Thursday, 5/22/97 World beat This weekend’s JazzReggae Festival
brings together Caribbean, African and South American influences
while maintaining a local Los Angeles feel
By Nerissa Pacio Daily Bruin Contributor he gigantic branches of
jazz and reggae music continue to sprout more leaves and longer
limbs every day. But, "You can never leave the roots of reggae
music. It’s just like a tree – you gotta have the roots or else
it’ll die," says Lloyd "Bread" MacDonald of the reggae duo Wailing
Souls. On Sunday and Monday, both classic traditions and new styles
will intertwine at the 11th Annual UCLA JazzReggae Festival on
UCLA’s Intramural Field. MacDonald will perform with Winston "Pipe"
Matthews, the other half of Wailing Souls on Monday, which is the
designated reggae portion of the festival. MacDonald urges the
message of freedom of creativity in reggae music and beyond, but
holds fast to the idea that the music must have a core. "We live in
a modern age, so people tend to do things differently," MacDonald
says, "As long as we do not degrade people, there should be no
boundaries to creation." Poncho Sanchez, a famed Latin-jazz conga
drummer who will perform this weekend, also leans toward old-school
sounds, although he still appreciates the fast-growing off-shoots
of jazz music. "There are so many different types of jazz nowadays,
which is great," Sanchez says, "But I’m more of a traditionalist –
I’m into the early John Coltrane days." Although both musicians’
personal tastes stem from the traditional jazz and reggae worlds,
their goal for the festival is the same; the collaboration of all
different groups, ages and cultures for world music, food, dancing
and fun. With 14 food booths, including food from Jamaica to
Thailand, 35 crafts booths including African and Caribbean art and
Peruvian jewelry, and other educational exhibits about jazz and
reggae history, the festival promises to have a local Los Angeles
aura combined with a far-reaching international experience. "In the
past, the festival has had a small local feeling," says Sam Dorman,
director of the festival, "This year, we aimed to maintain that
local appeal, but at the same time we recruited big-name musicians.
It’s the biggest festival we’ve had; we’re bringing it to a whole
new level." The festival originally began 10 years ago as a
one-night jazz show in Westwood. Now, with an expected turnout of
20,000, the festival has added the reggae element and attracts
people of all different tastes. And yet, despite the major
musicians who will perform and the many elaborate displays, the
festival remains free of charge. "Our purpose is to bring
high-quality music to the public for free," Dorman says, "We wanted
to extend out to people who don’t always get the chance to hear
this kind of high- caliber playing. It’s essentially a festival for
and by the community." Despite the commercial means used to
advertise the festival in order to gain financial support and
attention by the masses, such as advertisements on the major Los
Angeles radio stations, entertainment magazines and newspapers, the
ultimate intention of holding the festival is quite the opposite.
"We wanted to hold a festival to showcase the kind of music that is
not recognized in the mainstream music world," says Jaime Nack, the
Cultural Affairs commissioner in charge of the reggae half of the
festival, "Cultural Affairs highlights these genres that have less
exposure." While many big names, including UCLA’s own jazz studies
faculty, appear on the list of performers, less-known artists who
contribute greatly to their genre of music were also recruited for
the festival. "I really fought for Half Pint, a Jamaican native, to
be at the festival," Nack says, "He’s an excellent reggae
singer/artist but not commercially known." Half Pint himself feels
enthusiastic to contribute through his performances. "I think
performing at UCLA will be a good support for young minds through
music," Half Pint says, "Through the light authentic reggae I play,
I offer a sense of music for life." Nack also recruited Sister
Carol to the event, a woman well-known in the Jamaican community
for her mix of roots and dance-hall reggae. As one of the only main
female performers, this artist advocates the power of women, as her
nickname, "Mother Culture," suggests. "Like most professions, women
in the music industry are paid less and often not as well-known,
especially in reggae," Nack says, "Sister Carol represents the
fight against that treatment of women." Other musicians scheduled
to play agree with the deep sensitivity and powerful social
messages their music offers. MacDonald says his music, like other
reggae groups, is about peace, love and bringing people together
for brotherhood and sisterhood. "Even the name of our group has
significance to our message," says MacDonald. "It has biblical
meaning from the story of John the Baptist. We are singing or
‘wailing’ for the lost souls of the world." Sanchez says jazz,
especially Latin jazz, offers an escape from the everyday humdrum
of life. "It’s a happy music. People can dance to it and have a
good time," Sanchez says, whose sheer love of music spurred him to
teach himself the congas as a youth. "It’s a positive experience
that counteracts the hard times nowadays." This weekend on the
green Intramural Field, the fresh open air and warm California sun
may not offer up any large trees for shade, but it will host an
array of musical entertainment rooted in the old traditions of jazz
and reggae music. And as for those unfamiliar with the jazz or
reggae scenes, Sanchez offers up advice to branch out and
experience it all. "Go enjoy it all! If you’re not hip to jazz, you
are definitely missing out," Sanchez says, "You just ain’t lived
yet." MUSIC: The UCLA JazzReggae Festival will be held May 25-26
from noon to 7 p.m. on the Intramural Field. Admission is free. For
more info call (310) 825-9912. DAILY BRUIN FILE PHOTO Craft booths
selling arts and crafts celebrate the international experience at
UCLA’s JazzReggae Festival being held this Sunday and Monday. Daily
Bruin File Photo – ALL CAPS???? Pancho Sanchez is one of the
musicians playing at the JazzReggae festival. The Berkeley Agency
Congo drummer Poncho Sanchez will perform at UCLA’s JazzReggae
Festival this weekend. Previous Daily Bruin stories: Festival will
promote more than just music, May 23, 1996 Related links: Jazz and
Reggae Festival page