGER by the hour--- All along the Watchtower--- Looking FOR the Promised Land--- Where I CAN overstand--- As ZION NOW is my place--- Finally DONE with the Rat-Race. Yes, you could say, I¹ve come a LONG way, From livin in an Arizona trailer, One step ahead of the jailer, After setting aflame the door to my college, Cause all they taught was Babylonian knowledge, Back when cops beat me down for rebelling, And where I was headed, I could not be telling, Back in the days when I still liked to fight, And would rage on crazily thru the night, A wild desperado, filled with lust and bravado. But then I discovered the REGGAE REVOLUTION, And hosting reggae riots in Berkeley became my solution, Then I became a reggae radio DJ, Then came my rootsman band, as a way to have a say, Then off to LA to play a BIGGER reggae scene, Then to the Philippines, to escape Reagan¹s crazy dream, From there it was down-under, Australian clubs I would plunder, And when my Aussie visa ran out, I gave east Hawaii a shout, Where it all came together, Rising above the rainy weather, With JAH spirit as my guide, I took a LONG reggae ride, I took it to the top, I could not be stopped, Till I finally passed the candle, Back to a Philippine life I could handle, Far better than all the stress in the U.S., A place that¹s become a Bush-whacked mess, So I¹m a neutral expatriate now, Just looking out my window sayin WOW! Does it get any better than this? Roll over sweet jungle-baby love, And please bliss me another kiss, Rub-a-dubbin to the music, Letting by-gones go bye, Cause no matter WHERE we are, Rasta reggae is SO HIGH, Feelin and reelin, reaching and teaching, RASTAFARI SELAH For a Jesse Dawn bio see www.hawaiireggae.com [7] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Tom [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #33] Subject: Nomination form for Board Elections Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 5:05 PM From: "Jah Son" Greetings! The deadline for nominations for upcoming Board Elections is quickly approaching. Nominations have been received for some positions, but not for others. R.A.W members are encouraged to consider submitting nominations for any of the positions listed below. The deadline for nomination submission is Sept 28th. Details are included below. Respect! Tom #33 ************************************************************************** R.A.W now accepting Nominations for its Board of Directors (08/02/07) Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (R.A.W) is an international network of committed Reggae enthusiasts who have joined forces to spread the positive vibes of Reggae music to the four corners of the earth. In 2006, this non-profit corporation adopted Bylaws outlining the organizational of its governance, which consists of a Board of Executive Directors and a Board of General Directors. Pursuant to these Bylaws, nominations are being accepting through September 28, 2007, for the Executive and General Director positions listed below. Thereafter, ballots will be sent out to all R.A.W members for an Election to be completed by mid-November. These are all voluntary (unpaid) positions. Below are the: A) Executive and General Director positions available for election by the General Membership; B) necessary qualifications for those positions; C) details regarding the nomination process; and D) descriptions for each of the positions. Please note that, while you must be a R.A.W member in order to be eligible to fill these positions, you can join R.A.W at the same time you submit your nomination. A. Positions to be Elected from the General Membership: Executive Board of Directors Positions: 1. Secretary 2. Treasurer General Directors Positions: 1. Public Relations & Media Director 2. Web Site Director 3. Online Communication Director 4. Offline Communication Director 5. DJ & Labels Director 6. Performing Artists Director 7. Committed Reggae Fans Director The ³Job Description² for each of these positions is detailed in Section C below. Your eligibility to serve as a Director will be verified prior to ballots being sent out, per the existing Board¹s discretion. B. Required Qualifications: 1. You must be a R.A.W Member (though if you¹re not, you can join now to run) 2. You can only be nominated for one position 3. You must have and be able to use email with some frequency (at least weekly) C. Nomination Process Details: Each Nomination must include: 1. The Candidate's Name & Full Contact Information, including Email Address; 2. The Candidate¹s R.A.W Membership Number (or membership fee & application form, if candidate is not currently a member); 3. The Position Desired (Members can only run for one position at a time); 4. The qualifications, experience & skill-set makes which makes the person right for the position; 5. A Mission Statement detailing what the nominee envisions doing and contributing to R.A.W if elected to the position; 6. A signed statement by the nominee stating: ³I have read the Bylaws; I have and use email every (or almost every) day; this nomination is being made with my permission; and I will serve and perform as required if elected to the Board.