Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson will be Guest Presenter!
New York…/6.20.14/CMM…The Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., ((JICFI), New York, will honor legendary Ska band of the 60’s, The Skatalites at its annual Independence Gala to be held at the New York Marriot Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, on Saturday August 16, in an event scheduled for 8pm-3:00am. The cocktail hour begins at 6:30pm. This year’s theme is “Honoring Greatness”.
The Skatalites began their storied journey in 1964 and staked their claim as Jamaica’s premiere Ska Band, while rising to prominence all the while racking up legions of fans worldwide. Known for impressive horns and brass, they produced an impeccable, neatly synthesized sound, unleashing hits such as ‘Guns of Navarone’, ‘Phoenix City, ‘Addis Ababa,’ ‘Silver Dollar,’ ‘Corner Stone,’ and ‘Blackberry Brandy,’ to name a few. This made them truly the soundtrack of that generation. Most of the original members of the Skatalites are now deceased.
Lester Sterling, the only surviving (original) member and who played alto saxophone, will accept the award on behalf of the band. Posthumous awards will go to Don Drummond, who played trombone; Lloyd Knibb, drums; Jerome, “Jah Jerry’ Haynes, guitar; Jackee Mitto, pianio; Lloyd Brevett, bass and drum; Tommy McCook, tenor saxophone; Roland Alfonso, tenor saxophone and John ‘Dizzy Moore, trumpet. Doreen Schaffer who later joined the group will also be in attendance to receive an award. Today, a new version of the band still tours giving life to the music of the group while exposing the music to and attracting younger fans.
Special Guest and Presenter of awards for the evening will be the Most Hon., P. J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica. Entertainment will be provided by the Fab 5 Band and Roots, Reggae songbird, Etana.
The celebration of Jamaica’s Independence 52 years later still evokes great national pride amongst its sons and daughters everywhere. The annual gala attracts Diaspora movers and shakers as well as friends and supporters from diverse backgrounds. This makes for a grand affair resplendent with all the cultural nuances: the flavor, sounds, fashion, music and food of the island all elegantly displayed and consumed in fine style.
This year the gala will also honor, noted actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Dr. Karl and Faye Rodney, publishers of the Carib News. Part proceeds will be donated to charity.
About JICFI
The Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation, Inc. (JICFI) is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization, dedicated to celebrating Jamaica’s independence which was gained on August 6, 1962. The JICFI foundation seeks to bring together Jamaicans in the Diaspora to a signature ball, held in New York annually. The event showcases Jamaica’s food and culture in an event that spans an entire evening. The celebration starts with a silent auction and reception, which is followed by a delectable four course meal during which patrons are entertained with musical selections and speeches, and culminates with dancing. JICFI also plans other related events throughout the year. Proceeds from these events are donated to charities in Jamaica and the US.
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