Reggae Scene Report by DJ Kutfather

Seattle & Reggae music have never been a very obvious pairing as seen by the small community that patron's it's few venue's. There has been a rise in Reggae's popularity in Seattle & the Northwest & this is just a temporary breakdown of dj's, venue's & event's that are going on in the Seattle-Tacoma area at any given time. The biggest venue for Reggae music in Seattle is BOHEMIAN CAFE located off of Yesler Way in Pioneer Square. This venue showcases some of the genre's top "FOUNDATION" (original reggae singer's from the beginning period's of the Music) like TOOTS & THE MAYTAL'S, GREGORY ISAACS, MICHAEL ROSE, JUNIOR REID, COURTNEY MELODY, DON CARLOS & many more. The Bohemian has also showcased Reggae music's more upbeat & danceable artist or "DANCEHALL REGGAE ARTIST" as they are more commonly referred to in the genre. Artist like BEENIEMAN, CAPLETON, SIZZLA and other's of their caliber have been known to perform there. There is also Excellency Hi Power Sound system (Kutfather, Soul One & Pryme Tyme) who have added another dimension to the local Reggae music scene with their 4 year's & still running "WICKED & WILD REGGAE THURSDAY'S" that moved from The Legendary Art Bar to NATION'S BAR & GRILL (on 5th ave., in back of The Westin Hotel & on top of The I-Spy nightclub). This night has been touted as "The REALEST reggae night in Seattle" because of the selector's dedication to playing the newest & oldest reggae hit's throughout the night.

Tacoma & South Seattle's reggae scene has been "IN & OUT" as far as, venue's & consistent event's. In Renton at THE MUSICIAN'S HALL in Downtown Renton, off of Weller St. You can hear STERLING SOUND SYSTEM & Selector PHILIP playing the latest & greatest in Reggae, Calypso & Soca to a mostly Caribbean and African crowd. You can also eat home cooked Jamaican food cooked at the venue & served throughout the night. The UPFRONT CREW SOUND SYSTEM with selector's Easemon & Geno rent out local music hall's, V.F.W.'s & wherever they can play in Tacoma to spread the positive & beautiful sound of Reggae music throughout Pierce County and stay consistent as possible with the venue's to hear Reggae. In reality, Reggae music has a long way to go in Seattle as far as, getting it's conscious message across. Many commercial venue's in town and radio/club d.j.'s are starting to incorporate Reggae into their set's because of it's "ISLAND VIBE" heating up the often cold Seattle night's. Support your local reggae venue's and hear not only a unique and often time's, foreign sound to the American ear. You will hear a more energetic & inviting sound as well which exposes & make's you appreciate the power of Reggae music.

"TOP TEN REGGAE SONG'S IN THE CLUB'S": as compiled by KUTFATHER of EXCELLENCY HI POWER SOUND SYSTEM.

1."BOMBING"-ELEPHANT MAN King of King's (Martial Art's Riddim)

2."MYSTERY IS THE MAN"-BOUNTY KILLER Mo Music Rice & Pea's Riddim)

3."DEAD BOUT YA"-SPRAGGA BENZ Heaven's Arch (Spin Yu Roll Riddim)

4."VIRTUOUS WOMAN"-WARRIOR KING Lion's Paw (Zion's Gate Riddim)

5."NEVER GO WHERE HEATHEN'S GO"-WARRIOR KING Cali Bud (Tune In Riddim)

6."RESPONSIBILITY"-GINGER Harmony House

7."JUST MI BREDREN"-ITAL LEE & LADY G Technic's (Just Friend's Riddim)

8."NOT GUILTY"-ANTHONY B Explosion

9."BADNESS"-CAPLETON King of King's (Martial Art's Riddim)

10."BAD FROM DEM MOUTH"-BABY CHAM Roof Top (The Return) 

ALL AVAILABLE AT:  

ZION'S GATE RECORD SHOP-1100 E.PIKE ST./CAPITOL HILL( NEXT TO CRESCENT DOWNWORKS SKATE SHOP).