Come along take a ride on the Fantastic Voyage
1Welcome to our June 2016 REGGAEMANIA EVENTS — We present to you a look through the lens of past June 2016 Reggae-Dancehall Events that took place the Toronto and surrounding areas. See event Flyers, Reviews, Videos and Pics, and listen/download our Audio Podcasts.
See Hot Pics — Canada Day Timeless Classics – Sanchez, Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffith, Pinchers @ Sound Academy 06.30.16
Thursday June 30th @ Sound Academy–Timeless Classics Canada Day Weekend Festival: Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, Marcia Griffith, Pinchers, Stone Love. 647 504 1889
On Thursday June 30th, the Timeless Classics Canada Day Weekend Festival featured Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, Marcia Griffith, and Pinchers live in concert at Sound Academy. This Timeless Classics presentation lived up to all expectations. In terms of criticizing this concert, not much can be criticized; everything that was promised was delivered in classic fashion. I must start by bigging up our Canadian artists Steele and The Human Rights, both of whom were show openers that I did not arrive early enough to get to see live. Excuses aside, the night was so nice that upon arriving at the Sound Academy, I chose to chill outside in the smoking lounge during the evening’s opening hours before going to work the front lines.
Pinchers was first on stage, and delighted the fans with a well paced and enjoyable show. Pinchers, dressed very stylishly from head to toe, is a veteran showman, and proved it with a well executed stage fifty-minute presentation that was even a better than his previous performance here in October of 2014.
Marcia Griffiths was next to take the stage, and this would be no problem for this much loved Jamaican veteran artist. Toronto is a second home to Marcia, as she has been performing in Toronto at least once a year for what seems like the past decade. Vocally, Marcia was consistent as usual on this night, and it seems that as she gets older, she hasn’t lost a step when it comes to live performance. Marcia’s best moments came when she invited audience members to join her on stage for her performance of a her classic Electric Boogie song which comes with a line dance called the Electric Slide. Toronto has seen this element of her show before, but it didn’t matter as it looked like lots of fun for both participants and fans.
Freddie McGregor was next to grace the Sound Academy stage. Freddie is just a natural, fuelled by so much history, confidence and experience, not to mention his great library of back to back instant reggae classics. Freddie McGregor is also no stranger to Toronto, and his performance seemed effortless as he delivered hit after hit with a singing voice that sounding just as pleasing as if he was live in studio. Toronto is Freddie McGregor’s town – and if he wanted, he could’ve remained on the stage longer than the fifty minutes or so that he performed. Freddie McGregor, just like Marcia, only seems to be getting better with age. Just like Marcia, Freddie, over the past few years, has been a regular performer in Toronto. Fans love him here, and I think it would be safe to say that Freddie loves his fans in Toronto just as much.
Last but not least was Sanchez – the songbird of Jamaican Dancehall, and (along with Beres Hammond), is one of the highest paid performance artists in the international Reggae business. It didn’t seem so long ago that Sanchez was a difficult artist to see in Canada, but of late, Sanchez has re surged and has been able to visit our city to perform for his fans on several occasions now. Sanchez is a great artist to see live, primarily because he is one of the few artists who can perform a two hour show that features nothing but classic hit songs. Sanchez appeared to be having a lot of fun during his performance, and must be credited with working extremely hard and passionately so his audience could not complain about not getting their money’s worth.
Although the majority of the Sanchez show featured Sanchez himself exclusively with his band, he was also unselfish enough to feature and team up with Jamaican’s old school artist Flourgon as a side kick for a good portion of his performance. Sanchez and Flourgon made a good team, and at times, brought some well needed humor to the concert. Big up Sanchez, a great show, as usual, sending the Toronto massive home satisfied despite a slightly late show start time and finish. Big up the promoters, the fans, the staff and the artists who made this night of Timeless Classics a memorable and enjoyable one. Enjoy our ReggaeMania.com Pics (by Lisa West and Ron Nelson) and (Ron Nelson) Video.
