This weekend marks the return of Rock, Reggae & Relief by The Piatt Family Foundation at Forbes Avenue for another musical-charitable event that supports Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.
Male artists dominated roots reggae during its 1970s heydays in both North America and overseas; however, since then it has seen an emergence of female artists reflecting a Rastafari-influenced shift in power dynamics between man and woman.
The Flow Band
Flow is an up-and-coming Japanese dance rock band renowned for their work with anime titles like Naruto, Eureka Seven and Code Geass. Composed of members Koshi Asakawa and Takeshi Asakawa along with vocalist Keigo Hayashi, bassist Yasutaro Goto and drummer Hiroshi Iwasaki; their music blends intricate composition with engaging groove-based performances.
Their debut single, “FLOW#0”, became an instant audience favorite thanks to its creative instrumentation and two vocalists singing alternately and together – instantly making an impressionful first impression in Japan. Following that success was “Colors”, which quickly rose up the charts to reach number one on Indie Chart.
FLOW has quickly garnered an enthusiastic following since their debut album was released, garnering praise from media such as Zone Music Reporter, Contemporary Fusion Review and World Music Central.
Reggae music with its tropical drum beats and dancehall rhythms tends to be associated with warmer months, making it challenging for bands like The Flow Band to maintain consistent performance schedules in Pittsburgh during winter months. But its members have found creative solutions for making the most of limited opportunities afforded them by our freezing climate.
The band has earned acclaim for their exciting live shows. They are popular choices at festivals, college campuses and local bars and clubs; performing alongside some of the biggest names in reggae and African music.
Private events, such as weddings and birthday parties, often call for live music performances by professional bands. Whatever size venue may be required for an event’s success, these professional musicians have all of the expertise required for success.
This weekend, The Flow Band will be performing at Paradise Beach on Neville Island for free and open to the public! Don’t miss this incredible chance to experience reggae music on one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful beaches! This show is free and open to everyone.
Delroy “Fresh D” Stewart
Delroy “Fresh D” Stewart has earned himself the reputation as an exceptional vocalist both live and in the studio, recording hundreds of reggae dancehall songs for Winston Riley’s Techniques label and others including Pickout Super Love Top Rankin El Paso Records. With an exquisite vocal range and style all his own, Delroy “Fresh D” Stewart can take even familiar songs and transform them into something completely fresh with his distinctive vocal tone and unique vocal stylings. A veteran musician, Delroy has performed at numerous music festivals as well as touring extensively across United States as a touring performer and touring artist.
The Island Gold Band, a top Pittsburgh band, features experienced musicians and powerful singers with an eclectic repertoire that covers multiple genres and is guaranteed to provide entertainment at any event, such as weddings, parties or corporate functions. Their versatility makes them the ideal choice for special celebrations such as weddings, parties or corporate functions.
Dub music, with roots in early ska era musicians slowing down beats and rhythms for slower dancing, was pioneered by artists such as King Tubby and Lee Perry and often features instrumental versions of popular reggae songs that exudes atmosphere and psychedelia.
The band is an exciting multi-instrumental ensemble performing reggae and Caribbean music in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Their members boast more than 30 years of professional musical performance experience as supporting acts as well as headlining acts at venues nationwide.
Slightly Stoopid is an established rock/reggae band with over 10 years of performing under their belts. Their energetic reggae music mixes effortlessly with rock, funk and folk; evidenced on their latest album entitled “Everyday Life, Everybody People”.
This weekend marks the 6th Annual Rock Reggae and Relief festival on Forbes Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh, benefiting the Piatt Family Foundation’s Catapult Greater Pittsburgh initiative. Sublime with Rome, Slightly Stoopid, Tropidelic as well as local reggae talent Keystone Vibe and Roots of Creation will all perform in support of this initiative and help residents in need as well as make positive impacts in Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
The Original Wailers
The Original Wailers have become synonymous with reggae music since being formed in Kingston, Jamaica in 1963 as a ska vocal group known as Teenagers or Wailing Rudeboys; later they would evolve into full-time unit with members such as Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston Peter Tosh and Barrett brothers as full-time players and released classic albums like Catch a Fire and Burnin’.
In 1978, Bob Marley and the Wailers released Kaya, which became an incredible success both domestically and abroad. Survival (1979) and Uprising (1980) followed, though Marley had died from melanoma only months earlier in May 1981. Even so, touring continued, and in 1984 Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers sold millions copies worldwide.
Rock Reggae and Relief 2022 is an annual music festival in downtown Pittsburgh that brings reggae tunes, unity, and feel-good vibes while raising money for local nonprofits. Organized by the Piatt Family Foundation and featuring both internationally acclaimed artists as well as local talent alike. This year’s concert will benefit Cafe Momentum Pittsburgh; an award-winning restaurant which provides life skills training programs as well as employment opportunities to youth involved with justice systems.
Apart from music, this festival will also offer other forms of entertainment. These activities include yoga workshops such as Dub Yoga Plus and Truth and Rites’ performance by The Flow Band; providing attendees with an excellent opportunity to experience Jamaican culture and cuisine first-hand.
The lineup for the festival boasts some of the biggest names in rock reggae music, such as Slightly Stoopid, Sublime with Rome, Tropidelic and Roots of Creation. The event will take place downtown along Forbes Avenue with a pre-party at Roost near Market Square before all proceeds going directly to Piatt Family Foundation which supports nonprofits that strive to enhance community life.
UB40
UB40 was formed in Birmingham, England in 1978 during a time when ska and reggae music was immensely popular in Britain. Although initially unsuccessful, their success quickly increased over time; playing clubs as well as appearing in Sharon Stone films. They became well-known for charity work and social activism. Their music was inspired by Jamaican culture and had an overarching message of love and peace; its members came from diverse backgrounds yet shared an appreciation of reggae music which formed what’s known today as an “euphoric blend of pop and reggae.” Now an international phenomenon; their members have appeared on multiple TV shows/movies
Beginning as just a group of neighborhood friends meeting and practicing together in a basement, UB40 earned its name from filling out an unemployment benefits form for members to complete. Yet despite having working-class roots, they rose to become one of the world’s most successful reggae bands; performing to this day while selling more than 100 million records worldwide.
UB40’s latest single, Champion, serves as the official theme song for the 2022 Commonwealth Games being hosted in Birmingham, England. The song includes inspiring footage of athletes past and present competing at these Games alongside an upbeat reggae beat; its lyrics promote hard work as key to reaching your goals.
Over the years, UB40 has toured with other artists like Madness, Chrissie Hynde, Pato Banton, Hunterz and more. They have performed in several countries worldwide and released multiple albums including King/Food for Thought which became one of their first hits and hit both in New Zealand and America.
This weekend marks the sixth annual Pittsburgh Rock, Reggae, and Relief Festival presented by the Piatt Family Foundation and donated proceeds to local charities. Last year’s event raised over $50,000 for Cafe Momentum and Catapult Greater Pittsburgh! This year’s lineup features national rock and reggae acts such as Sublime with Rome, Slightly Stoopid Tropidelic Keystone Vibe as well as free access for everyone attending. This free and open event welcomes everyone.