Reggae legend Jose Wales and Blues Veteran Duke Tumatoe for Reggae meets Blues/Jazz at the 23rd Festival of Life, July 4th weekend

JOSEY WALES LEGENDARY REGGAE DJ FOR
REGGAE MEETS BLUES/JAZZ AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LIFE (IFOL) JULY 4TH WEEKEND, CHICAGO UNION PK.

Colonel Josey Wales, one of Jamaica’s top reggae dancehall DJ’s and one of the founding fathers, building on the innovative DJ chatting of his mentor U-Roy and creating a highly influential style of his own, is added to perform at the 23rd African/Caribbean International Festival of Life, July 4th weekend in Union Park, 1501 West Randolph Street, downtown Chicago West Loop. Get tickets now at http://martinsinterculture.com/ifol/ifol-tickets.html.

Josey Wales is regarded as one of Reggae music’s most influential artists. Heralded as a cornerstone “deejay” of Reggae music, Josey Wales’ mere existence helped define Rub-a-Dub music and culture and indisputably shaped the bustling sub-genre of Reggae Dancehall. While Wales entertained the masses with hits like “Leggo Mi Hand,” “Kingston Hot,” “Undercover Lover,” “Outlaw” and more, the iconic artist also played a major role behind the scenes in discovering talent and navigating through Jamaica’s tricky political landscape. Wales, who hails from St. Mary, Jamaica, is highly respected by old and new members of the Reggae music fraternity. Scores of Reggae Dancehall artists have revered Josey Wales as the deejay prototype, emulating and studying his unique style.

Bursting onto the scene in the early 80’s, Josey Wales, born Joseph Sterling and known by fans and the Reggae music fraternity as “The Outlaw” and/or “The Colonel,” thrived as a lyrical giant, punishing every microphone that he touched. Rising to fame on the King Stur Gav sound system (owned and operated by Reggae pioneer U-Roy “The Teacher”) as a live performer, the legendary Wales put fear in competitor’s hearts with his crafty delivery and take on chanting. To this day and much to his credit, no one has quite mastered Wales’ style. While on King Stur Gav, Josey Wales entertained legions of fans with his infamous gruff, gravelly voice and half-spoken, half-sung delivery.

As a solo act and along with sparring partners Charlie Chaplin “The Principal” and Brigadier Jerry “The General,” Josey Wales “The Outlaw” always rocked audiences with amazingly entertaining sets, predominantly grounded on cultural, social and political themes. The popular trio of deejays soared, going down in history as the most prominent voices of the Rub-a-Dub era. Josey Wales later garnered immense popularity when performing on Henry “Junjo” Lawes Volcano sound system. Whether impromptu toasting or belting out a slew of hits, the crowd always roars for Wales.

The 23rd IFOL takes place Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 in Chicago’s popular Union Park, near the Bulls and Black Hawks Stadium- United Center. Wales will perform on the opening night, July 3rd, in what is called “Reggae Meet Blues/Jazz”, sponsored by the Kingston Mines Blues Club.

Josey is joining more than 50 Reggae, R&B, Gospel, Pop and other world music acts; along with July 4th headliner Tessanne Chin, season 5 winner of “The Voice” (NBC TV); Lova Boy, Belize top Punta Rock Star and others on three stages/

The IFOL is a festival of music, foods, arts, crafts and games. Under the banners of “Bringing Nations Together” and “Living Together As One”, IFOL showcases the heritage, culture and lifestyle of peoples of the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A favorite part of the celebration is the “Carnival of Nations” with the representatives of more than 50 countries on stage with their countries flag as the year of their Independence is announced.

ADVANCE ADMISSION TICKETS: General tickets are $15 (actual price $25). Children under the age of 6 are free; children under 12 are $5, but must be accompanied by an adult. Season tickets are $39 (actual price $75); VIP daily tickets are $75 each (actual price $100) and VIP Season tickets are $180 (actual price $300). Senior Citizens above 65 years pay $10, with a valid State ID. If tickets are purchased online, name and date of birth must match their IDs at the gate on day of event.

The IFOL is sponsored by: Chicago Park District, NBC 5 Chicago, Nissan, Gift of Hope, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Kingston Mines, Blues Club, Rasta Love Punch, Chicago Crusader and others to be announced.

Ticket http://martinsinterculture.com/ifol/ifol-tickets.html..
All prices are subject to change.
Visit www.festivaloflife.biz or email: festoflife@gmail.com.
Phone 312-427-0266 or fax 312-427-0268 for complete information.