Timeless Classics Canada Day Weekend Festival
Thursday June 30/2016
inside the new updated and renovated
Sound Academy
11 Polson St., Toronto, M5A 1A4
Live in Concert:
Freddie McGregor
Sanchez
Marcia Griffith
Pinchers
Steele
The Human Rights
Featuring the following DJ’s playing the best in Reggae | Lovers Rock | Soul | Conscious | Top 40:
The Immortal Stone Love Sound
Spex Da Boss
(Tune in to G98.7 FM’s Riddim Master Mix Show with Spex Sundays 8pm -11pm)
Soul 2 Soul (with Grand Master Rosa)
Soul Vibes
Hosted by;
Delroy G (G98.7 FM 3pm – 7pm Saturdays)
& Natty B (Treajah Isle)
2 Massive Headliners | 4 Full Bands | 6 Artists | 1 Massive Canada Day Festival Concert!
Doors Open 9pm | Performances start 10pm | Arrive Early To Avoid Long Line Up
This Event Will Be Sold Out | Get Your Tickets ASAP!
a 19+ Full Bar Licensed Event
Earlybird Tickets $50 | Limited Tickets Available | Price Will Increase | General Tickets $65
a. $100 Package includes VIP Front Row (Lower Level) + 1 VIP Drink | Limited Time Offer | Limited Tickets Available
Includes Front Row Service with Renovated State of the Art Venue. Enjoy being captivated by the Artist or even selected for a serenade while you enjoy your complimentary beverage and even more surprises!
b. $150 VIP Package includes VIP Entry + VIP Section + VIP Balcony + VIP Hors D’oeuvres + Swag Bags
(Only 200 Tickets Available & can only be purchased online, Exclusive Outlets &/or call for Delivery)
Price includes VIP Entry as our most Exclusive Guest. You get to enjoy the new State of the Art Renovated Upper Balcony Lounge. Receive a complimentary Drink while you enjoy the Show and Hors D’Oeuvres. Receive a Timeless classics VIP Festival Bag with Fun Surprises as you avoid the crowd & relax to the vibe of the music.
c. $85 VIP Entry + VIP Drink Package (Only 400 Tickets Available & can only be purchased online) . Includes Line By Pass – skip the line up and receive a Complimentary Drink (courtesy) General Zone
d. $120 VIP Exclusive Combo Package; Includes VIP General Admit Timeless Classics Festival Ticket + Drink + VIP Canada Day Big Ship On The Lake Boat Cruise Ticket. Only 80 Tickets are Available for this Combo Package & they Can only be purchased online. This fabulous package includes two (2) Promotions in (1) One: The first night on June 30th you will be captivated by the Timeless Classics Festival and the array of Artists throughout the night for an explosive spectacular show! Then it continues…(part 2)…your package also includes admission to the official Canada Day On The lake Aboard the Aurora Cruise Ship with the one & only “Mr. Big Ship” himself-Freddie McGregor! The Dinner, Dance and Birthday Celebration features a night under the stars where you are up close and personal, meeting and greeting and taking pictures with the stars – it’s all about having Timeless enjoyment, all topped off by a magnificent on the lake fire works display!
Tickets Outlets:
East:
ReggaeMania.com (Victoria Pk & York Mills Rd. S of 401) 416.699.2900
Mona’s Roti 4810 Sheppard Ave. E. 416.412.1200
Broadway Fashion Scarborough Town Centre 416.296.0609
Spice Is Rite 2179 Lawrence Ave, E. 647.430.7732
Drupati’s Roti & Doubles 1085 Bellamy Rd. N. 416.289.9988
2 Lined Music Hut Malvern Town Centre 31 Tapscott Rd. 416.264.3999
Mowett (Ticket Dilevery) 416.662.6938
Nappy’s Hair Shop 54 Morecambe Gate Victoria Park N. of Finch 416.502.0443
Karisma Barber Shop 885 Progress Ave. 647.346.8800
Downtown:
Play De Record 416.586.0830
Ajax:
Drupati’s Doubles Roti Inc. 252 Bayly St. W. 905.686.8100
Markham:
Precicion Hair Design 7828 Kennedy Rd. N. of 14th 905.831.1649
Pickering:
Island Mix Restaurant & Lounge 1050 Brock Rd. 905.831.1649
Vaughan:
Nappy’s Hair Shop 9100 Jane St. Unit 33 Building “D” 905.761.9660
West:
Soul Vibes 783 Lawrence Ave. W. 647.971.8929
Treajah Isle Records Eglinton W. 416.787.7615
Drupati’s Doubles & Roti 35 Woodbine Downs Blvd. 416.745.4189
Lloyd’s 1 Hr Photography 2349-a Finch Ave. W. 416.749.0433
Rodeo Promo 416.629.9365
USA Boyz 416.835.6473
Sunrise Caribbean Restaurant 416.614.7776
Sheridan Mall Plaza 1700 Wilson Ave.
