FMP 013 – Snug Boy
TMRW.TDay ~ The Vibe
Photo (above) by Corey Hamilton
TMRW.TDAY is a unique gathering of mindful reggae lovers. The cultural fest has a touch of house, a toe-pinch of white sand beach, a mouthful of flavorful fruits, a breeze filled with tropic scents, and island lifestyle for the retreat of a lifetime, and plenty of reggae to sooth your soul.
As an American who had never been to Jamaica before, it took a few days to reset my urgent internal clock, from a rapid walk to a soulful stride, more closely matching the graceful rhythm of the waves.
With early morning 8am, (yes this was ‘crack of the dawn early’ or the coffee shop is still closed early), Meditation the day started with a gentle stretch of the body and mind. The venue was a 5-minute walk from where I stayed, so just an easy stroll on the beach and I was on “festival grounds”. The meditation on the beach was enhanced with some live instrumentation for stress elevation.
The Irie Soul Beach Wellness Program has a plentiful schedule of meditation (starting at 8am) and various yoga classes throughout the day. Clear-minded people flow off the mat and into the mingling area. Friendships created from the chance occurrences at Chances on the Beach.
With fruit drinks, a full bar and some local food, everyone is well nourished and in a good mood.
The pace of ‘island time’ is a phenomenon not unique to Jamaica.
The tides map the hours of most businesses and the music fills the void.
The event schedules tended to begin at least 30 minutes late, which made it easy to be early.
The live headlining acts command control of the 11pm-2am time frame.
Fun Fact:
The newly enacted Jamaican law requires a permit to host events at night and promoters must obey the Noise Abatement Act. “… permission is given to have an event up to 12 midnight during the week and 2:00 a.m. on weekends… These laws are to protect the patrons that are coming to your events. Organizers must take into consideration the safety and security of the patrons. We (JCF) want the patrons to be safe,” – Head of the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay (Jamaican Government).
Naturally, music pushes the limits.
Tmrw.Tday is run on island time and is designed for relaxation. With built in “just chill mon” times from 9am-4pm followed by a drum circle session from 4pm-7pm, one is never rushed. Plenty of time for livin, chillin, and being. A dive into the tropical jungle. A dip into the calm ocean. A soak on the white-sand beach.
The pace of the island is ⅔’s time, a slow wandering stroll’s beat.
The energy of the island comes from the sun during the day and from the people at night.
Looking back on the festival…
Tmrw.Tday was simple yet diverse. Easy to navigate yet spread out. The variety of venues and attendees made the whole thing a pleasant experience. We are excited for what the future of this Culture Festival has in the works. First-year festivals are by definition an experiment, a new test and there are many unknowns to be worked out along the way. With the first year
Don’t worry, we covered the music from Tmrw.Tday as well! Music from Jamaica and Tmrw.Tday Festival
Impressions from the Jamaican Culture:
[quote] A morning went a little something like this:
I stroll to the beachside restaurant. Get out my pen, notebook, & order:
“A Jamrock omelet, coffee & water, please”
“Ya mon”
“Thank you”
The rain yields for the time being to a cloudy haze that blends the ocean’s horizon into the sky.
The temperature is ripe.
The humidity is lively.
The pulse of the island is coming into light.
From the crickets of the night to the dancing paintings and carvings on the wall, music runs through them all.
The soulful melodies spill forth, almost involuntarily, from the locals.
Is everyone a natural vocalist?
[/quote]
The small businesses thrive in Jamaica and the markets are vibrant with people and goods. One person employment can be seen from the seven-mile beach.
One beach hustler’s day
A man carries coconuts, straws, and a hatchet. “Coconuts…” he says, as he walks along the beach trying to make eye contact with any and all tourists. He takes 5-7 steps. “Coconuts…” he repeats, as he is now 1o-15 feet further down the beach. He knows the limitation of his voice’s range and he is competing, after all, with other people and the ocean. Again 5-7 steps. Finally, “Coconut Mon….” for the last 1/3 of his vocal cadence. The three-part vocal loop seems to serve as advertising, a pace setter, a marching beat, and reassurance that he is actually getting somewhere on the 7-mile beach. If you are sitting on the beach you will probably hear the loop twice as he passes. What is that rule 7 for advertising again? Oh ya, that people buy after they hear about your product several times. When business is good, a quick walk inland and a new harvest can be acquired. When the sun gets low the day is done.
