If you love Jamaican music put on your dancing shoes and head to Rye Community Centre on Saturday 18 April for Rye Reggae Association’s Spring in the Air grand fundraiser dance for Greenpeace. Selector Geoff of Jah Leveller Hi-Fi roots sound system will be spinning a fantastic selection of rare and original rock steady, reggae and roots vinyl.
After building his knowledge of Jamaican music through blues dances, shebeens and sound system shows, Geoff started the Jah Leveller Hi-Fi sound system with a group of friends in the 1980s and continued to dust off his record collection at events from the 1990s onwards.
With 50 years of listening and a wealth of knowledge, “I should have got the hang of playing the right tunes!” as he modestly put it. Those who were at the ska band Intensified’s gig, part of last year’s Rye Arts Festival, will certainly agree. Geoff’s DJ set that evening got the crowd up and dancing from the first track and this evening promises to be just as lively.
Sandi Bain was inspired to organise the event after the success of the Intensified gig, asking around to see if there was enough interest for an evening dancing to Jamaican music. “There were so many people of the generation who were into reggae and it was such a fantastic, positive atmosphere that people I spoke to welcomed the idea.”
The bar will be selling drinks with a Jamaican flavour – including Red Stripe, rum and coke, real ale and soft drinks and there will be authentic Jamaican patties from a baker in London.
The hall will be decorated with Jamaican flags and arranged with ample seating but with Rye Arts Festival’s sound man, Andy Bantock, supplying the sound system and some heavy bass, the dance floor is sure to be packed.
Tickets are on sale at Savia Gifts at 5 Lion Street (no booking fee) or on-line here. Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the door.
If anyone is interested in volunteering on the evening helping on the bar, the cloakroom or setting up, please contact Sandi Bain at Sandibain65@gamil.com.
There will also be another event on 27 June so look out for details!
Image Credits: Juliet Duff , Rye Reggae Association .