Da House of Jerk 680 Rexdale Blvd. 416.679.0755
Amorphouse Hair 1178 Eglinton Ave. W. of Bathurst 416.782.2135
Dainey British (Delivery) 647.408.6779
Tinnel’s 6210 Finch Ave. W. 416.741.3519
Tinnel’s 2517 Eglinton Ave. W. 416.6570108
Mississauga:
Granny’s Place 2545 Hurontario St. 905.272.4950
Charlie’s West Indian Food Mart 3057 Hurontario St. 905.896.3663
Richard’s Music House 3092 Mavis Rd. 647.921.0064
Brampton:
Jamaica House Kitchen 80 Pertosa Dr. 905.460.0651
Jamaica House 145 Clearance Street 905.230.5622
Gems House of Jerk 20 Gillingham Dr. 905.453.6454
Drupati’s Restaurant 4550 Ebenezer Rd. 905.794.5944
Shine Barber 50 Sunnyvale Gate 905.790.3031
Radica’s Hot & Spicy 263 Queen St. E. #2 905.487.0888
Nicey’s Grocery Store 107 Kennedy Rd. S. 905.450.6045
Hamilton:
Granny’s Restaurant 9 Robert St. 905.522.7188
Oakville
Ranee’s Rotie & Caribbean Cuisine 579 Kerr St. #1B 905.842.2111
Online:
TicketGateway.com
info:
24 Hour Contact: 647 504 1889 | 416 629 9365 | www.timeless-classics.ca
See Hot Pics — Alkaline + Renaissance inside Sound Academy Saturday June 25th
Love & Dancehall presents Alkaline live in Concert with Renaissance @ Sound Academy this Saturday June 25th | info 647.654.1204 | Saturday June 25th 2016 SMG Presents The 4th Annual Pre-Canada Day Love & Dancehall – Alkaline – Live in Concert inside Sound Academy . 11 Polson St., Toronto . music by: Renaissance (Jamaica) . Spex (G98.7) . Steenie . Infamous Sound . Street Team . Lexus Supreme . $35 Earlybird . $65 Earlybird VIP . . $40 Regular Advance . For Birthday, VIP & Booth Packages: 647.654.1204 | 647.780.1128 | loveanddancehall.com | #lovendancehall . Tickets Available at: West: . Niceys (Brampton) 107 Kennedy Rd. S. 905.450.6045 . Island Hot & Spicy (North York) 1391 Weston Rd. 416.248.1100 . Grannys (Mississauga) 2545 Hurontario St. 905.272.4950 . Celestial Travel (North York) 416.635.6555 . East: . 2 Lined Music Hut . (Scarborough) Malvern Mall 416.264.3999 . Karisma Barbers (Scarborough) Progress Rd. 416.363.9906 . Beryls Pepperpot (Ajax | Oshawa) 467 Westney Rd. 905.428.7890 . Shear . Brilliance (Pickering) 1550 Kingston Rd. 905.430.1100 . Broadway Fashion (Scarborough Town Centre) 416.296.0609 . Downtown: . Play De Record (411 Spadina Ave. S of College) 416.586.0380 . Rodeo Promo (Free Ticket Delivery) 416.629.9365 . Online: TicketGateway.com
There’s no doubt about it – Earlan Bartley aka Alkaline, has a solid and rapidly growing fan base in Toronto. Love him or hate him, this 23 year old Jamaican Dancehall superstar, trademarked by his tattooed eyes, sex-symbol status and distinctive sing-jay style, is the artiste currently running Dancehall in 2016. Now, on a beautiful Saturday night inside Sound Academy (Toronto), about 1,800 of his loyal fans would pack up Sound Academy to witness a fast paced and actionable 35-minute performance from the one and only Alkaline.
Once taking the stage with his side kick and DJ, things were simple for Alkaline; all he had to do was race through his onslaught of hit songs. His excitable fans, many of whom seemed in awe during the majority of his performance, did the rest, singing hooks and participating with call-and–response from Alkaline, who would move the crowd with confidence and good stagemanship from start to finish.
As is tradition with all Alkaline shows, there were females in the audience who couldn’t help but rush the stage during his performance. One of the sexy females from the front even managed to get on stage and take advantage of an opportunity where she was able to lift Alkaline about a foot into the air after enclosing her arms beneath his bottom and gripping him tightly.
The irony of course is that physically, Alkaline is tall yet extremely skinny, so a woman lifting up a man with such ease and precision proved to be a big hit with the fans. Of course Alkaline is no stranger to the onstage antics of his female fans; women have not only rushed his stage, but they have gone as far as to get on their knees and mimic giving Alkaline oral sex right there in front of the entire concert audience.