² The following may also be included (or requested by the existing Board: recommendations from fellow R.A.W members, previous colleagues or others who can vouch for your talents. Please download the ³2007 Candidate Nomination/Application Form² from www.ReggaeAmbassadors.org or request that a hard copy be mailed to you if you don¹t have email access. Whether self-submitting or doing so for another individual, forms must be received by Kyle Russell on or before September 28, 2007 by email to ReggaePR@aol.com or via postal service (utilizing the Certified, Return Receipt Requested services to insure receipt) to: Kyle Russell P.O. Box 440263 Somerville, MA 02144 USA D. Duties and Job Description for Board Positions: Below are the ³Job Descriptions² for each of the Board Positions that will be voted on. These are taken from R.A.W¹s bylaws, which are available online at: http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/bylaws/R.A.WBylaws_01-2006.pdf Secretary ­ The Secretary shall: 1. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and General Meetings (with physical and electronic records kept in known locations). 2. Give or provide for the giving of all notices in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law. 3. Be custodian of R.A.W records, official forms, the seal of R.A.W (when or if such a seal is developed). 4. Provide that the seal of R.A.W is affixed to all official R.A.W documents. 5. Perform all duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors. 6. The Secretary oversees and is responsible for the effective fulfillment of duties undertaken by the On line & Off line Communications Directors, as well as the Public Relations & Media Director, and may, if qualified and able, assist in web site management. Treasurer ­ The Treasurer shall: 1. Be responsible for carrying out the mandates of the Board of Directors in overseeing the financial resources of R.A.W including, but not limited to cash, securities, stocks, bonds, and all other property, personal or real, owned by R.A.W. 2. Cause to be kept all the books of account of the business and transactions of R.A.W (revenues, expenses, and debt). 3. Chair the Finance Committee and, if required, insure that the annual accounts are properly audited by an independent certified public accountant. 4. Make the organization¹s books available to the Board as a whole,to which the Treasurer is directly accountable. 5. Share responsibility with the Membership Director for the accurate tracking of membership dues (incoming funds from new membership and renewal dues). 6. Maintain records of special funds designated for sponsorships and other projects. 7. Reimburse authorized R.A.W expenditures 8. Compile and submit an Annual Financial Report. 9. If qualified and able, assist other Executive Directors in their duties or help supervise specific General Directors. PR & Media Coordinator: a. Write and distribute press releases for R.A.W news, events and projects b. Edit official R.A.W communications c. Oversee the compilation of a ³R.A.W-friendly² Reggae media list d. Provide publicity services for R.A.W conferences and events e. Provide information on marketing/PR/publicity services to R.A.W members Web Site Director: a. Update, maintain and administer R.A.W¹s web site b. Maintain and update the list of R.A.W Member web sites c. Post and update R.A.W news and Reggae news items d. Develop and install a message board system and a more thoroughly cross-referenced demographics page e. Develop R.A.W¹s on-line marketing efforts On Line Communications Coordinator: a. Welcome new on line Members and provide them with updated Email and URL R.A.Wsters, and a list of important contacts within R.A.W b. Send information packets to On Line individuals who are interested in joining R.A.W c. Collect on line information (tour schedules, press releases, requests for assistance, etc.) and post them as often as twice weekly within ³Wha¹ Gwaan in R.A.W? (WGIR)² Off Line Communications Coordinator: a. Welcome new R.A.W Members who don¹t have access to the Internet (i.e., are ³off line²) b. Provide, upon request, information on possible avenues to get on line (no cost and low cost options are available!), as well as send information packets to Off Line individuals who are interested in joining R.A.W c. Assemble, print and distribute information and communications between on line members to off line Members; likewise furnishing off line prospective members with interest in R.A.W with information about the organization (in both cases, budgetary & time constraints may limit what can be done, and how often) d. Provide, with a team of R.A.W volunteers, the opportunity for off