Each step is one closer to a new sale. “Co-conut”… “Coco-nut”… “Coconut Mon”…
“There are around 500 beach hustlers” – Paul (beach hustler)
There is an ever-changing flow of people, tourists, and travelers who soak up the island tropical sun.
Friendly entrepreneurs selling a story with their product or service. Friendly people so jolly that a word is worth it.
The smooth trotting pink-hatted horse riding salesman, slowly making his moves. Everyone is hustling their products and services
Later that day, the pink-hatted beach horse salesman scored a lady tourist for the ride of a life. He washes the young rider with vocal melodies and song. With gentle guidance and a quick step, the man leads the lady and horse along the water’s edge. (The legend himself can be seen in background of the picture – see left)
Creativity in approach, service, products & storytelling is on full display. Rude guests foil high hopes.
Clearly, the Jamaican culture benefits from tourism, festivals, the cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Jamaica continues to attract creative minded people to the lush jungles and white sand beaches, to enjoy a brief visit to paradise.
We covered the music from Tmrw.Tday as well! Read and take a listen here: Music from Jamaica and Tmrw.Tday Festival
Jamaica Tmrw.Tday – Lineup and Schedule
Jamaica’s TMRW.TDAY Cultural Festival Is Here!
If I need to convince you that a festival in Jamaica filled with Reggae, Yoga, and Beach-Parties is worth your time, this is probably not for you. However, if you are the adventurous type who is ready to sink your feet into new beaches, dip your body and soul into the oceans of reggae and invert yourself into yoga postures, this is for you! To learn more, keep reading….
Tmrw.Tday Culture Festival – Negril, Jamaica – Taking place on the glistening beaches of Negril, Jamaica this May 17-23, Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest forays onto the international festival landscape, with the aim of enlightening those who will voyage into paradise. Inspiring attendees to embark on a weeklong journey into consciousness, conviction and energy work across the grounds of one of the world’s most coveted travel locations. Tmrw.Tday curates an intimate, blissful destination festival experience bound by alluring music, delicious food, captivating activities and miles of pure, pristine coastline pulsating with positive island vibes.
Designated environments at Irie Soul Beach, headquarters for Tmrw.Tday, will host an array of beachside entertainment, wellness activations and delectable culinary feasts, spearheaded by some of the most distinguished innovators in the world. Featuring headlining musical acts Protoje & The Indiggnation Live In Concert, Wolf + Lamb,Toddla T and the festival’s official Reggae Ambassador Chris Blackwell, Tmrw.Tday has mastered an eclectic fusion of local and international talent, celebrating Caribbean heritage and global sounds alike.The Reggae Revival Concert and Crew Love Beach Party Showcase are among top festivity highlights, in addition to nightly sunset Drum Circles at Irie Soul Beach featuring Sam Maher & Acro Buddhas plus intimate Dub & Reggae Lounges to showcase Jamaica’s most talented and respected artists. Among those artists joining the beachside party include: Gabre Selassie, Yaadcore, Nick Monaco, David Marston, Teflon Zinc Fence, and Echomatik.
Daytime activations will offer a series of wellness programs led by world-renowned instructors. Various practices of yoga, fitness classes, health & medicinal healing workshops, guided meditations and conscious lifestyle speakers will guide attendees through a transformative experience found nowhere else within the festival realm. Championed by international wellness ambassador and superfoods evangelist David Wolfe, self-care teacher, motivational speaker and Irie Soul Program Co-Director Gillian B. and conscious lifestyle coach, meditation guide and founder of Irie Soul Stacy Chang-Christoforou, Tmrw.Tday’s wellness offerings will provide a diverse selection of educational activities to cleanse the body, detoxify the mind, and heal the spirit.
Andrew Christoforou, Managing Partner of Tmrw. Tday, elaborates: “The most unique part about Tmrw.Tday culture fest is that its ultimate goal is to have people go within to better themselves and find true happiness…The planet is at a very critical stage and we believe that you must take care of yourself first before you take action to better the world.”
An island that is known for an explosion of flair and flavours, Tmrw.Tday will take foodies on a culinary quest through Jamaica’s famous food scene – a flavorful blend of influences from Spain, Britain, East India, West Africa, Portugal, China, France, and The Netherlands. Adventurous spirits can feast on tantalising traditional fare while celebrating the importance of sustainable agriculture and organic eating. Led by cuisine curator Ras Iyah V Ital, the inaugural gastronomy program boasts the 7-Mile Organic Food Festival, Farm To Table & Experiential Dinner Series, Hot Sauce Competition, and will incorporate both vegetarian and vegan offerings prepared by internationally-acclaimed chefs such as 16-year old motivational speaker, youth health activist and vegan chef Haile Thomas.