As for the performance – we’re looking at a young and developing Alkaline. Alkaline would start the lyrics to his many hits, but often would leave it to the audience to sing out hooks and punch lines– this while always moving swiftly on stage, left right, back front. Alkaline does move well on stage, but his vocal performance still has a lot to be desired, especially for those who expect him to sound as good live like he does in studio.
I will note that the present Sound Academy audio-sound system is not the system that will be installed once renovations are complete in August-September of this year. The makeshift sound system used that night is temporary and not perfect; there were no speakers in this back area; making it difficult for the 500 or so fans stationed there to hear the concert. The venue’s 2nd floor was also closed due to incomplete renovations, but about 4,000 people will be able to fit inside Sound Academy when renovations are complete.
I’m sure we’ve not seen the last of Alkaline in Toronto – he can come here twice a year and still draw a consistent 2,000 people or so with each performance. I’m looking forward to many good things to come from this very talented artiste. Overall – not a bad night for Alkaline and the Love And Dancehall promoters. The victory for them was that Alkaline drew that crowd by himself – aside from Renaissance Sound, there were no other international acts on the bill to pay come night’s end.
Love & Dancehall presents Alkaline live in Concert with Renaissance @ Sound Academy this Saturday June 25th | info 647.654.1204
Saturday June 25th 2016 SMG Presents
The 4th Annual Pre-Canada Day
Love & Dancehall
Alkaline – Live in Concert
inside Sound Academy
11 Polson St., Toronto
music by:
Renaissance (Jamaica)
Spex (G98.7)
Steenie
Infamous Sound
Street Team
Lexus Supreme
$35 Earlybird
$65 Earlybird VIP
$40 Regular Advance
For Birthday, VIP & Booth Packages:
647.654.1204 | 647.780.1128 | loveanddancehall.com | #lovendancehall
Tickets Available at:
West:
Niceys (Brampton) 107 Kennedy Rd. S. 905.450.6045
Island Hot & Spicy (North York) 1391 Weston Rd. 416.248.1100
Grannys (Mississauga) 2545 Hurontario St. 905.272.4950
Celestial Travel (North York) 416.635.6555
East:
2 Lined Music Hut (Scarborough) Malvern Mall 416.264.3999
Karisma Barbers (Scarborough) Progress Rd. 416.363.9906
Beryls Pepperpot (Ajax | Oshawa) 467 Westney Rd. 905.428.7890
Shear Brilliance (Pickering) 1550 Kingston Rd. 905.430.1100
Broadway Fashion (Scarborough Town Centre) 416.296.0609
Downtown:
Play De Record (411 Spadina Ave. S of College) 416.586.0380
Rodeo Promo (Free Ticket Delivery) 416.629.9365
Online: TicketGateway.com
See Hot Pics — Elephant Man + Cocoa-Tea @ S.O.R Music Festival 06.05.16
Meet and Greet Voucher Add On: Only 200 tickets available | You’re chance to meet a minimum of 4 of the top artists in the world with your own photo opportunity. Artists greeted will be listed online on April 18th for SOS and SOR.
Sunday June 5/2016 at Wild Water Kingdom–S.O.R. (Summer of Reggae) Daytime Festival featuring Elephant Man, Cocoa Tea, Dexta Daps, Wayne Wonder, DeMarco, Junior Reid, Mad Cobra and more! | 647.292.1976
Summer of sound Festival Inc Presents
Sunday June 5/2016
S.O.R. (Summer of Reggae) Daytime Festival
at Wild Water Kingdom
7855 Finch Ave W., Brampton
Featuring live in concert;
Elephant Man
Pon Di River | Jook Gal | Nuh Linga | Willie Bounce
CoCoa Tea & The Band
She Loves Me Now | Informer | Too Young | Rasta Man | Tune In
Dexta Daps
7 Eleven | Shabba Madda Pot | Chinese Jordan |
Wayne Wonder
No Letting Go | Saddest Day | Anything Goes |
Demarco
I Love My Life | Fallen Soldiers | Love A Come Down
Jr Reid
One Blood | Hot Long Time | This Is Why I Am Hot
Mad Cobra
Flex | Legacy | Di Baddest
Kranium
Nobody Has To Know | Between Us | Sorry -Justin Bieber Remix | Lifestyle
Shalli
Show My Love | Down In Jamaica | Dreaming Love
Rory from Stone Love
International Deejay
Renaissance Disco Featuring Jazzy T
International Deejay
Lindo P
Let’s Get Married | International Deejay
All Artists backed by:
Ruff Kutt from Jamaica
Featuring music all weekend by;
Whitebwoy
Spex
Fire Kid Steenie
Black Reaction
Renegade Squad
Blaxz Dun Da Place
DJ Jeff
Mon A Gallis
CBL
DJ Sin
Souljah
Sgt Duracell
King Cobra
Tony B
Capone
Hosted by;