line members to post their communications to on line Members and to the R.A.W Forum Record Label & Deejay Coordinator: a. Welcome new Record Label & Deejay Members to R.A.W b. Develop and maintain an up-to-date Member Record Label & Deejay database c. Facilitate communications between Record Labels and Deejays d. Facilitate reporting between Deejays and Members responsible for R.A.W BUBBLERS e. Distribute a ³New Member Welcome Kit² to Record Labels & Deejays: the Kit will contain useful information on R.A.W networking, including the effective use of radio play lists and label reports; how to share news and information; detailed methods (for Deejays) on how to obtain promotional music, and effective ways (for Labels) to secure feedback, publicity, and air play for their releases Performing Artists Coordinator: a. Welcome new R.A.W Members in the Performing Artists category b. Periodically poll R.A.W artists to arrive at a better understanding of their needs and interests, and learn how the Performing Artists Coordinator can assist the artists c. Suggest ways to utilize R.A.W Membership and the R.A.Wster to forward a career as a Performing Artist by networking with Dee Jays, fans, venues, and promoters d. Provide or direct Performing Artists to sample performance contracts, stage plot and technical rider forms e. Provide tips to Performing Artists on booking and advancing gigs, and network with other R.A.W Members in all categories to update and improve the tips and techniques for Performing Artists. Committed Reggae Fans Coordinator: a. Welcome all new Committed Reggae Fan Members b. Encourage Committed Reggae Fans to use the R.A.Wster to its fullest potential c. Respond to inquiries regarding R.A.W benefits, including R.A.W discounts d. Inform Committed Reggae Fans how to bring more live Reggae music to their home towns e. Provide tips on how to help events be successful f. Show Committed Reggae Fans how to ³adopt² R.A.W artists in their areas g. Share examples and/or strategies of how Committed Reggae Fans can become members of the industry and support Reggae in a more professional capacity h. Advise Committed Reggae Fans how to increase their involvement in Reggae music through R.A.W networking, and share philosophies on being a true Reggae Ambassador ============================================================================ #4 2007 Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (R.A.W) Candidate Nomination/Application Form Positions Available to the General Membership: Executive Board --------------- 1. Secretary 2. Treasurer General Directors ----------------- 1. Public Relations & Media Director 2. Web Site Director 3. Online Communication Director 4. Offline Communication Director 5. DJ & Labels Director 6. Performing Artists Director 7. Committed Reggae Fans Director Whether self-nominating, or preparing this form for someone else, please fill-in and submit all Nomination/Application sections below, and deliver on or before September 28, 2007 to Kyle Russell via email at ReggaePR@aol.com or by postal service to Kyle Russell PO Box 440263 Somerville, MA 02144 USA (utilizing the Certified and/or Return Receipt Requested services, to verify receipt). 1. Candidate's Name & Full Contact Information. 2. R.A.W # (current status may be researched or queried by the Membership Director) or membership fee & application form (via the Sign Up form available at www.ReggaeAmbassadors.org), if candidate is not currently a member. 3. Position Desired: select (1) position per application. 4. Qualifications, what in your experience & skill-set makes you the right person for the position. 5. Recommendations (to be furnished voluntarily, or upon follow-up request by the Board). 6. Mission Statement, what you envision doing and contributing to R.A.W through the position. 7. Verification via signed statement of the nominee that: ³I have read the ByLaws; I have and use email every (or almost every) day; this nomination is being made with my permission; and I will serve and perform as required if elected to the Board.² Once submitted, Petitions, which will be the basis of your appearance on the ballot, and thus, should not to be amended or rescinded. *********************************************************************** In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty Forward the Reggae Vibe...Every Time ! Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Tom Pearson R.A.W.#33 http://www.reggaeambassadors.org ************************************************************************* < R.A.W. Disclaimer > "Any and all statements, views, and opinions expressed in the 'Wha' Gwaan in R.A.W?' newsletter are those of individual members of Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide, Inc. (R.A.W.). R.A.W. is not responsible for the veracity, or for the content, of any R.A.W. member's statement, views, and/or opinions included in this newsletter."