Photo by Lottie Dread

Lexington, KY - On June 20th and 21st, Rob Dread and the KMA, blew the doors off the Atomic Café, located at 265 N. Limestone. “There has to be about 600 people out here”, said one Rob Dread follower on Friday night. Kentucky reggae music icon Rob Dread and the KMA, enticed us with some wicked dubs of Lovers Rock, Roots Reggae, Calypso, and Robs own brand of "Reggaedelic Stew". With the recent addition of veteran reggae artist, Ciam Carr, who is known for his velvety smooth vocals and unique master key strokes on guitar, this crew is very close to uninhibited in its approach to crowd pleasing. Rob Dread is an excellent prescription for stress relief. - Thadeus H. Catsby

Photo by Thadeus H. Catsby

Lottie Dread feeling Irie

Lexington’s 1st Reggae Festival

Lexington, KY - With mad respect the massive would like to say, “thank you" to Don Schoolfees (below right), who put together Lexington's first Reggae Festival held at the Varsity Club on June 28th. We will look for further highlights in the future. - Thadeus H. Catsby

Lexfest file photo

A Trip Across the Border with The Ark Band

Photo by Thadeus H. Catsby

Ark Band drummer - Terry Bobb

June was made particularly “ Irie” with the return to Lexington of The Ark Band, on June 27th and 28th, who has not been to the Lexington area since 1993. Eustace and Terry Bobb along with Gaboo, all from St. Lucia, came with newcomer Alvin on Keyboards and the Hip-Hop Rapper (more info to come). The mode was mostly calypso and some socca. During the break Eustace Bobb (pictured below) enchanted the audience with his steel drum. The Ark Band definitely created a mini-trip across the border. – Thadeus H. Catsby

Photo by Thadeus H. Catsby

Eustace Bobb and his Steel Drum