Riddim Bai | Brenton B | Dirty Dez | Worm Da MC | Jigga
Information Hotline: 647.292.1976 | 888.461.0725 | sosfestinc.com
Tickets On Sale Now! | Pre-Sale until April 15th
Event Details: Doors Open At 1pm | Performances Start at 3pm | Food Vendors | Family Event | Children 12 & Under Are Free (proof of age required upon entry)
Arrive Early To Avoid Missing Performances | This Event Will Be Sold Out | Thousands Will Attend
19+ Fully Licensed Areas | Family Friendly & All Ages Sections Available
3 Dedicated Entrances | 2 Levels Of VIP | Kids Zone | 10 Licensed Bars | 50 Servers | 70+ Washrooms
Secured By Toronto’s Finest & Licensed Security
Ticket Quantities and Description:
General Admission: 1 or 2 day admission | Ample stage view with access to bars, vendors and washrooms
***Can be purchased online or at authorized outlets or through your local affiliate***
VIP: Only 1000 tickets available | Separate VIP entrance | Front of stage priority | Separate VIP washrooms | Separate VIP bars | Exclusive VIP food vendor | Party favors | Towel Giveaway
*** Can be purchased online or at authorized outlets or through your local affiliate***
Diamond Club: Only 500 tickets available | Food inclusive | Separate entrance | Elevated viewing stage with plush seating and lounge setting | Bottle service available | Personal waitresses | Party Favours | T Shirts, Towels & Cup giveaways | Separate Diamond Club washrooms | Separate Diamond Club bars | Premium decor and production | All access pass (VIP & General Admission)
***Can be purchased online or at authorized outlets or through your local affiliate***
Diamond Club Bottle Service Add On: Only 20 VIP booths and tables available | Bottle service will be available for the first time & only in the Diamond Club Section. Bottle service packages will be listed online & package cost is separate from your Diamond Club ticket. Package options will be announced April 12th online and can be viewed at www.SOSfestINC.com
My bad – previous obligations prevented me (and Lisa West) from arriving early enough to cover all of the S.O.R (Summer of Reggae) Daytime Music Festival event held outdoors at Toronto’s Wild Water Kingdom. A late arrival meant that we only saw the tail end of Junior Reid’s show, followed by Cocoa Tea then finally Elephant Man; we arrived too late to see performances by Demarco, Wayne Wonder, Mad Cobra, Kranium, as well as a Renaissance Disco, Stone Love Sound, and a handful of local DJ’s and Artists.
This concert was an ambitious event, and even though promoters most likely failed to get the crowd that they needed to make a return on their investment, the 1,500 or so people (my guess) that were there in attendance were treated to an overall good time (hopefully promoters will be inspired do this show again next year – a little later in the summer would be better perhaps). Despite a few rain showers earlier in the afternoon threatening the show, the SOR Festival would close with the sun still out and the majority of the artists promised, delivered (the much anticipated Dexta Daps was an unfortunate no show).
The daytime Sunday show was the 2nd day Reggae-edition of a 2-day Festival; day one featured an all Soca lineup. Check our video – it speaks for itself, classic footage of Cocoa Tea and Elephant Man in concert outdoors at Wild Water Kingdom, Toronto. BTW – the Pics were by Ron Nelson and Lisa West, and Video by Ron Nelson. Enjoy the footage.
The S.O.R. After Party is inside Luxy Sunday June 5th – $5 Guestlist b4 11:30 PM for the only Official Summer of Reggae (S.O.R.) Daytime Festival After Party featuring Celebrities & Surprise Guests All Night
The After Party – The Official S.O.R.(Summer of Reggae) Daytime Festival After Party
Sunday June 5th 2016
inside Luxy Nightclub
60 Interchange Way | Vaughan ON Hwy 400 & 7
Multi-Room Nightlife Reborn
Intimate & Interactive with all your favourite Artists & Bands – Celebrities Invited & surprise Guests All Night!
music by:
Whitebwoy
Spex
Steenie
Mon A Galis
Black Reaction
Blaxz Dun Da Place
DattaBass
Capone
Infamous
Hosted by:
MC: Worm Da MC + Special Celebrity Guests!
$5 Guestlist b4 11:30 PM
$350 All In VIP Bottle Service includes Line Bypass . Private Booth . Free Hookah . Free Cover . 2 Bottles . 1 Bottle Champagne
info: 647 292 1976
