Dancehall Devastation

Is it just us, or does the Gold Coast Skating Rink seem like a pretty wacky location for this year’s Reggae Explosion? The event was originally scheduled for outdoorsy bar/massive Caribbean mecca Bayside Hut, but things have changed for the venerable venue. And fret not thyselves, nonskaters – the only “wheel” allowed during the event will be that of the selectors, when they drop the riddim for the second time.

The event has a dancehall-heavy history, but this year’s headliner is roots reggae champion Sizzla Kalonji, of spiritual ballads such as “Black Woman and Child,” “Praise Ye Jah,” and “Thank You Mama.” Rounding out the lineup will be Spragga Benz, who perhaps will deliver a message from his incarcerated on-again/off-again paramour, rapstress Foxy Brown. There’ll be lots of new dancehall for the young’uns, from the likes of Mad Anju, Calibe, and Trevor Off Key, and one dancehall legend to show them all how it’s done: King Yellowman will bring albino hotness to the stage with classic boom shots like “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.” (If you don’t know, you better ask somebody.) Tickets cost $32. Call 954-609-9802, or visit myspace.com/offcialreggaeexplosion. Yeah, you read that right; don’t make the mistake of spelling official correctly, or you won’t find the page. What’s a little misspelling among reggae friends?
Sat., Nov. 17, 2007