Thursday, August 28, 2008            
                                         

DC Sports & Entertainment Commission Hosts 1st Annual Reggae Blowout at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds on Sept. 7th

Budweiser and the National Alliance Foundation Join Forces To Raise Money for
Cancer Research

(Washington, DC) – “On Sunday, September 7th, The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission will host the first-ever Reggae Summer Fest at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds.  The inaugural concert, sponsored by Budweiser and the National Alliance Foundation, a non-profit network committed to promoting peace and harmony while raising funds and awareness for cancer, will feature top-flight reggae and entertainment.  Part of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Jamaican Cancer Society.

“We look forward to hosting reggae music lovers from around the region, local residents and families to enjoy great Caribbean grooves, food and fun at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds,” said Erik A. Moses, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission chief executive officer.  

Headlining the show will be international reggae crooner Beres Hammond, best known for such hits as “Putting Up Resistance, What One Dance Can Do” and countless other chart-toppers. The line up also features some of the biggest names in reggae such as Ky-Mani Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, I-Wayne, Turbulence, Chuck Fender, Prestige, Etana and Fire Star.

“This much-anticipated reggae festival has been artfully planned and was launched to raise funds and awareness to cancer,” added Orville Dixon of the National Alliance Foundation. “Our intention is to educate the masses about cancer, while bringing together people through the universal language of music.” 

In addition to the electrifying music, patrons will enjoy multicultural food, arts and crafts as well as support cancer research.  Children 12 and under will be admitted free, while adult admission starts at $30.  Limited VIP tickets and general admission tickets are available at Ticketmaster and a number of Caribbean businesses (including Caribbean Breeze in Virginia and Logan Circle Liquor located in Washington, DC).


There will also be a local flavor as well, as area bands hit the stage including STORM, The I Ternals, Strykers Posse, New Kingston Band, Iration, Passion Band, Image Band and Yawd Lynk.

Emceeing duties will be a collaborative effort, as popular radio personalities including EZ Street (from 93.9 FM WKYS), Papa Wabe and Neil Mattei (WEAA 88.9 FM), Tony Carr (WPFW 89.3FM) Giselle “The Wassi One” jockey for turns keeping the event live.  Dermot Hussey, host of “The Joint” on XM Radio, will make a special presentation.  Additional media support will be provided by www.CaribbeanVibesRadio.com.

Half Krazy, Glamour G from Amplex, DJ Rasta Punch (from WPFW radio) and DJ Chick Music will offer the music.

For more information, go to www.washDCsports. For questions regarding vending, e-mail vendors@reggaesummerfest.net or call 301-332-6935.

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of Nationals Park which was completed in record time and within the cost cap.  The mission of the DCSEC is to attract, present and host sporting, entertainment and special events.  The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.