In Jamaica in the mid-50's, a fledgling recording industry saw the birth of what became known as Ska. Created by fusing Boogie-Woogie Blues, R+B, Jazz, Mento, Calypso and African rythyms, Ska became the first truly Jamaican music and by the 60's all the vocalist were swarming to the studios to record their songs to this infectious new beat. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe are just a few of the names who came to record this new music, which coincided with the whole island's excitement about Jamaica's independence in 1962. The core musicians playing on most of these sessions saw the opportunity to play this music live to the public. Tommy McCook, Rolando Alphonso, Johnny Moore, Lester Sterling, Don Drummond, Lloyd Knibb, Lloyd Brevett, Jerry Haynes, and Jackie Mittoo began working together in 1963 and formed The Ska-talites in May 1964.
Current members are: Lloyd Knibb, Doreen Shaffer, Lester Sterling, Rohan Gordon, Kevin Batchelor, Cedric "IM" Brooks, Val Douglas, Andrae Murchison, and Cameron Greenlee.
Tipitina's Sunday Music Workshops
Resurrecting a program that was popular in the early '90s, the Tipitina's Foundation proudly announces the Sunday Music Workshop Series, the brainchild of Stanton Moore and Johnny and Deborah Vidacovich. These free workshops take place every Sunday from 12:30-3:30 at Tipitina's Uptown, where students have the opportunity to play with and learn from the best musicians in the city. As many of the city's various music programs have been put on hold since the storm, these workshops are serving a vital need in the rebuilding process: passing on the musical traditions to a younger generation. Featured artists so far have included Stanton Moore, Johnny Vidacovich, Kirk Joseph, and Theresa Anderson. The on-stage workshops are only for students, who are encouraged to bring their insruments, but all members of the public are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Workshops:
November 22: Tony Dagradi, Jim Markway, and Johnny Vidacovich
TIPITINA'S - 501 NAPOLEON AVE - NEW ORLEANS
504.895.TIPS - WWW.TIPITINAS.COM
BOX OFFICE 10AM - 5PM WEEKDAYS
Hip Hop for Hope
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