Tmrw.Tday’s beachfront paradise will also host a variety of pop-ups and extra curricular activities, including the pioneering 7 Miles of Green, Marley Coffee Beach Café with Premium Blue Mountain Coffee, Organic Juice Bar, massage & spa offerings, essential oil treatments, Arts & Crafts exhibit and, of course, endless amounts of beachside activities.
Encompassing music, wellness, gastronomy, and adventure, Tmrw.Tday presents an impressive, fully immersive schedule designed for self-discovery, and encouraging above all things a chance to find inner peace and purpose. Creating a mindful and loving community built on values that challenge the current political, economic and environmental state across the globe, attendees will encounter an oasis of unique daily offerings designed to help achieve a more conscious lifestyle.A better TMRW starts TDAY.
Full Schedule Below or Visit the Website
A special thanks to the 2017 Sponsors for their support – Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Experiences & Red Stripe
Plan your journey to a better Tmrw.Tday – Tickets for the weeklong experience are on sale now!
Stay Connected: Tmrw.Tday
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Tmrw.Tday’s Philosophy
In recent years, our hearts have become heavy, so too has our planet. The earth continues to nourish us as best she can, but instead, we abuse her through pollution, hate and entitlement. Now is the time to strip it all back and discover how you can help. The inaugural Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest aims to tackle some of the existential challenges humankind faces by stripping back materialism and focusing on core values such as mindfulness, through its unique wellness, gastronomy and music programming. A movement for change, attendees will embark on a weeklong personal journey of consciousness, conviction and growth. Free yourself from society’s intolerance through yoga practice, music, dance, mindful eating, sustainable cooking, art, nature and alternative therapies.
See you there!
World’s Finest
The Domino Room-February 17th, 2017
Last Friday at the Domino Room in downtown Bend, Oregon, we were able to catch Leftover Salmon’s opener, World’s Finest. Featuring an electric banjo, saxophone, and vintage guitar, they had a rustic and organic vibe. Blending elements of ska, bluegrass and reggae, they were able to touch on several familiar sounds while adding their own character and a bit of a twist.
Juggling genres and different styles, it was obvious the group drew inspiration from assorted backgrounds. There were many moments of feel-good-bluegrass easily associated with Portland and The Pacific Northwest. Both upbeat and rock influenced it reminded me of groups like Fruition. Other times they would tone things down and switch over to reggae and ska. Some highlights included “Rub-a-dub” reggae and well timed breakdowns to group acapellas. With flexible musicianship, they were able to showcase a few covers as well. My favorite was their funky-bluegrass cover of “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band. The nostalgia of the song, accompanied with their provocative saxophone, was a great way to close out the set.
Full of fun energy and a feel good vibe, World’s Finest had very personable crowd interaction and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on the stage.
Check out the links below for music and more on the World’s Finest!
Why You Should Go to a Festival Alone
Ah New Zealand. The land of of serene natural beauty, friendly faces… and awesome festivals. Oddly enough, I found myself heading up to Luminate on behalf on my new expatriate boss, not too shabby. Cruising up Takaka Hill onto the mystical Canaan Downs property with a couple from Uruguay, the festival vibes hit good and strong. Making its way into the festival’s sixth year, Luminate 2013 is what every festival aims to be. An extremely international crowd ready to get naked by a tribal fire, groove barefoot the dirt dance floor, participate in workshops, and be inspired about living sustainably. With no alcohol allowed, the stoney energy was peaceful and open.
The opening ceremony, which I now believe every festival should incorporate, gathered the tribes togethers to sing, dance, hold hands, and light the main fire, igniting the seven day journey. This kicked off the nude tribal dancing next to the Pagan circles of fire throughout the different festival zones. Luminate celebrates the ancient summer harvest festival of Lughnasadgh. It was celebrated by our ancestors in all parts of the world. This time is exactly mid way between the summer solstice and autumn equinox when people to gather together, share food, music, stories, knowledge and send a lot of thanks to the earth mother for looking after us.
The workshops in days following were also of incredible caliber. I took courses on eco-villages, tantric meditation, native plant medicine, and Mayan Dreamspell.
