Reggae Fest Blaze

BRESH

James Arthur

In 2012, JAMES ARTHUR became a star overnight and his debut single “Impossible” became a worldwide hit. With more than three million records sold, No.1 positions in 50 countries and multiple gold and platinum awards, it became the most successful UK “X Factor” winner’s single of all time. It was clear even before the finale: the buzz around the singer from Middlesbrough was different than it was about his predecessors, not only due to his extraordinary showman qualities and his extremely distinct voice, but also his natural songwriting talent.‘Impossible’ was nominated for a Brit Award and his self-titled first album, featuring the single “You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You” and collaborations with Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande, was certified Gold in the UK after worldwide sales of over 400,000. Only global superstar Eminem kept him off the top of the album charts. However, months after his debut single and album was finally usurped from the top spot, the struggles of the limelight became too much for the singer and in his own words, he “cracked”. The people’s winner, the musicians’ winner, seemed to have had lost support thanks to a well documented and self-admitted public breakdown.Arthur decided to do the right thing: step away and deliberately digest the two years of light speed. “That wasn’t me back then. That was someone, who had lost himself in this thing called fame. It probably happened because I’m a rather nervous type. I was raised in a foster home and tend to have trust issues. It just became too much. I wanted to be so perfect, but in the end I put up a guard and had a negative perspective on everything’ Fast forward 2 years, James is a very different animal in 2016 and managed to process his experiences on his new album BACK FROM THE EDGE, which will be released November 4. He is now able to meet the challenges of the spotlight with a good slice of know-how: “Those two years have benefitted me a lot. I’ve used the time well and actively participated in my new album a lot more than I did on the first one.“ That way, James’ reboot draws on the creative collaboration on BACK FROM THE EDGE. “There’s a lot of my personality in the album. It’s about love, hope, and the challenge of having your own back. However, this time, I wasn’t only songwriter but co-producer as well, working up to eight hours in the studio every day. I put my own ideas into effect and got involved in great detail.” BACK FROM THE EDGE’s first single SAY YOU WON’T LET GO, released September 9, is the sound board for what has been a turbulent career, still very much in its infancy. Apart from the deeply emotional ballad, the album presents many songs with a personal experieces. “I’ve written a song called ‘Sermon’, featuring my favorite rapper Shotty Horroh. I love the song and am really proud of it. Another track is ‘Trainwreck’, which could actually be one of the best songs I’ve ever recorded – at least regarding vocals.” BACK FROM THE EDGE blends different influences: “I grew up with my mother’s soul music, but my father loves hardrock like AC/DC and Thin Lizzy. You get a little bit of everything on this album – but in essence, it’s very consciously a pop album.” Today, James is simply looking forward to focus on his music completely – no matter how it’s going to be received. “I’m absolutely happy with the album I’ve made. I’ve enoyed every minute in the studio, and I’m ready for this new chapter everything that’s going to happen with it.” BACK FROM THE EDGE does not only see the celebrated hit performer’s long awaited return, but also the surfacing of the matured artist JAMES ARTHUR, who after four stormy years, has learnt to firmly believe in himself and his music.

Pride with JT

Widely considered as one of the greatest rap groups of all-time, City Girls built JT into hip-hop powerhouse. Now, as a solo superstar, she continues to impress with her swagger and unshakable confidence. Billboard has already anointed the Miami-bred MC as one of the hottest female rappers of the moment. This year, she dominated the Hot 100 with her rumbling anthem "OKAY" and set the club circuit on fire with her celebrated JT's Coming Tour. With a collection of hits like "Sideways" and "No Bars," JT is now gearing up to drop her highly anticipated project, City Cinderella.

311

311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by five friends: Nick Hexum (vocals/guitar), Tim Mahoney (guitar), SA Martinez (vocals/dj), Chad Sexton (drums), and P-Nut (bass).  31 years later, they’re still rocking together.  Widely regarded as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S., 311 mixes rock, rap, reggae, and funk into their own unique, hybrid sound.  As veterans of 2,000 shows across 27 countries, 311 is one of the longest running original lineups in rock, alongside legends like U2 and Radiohead.   In Spring 2022, 311 returns to the road for 20 shows, spanning March 6 – April 6, including their renowned 311 Day concert event in Las Vegas, March 11 & 12.   Spring Tour tickets & VIP packages go on pre-sale January 19 & 20, with public sale January 21. All info at 311.com/shows   311’s celebrated live shows and dedicated touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide. Their annual, headlining, amphitheater show is one of the most anticipated events of the summer, and a staple of the U.S. Summer touring season.  Past support acts include:  Sublime with Rome, The Offspring, Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid, Cypress Hill, Dirty Heads, The Roots, Matisyahu, and Ziggy Marley.    311 have released thirteen studio albums, two greatest hits albums, two live albums, three DVD's and a boxed-set, and have sold over 9 million copies in the U.S.   Ten albums reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart - and nine of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Alternative Radio Chart (including three #1 singles: Down, Love Song & Don't Tread On Me - along with Amber, All Mixed Up, Come Original, Creatures For Awhile, Hey You and Sunset in July).   For more info, visit 311.com.

DISPATCH W/ JOHN BUTLER (WITH BAND) - SUMMER TOUR 2025

Formed by Chadwick Stokes and Brad Corrigan while in college in Vermont DISPATCH have forged their own path outside the mainstream music industry as one of the most successful artists in the roots rock scene. Over the course of a slew of acclaimed studio and live albums and countless tours and festivals, the band has gone on to become one of biggest success stories in independent music history, selling out three nights at Madison Square Garden and drawing over 100,000 fans to a massive outdoor show in their adopted hometown of Boston without any traditional radio or major label support. This year, they will embark on a US Summer Tour alongside John Butler (with band). DISPATCH and John Butler will also be joined by G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, and Illiterate Light on select dates. Throughout their rise, DISPATCH has taken every opportunity to use their success for good, launching charitable organizations to fight inequality and mass incarceration, raising funds and awareness for environmental causes, schools and hospitals on the road, and even traveling as far afield as Zimbabwe to work with children and communities in need. Chadwick Stokes’ Calling All Crows joins bands and fans together in collective activism that has raised more than half a million dollars for feminist movements, while Brad Corrigan’s Love Light + Melody helps amplify the stories of children who live in extreme poverty.

Everyday People NYC

NYC WE’RE COMIN’ FOR THAT ENERGY! Friday, July 5, we’re at Pier 17 and it’s gonna be a movie. Big vibes, skyline views, and that summer essence you’ve been waiting for! The energy is gonna be on 100 and we’re ready to get activated. MUSIC BY: DJ mOma, Khalil, Liondub & Milhouse HOSTED BY: Gitoo, Shernita, Call Me Tight, Hooliboy, Esi Samuels, Jay Way, Studio 268 & Mo Champ.

Barenaked Ladies

Over the course of 35 years, the beloved quartet has sold over 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits such as "If I Had $1,000,000," "One Week," "Pinch Me," and "The Big Bang Theory Theme." Widely acknowledged as one of the best live acts on the planet, BNL has hosted a cruise, had their own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, and participated in the first-ever “space-to-earth musical collaboration” with astronaut Chris Hadfield. To date, BNL has amassed eight JUNO Awards, garnered two GRAMMY nominations and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.  In September of 2023, the band released “In Flight”, their 18th studio album.