REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 16 January 2008

By Jesse I

While 2007 was a big year for Melbourne reggae in terms of touring artists, and it’s looking like 2008 may deliver even more - in the first half of the year alone!

January 27 brings the slightly unusual pairing of Lady Saw (dancehall’s first-lady of hardcore) and Bunny Rugs (lead singer of Third World) to the Espy Gershwin Room. Being held in the tradition of Gaz Mayall’s famous London night "Gaz’s Rocking Blues", this looks set to be one hell of a party, but it will be very interesting to see what the Melbourne massive make of the salacious Lady Saw - for many this will not only be their first taste of a female reggae artist, but also their first experience of a hardcore slackness DJ. If nothing else, I can definitely promise that this night will not be boring!

Jamaican sing-jay Junior Kelly will be the next international to touch down here, when he plays alongside Birmingham’s Overproof Soundsystem, and G.Corp (DJ set) at the Corner Hotel on February 7. Kelly burst onto the reggae scene in 2000, when his song "Love So Nice" went to number one on the Jamaican charts, and remained there for 15 weeks. Since then he’s managed to maintain a very high standard with his releases, and has proven himself one of the most versatile artists in reggae - he can move with ease between old-school DJ style, hardcore bashment, and straight-up singing, in a way that few others can. If you’re a fan of the modern roots sound, don’t miss this one!

Next month it looks like we’ll be treated to another of Jamaica’s top female acts, with Tanya Stephens slated to appear at the Espy on February 22. Even those with only a passing interest in reggae should know her massive hit "It’s A Pity" from 2003, but as one of Jamaica’s better lyricists, her catalog is very deep, and her live shows are first class. There is talk of another Jamaican artist being added to the bill for this night, so watch this space for more info as it comes.

Following that, it’s all about the legendary Bunny Wailer, who will be playing with his "Solomonic Reggaestra" and Bedouin Soundclash on March 17 at the Palace Theatre (formerly the Metro). As one of the original Wailers (alongside Bob Marley and Peter Tosh), few others have as much claim to the title "legend of reggae music" as Bunny, and given his reluctance to leave Jamaica, this tour is something seriously special.

In the mean time, "Australia’s premiere mobile music fun box" SoCo Cargo is set up at the St Kilda triangle (next to the Palais Theatre) and is putting on reggae every Thursday night this month. Tomorrow you can catch the Red Eyes play live, while Watussi launch their album on January 24, and Symbiosis play on January 31. This truly is a unique venue, so check it out before it moves on.

This Friday is Riddim Method at the Croft Institute, with residents Housewife’s Choice and Rise Up Sound joined by guests Art Official (from NZ’s Nice Up Crew), Maruza, Comrade Dub, Ernest and Papa Stylee. Also on Friday night is the Brunswick Summer Splash at the Noise Bar, with proceeds going to the Abebech Gobena orphanage and school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Art Official will be playing at this also, as will Mista Savona (DJ set), New Lost City (live polit-rock reggae), Redbelly, Binghi Fire, Nukc, Marabou, and the Underbelly Dancehall Showcase. Respect to Ali MC for making this happen!

Binghi Fire and Redbelly are putting on a new early-evening session 4-10pm this Saturday at the Horn in Collingwood, featuring not just reggae music, but also Ethiopian food and African beers - sounds like a winning combination!

Likewise, you can’t really go wrong with beers, BBQ, and reggae in the sunshine - which is what Systa bb and DJ Delay present at Foundation, every Saturday arvo over summer at the Arts Center Curve Bar from 4-8pm. Alongside the hosts themselves, this Saturday you can catch guest selection from Troublemaker, followed in subsequent weeks by Foundation Stepper, Sister Selekta, and The Professor.

Heartical Hi-Fi and Wobble are joining forces on January 25 for a massive 12-hour mash-up of dub, reggae, jungle, DnB and dubstep at the Night Owl bar. DJs for this one include Derek M, Steve Austin, Cassawarrior, Foundation Stepper, Sista Itations, Binghi Fire, Redbelly, Ranking Yoni, and Unsoundboy, plus MC Jornick, and nuff more - and it’s all free!

January 26 is Pressure Drop at Laundry, and they’ll be celebrating Invasion Day with free beer from 10-11pm. Joining residents Natty Sistren and Nich Power will be Night Nurse, Ranking Yoni, and Lady Banton.

February 2nd brings the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash to the Corner Hotel, this year featuring live band Irie as well as Stick Mareebo, Papa Dalton, Jesse I, Ras Crucial, Damajah, Dizzy Dee, and more.

Finally, Chant Down Sound’s next More Fire dance takes place at Brown Alley on February 9. This will be the last Melbourne show for Rise Up Sound before they return to France - big ups to Professor Vince and Mighty San for the wicked contributions they’ve made to the local scene. Other guests on the night include Unity Sounds, Tiger, and Armagideon Time.