Commitment to ZERO WASTE
Luminate’s innovative approach to Zero Waste through its Clean Environment Strategy is unique amongst events in New Zealand and the first I have ever experienced: Pack out what you pack in, composting toilettes, solar/wood fired showers, no recycle or trash bins, bring your own cup/bowl/plate/utensils…. it is all quite awesome.
As my first solo festival, I had to let go of all my inhibitions and hop into random circles of strumming guitars and rotating spliffs. I found a rad posse of travelers: my lanky UK stoner and compost toilette extraordinaire, a Canadian meaning of life seeker, and a beautiful German who taught me the hip new movement of electronic swing. So why do the solo festival?
1. Being by yourself you have no real obligations to be anywhere or find anyone
2. You’re on your own time where time doesn’t really matter
3. No consulting- go where you want to go – this way, you meet an incredible amount of people
But back to the music, eh?
Best Reggae Artist: Rhythmonyx
Best Electronic Artist: Adham Shaikh
This artist bumped Luminate and kept the Live Stage vibin late into the night. He is a Juno Award-nominated music producer, composer, sound designer, and DJ who brings his powerful global groovin sounds to the world stage. Many of my new German friends at the festival dug a new genre of electro dubbed – Gypsy Swing- Check out the new sounds!
Best World Music: Mundi
“…Fresh…funky. Intricate, multi-layered works…dynamic solos” The Press
“Unique and bursting with creative genius” Presto Arts & Culture
This group was matched the perfectly sunny afternoon…world music to move to.
Dennis ‘Dammor’ Morrien
Dennis Morrien = Dammor
Freio Music is proud to present an artist from Europe today Dennis ‘Dammor’ Morrien. Dammor is from Amsterdam, Netherlands staying fresh on new sounds and forever exploring into the depths of music. He can produce reggae/ dub like a rasta, space jams, drum & bass, and just about everything in-between. “Positive Vibes___Harmonic State of Mind & Soul” – reads Dammor’s sound cloud profile.
This track was published only 3 Days ago! This artist, when inspired can spit out meaningful songs like clockwork. Listen to this song, a Tribute to Yanomami Indians by Dennis ‘Dammor’ Morrien
U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic
Listen how free flowing these tracks are! I particularly enjoy Baby Inna Dub/ v2. I like the baby laugh sigh echo… makes me giggle, have a listen!
Be sure to show your support by following Dammor on soundcloud
More Info & Links:
http://soundcloud.com/dammor
To learn more about Dennis’ inspiration behind this song, check out this link, also posted by Dammor in the comments of his song on soundcloud.
http://soundcloud.com/dammor/tribute-to-yanomami-indians
Sharing is caring ~ )
Introducing…WANDERLUST WEDNESDAYS with Sober Raver
On the search for good music? Music that fuels the soul and mind? Music that displays raw talent, creative and innovative sound?
Look no further.
Begin every Wednesday traveling the world through music with me, Sober Raver. I’ll be exposing to Freio’s wanderlust community the artists that are making this world just a little bit sweeter with beautiful music. I will be documenting concerts, local music happenings, and introducing magnificent artists that will blow your mind. Your favorite day of the week just became Wednesday!
Today, we travel to the sun soaked shores of Jamaica.
To those of you that haven’t heard the collie herb word, please meet the irie vibration that is…
ROOTZ UNDERGROUND
Eugene, Oregon was graced by the next generation of soulful reggae to come of out of Jamaica Saturday night at the legendary WOW Hall. For those of you lucky enough to catch the six member Rootz Underground, you can attest to the energy and consciousness behind this reggae infused movement. Lead singer, Stephen Newland, released incredible vibes and explosive passion from the stage that were reminiscent of emotion found in the songs of Bob Marley (Yes, THE Bob Marley). Jumping (even throwing in a couple high kicks) and making his way from one side of the stage to the other, there was no possible way to keep from swaying to their sweet reggae sound. They take the foundation of classic 1970s reggae and move the same positive messages today out into our global society. Not only do they spread the good word, but they do it with energy and a whole lot of groove. Rootz Underground can be found touring the globe in the company of other incredible reggae masters including Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Israel Vibration, The Wailing Souls, Alpha Blondy, Toots & The Maytals, and numerous others. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see what the island of Jamaica is churning out and grooving on.
Continue your Rastafari journey with Rootz…
And for all of you Phish fans… check out this incredible rendition of Makisupa Policeman!