Some things in life never get old. For some people, a few of those things are ice cream, music of the Beatles, Barbie dolls, Hotwheels, StarWars, etc. 


    Another is the legendary reggae music of BOB MARLEY who, with the THE WAILERS, wrote some of the best music since the dawn of rock n’ roll. Together they created reggae music that transcended genres and has since transcended generations. Bob has been gone for many years, but his legacy lives on with THE WAILERS who continue to tour and make music, headed by original bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett and the new Wailers vocalists Koolant and Danglin. 

 The Wailers had an awesome performance at the 2010 Green Music Fest in Chicago.

    The Wailers took to the stage at the Green Music Fest in Chicago last June 26, and they literally had a blast performance. VIA Times/CPRTV had an opportunity to meet them and I would honestly say that the moment was one of my great interviews. 

    There are two main attractions to the current incarnation of The Wailers. The first is, of course, hearing the music of Bob Marley, performed by some of the people who helped create it, and the other is the captivating stage presence of Koolant and Danglin. Both of them brought to the stage a remarkable voice so similar to that of Bob Marley and they also have a childlike enthusiasm that adds a bright new freshness to old material.

     Taking to the stage at 8:00 P.M. and not exiting until close to 10:00 P.M., the Wailers had the crowd dancing and singing, and the strong scent of herb was present throughout the whole set. The band’s new additions, Danglin and Koolant, took turns on the lead vocals and they often succeeded in their efforts to channel the late reggae king Bob Marley. They performed many Marley standards, including “Kinky Reggae,” the party classics “Jamming,” and of course, “I Shot the Sheriff.”


    The highlight was a stirring and folksy version of “Redemption Song,” but one of the new songs, “A Step For Mankind,” which was written for the United Nations, was so impressive that I have considered as one of my favorites. “A Step for Mankind” was recorded in Jamaica, specifically for Oniric Records’ Solution for Dreamers: Season 3, and was released on July 1, 2010. 

    The Wailers have been supporting the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) efforts to eradicate hunger throughout the world, and they specifically focus on Ethiopia. “A Step for Mankind,” written by singer-songwriter Duane Stephenson, is a call for world unity and strength to support the ongoing struggle against world hunger.      Stephenson, a songwriter renowned for his portrayal of love, culture and spirituality, is recognized for many incredible reggae songs, most notably for his work on Jah Cure’s reggae anthem “True Reflections.” 

    The band is joined on the track by new lead singer Koolant, a fresh talent from the heart of St. Thomas, known for blazing a positive future for reggae music with his work, which has already spawned hits such as “Rat Race.” 


    Graced by the Wailers’ singular groove, “A Step for Mankind” is a small taste of more music forthcoming from the Wailers, who recently entered the studio in Jamaica to begin work on an album of all-new material.  Duane will also be going out on the road performing on select dates with the band as well as helping spread the word about hunger in the world.


    All proceeds will benefit the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide. A United Nations institution, the WFP is committed to getting food where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict, and natural disasters. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in 70 countries.


    In honor of the WFP’s noble cause, Oniric Records created Solutions for Dreamers: Season 3. The label, founded in 2005, is an independent company dedicated to the promotion of artists who advocate social and environmental change through their music. 

 Jovie Calma's post-CPRTV interview with Koolant and Danglin from the world's celebrated legendary band- The Wailers.

    The “Solutions for Dreamers” series was created to raise awareness and funds for non-profit partners of Oniric Records, such as environmental group Heal the Ocean.

    Formed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, The Wailers have gone on to become the most successful reggae band of all time, selling 250 million albums, and playing live to an estimated 24 million people worldwide. The Wailers’ leader and musical director Aston “Familyman” Barrett, helped forge the template for reggae with his booming, thunderous bass patterns. 


    But more than just a bass player, Family Man was also the right-hand man of former band leader Bob Marley. He also played a large part in arranging Marley’s songs and co-produced a number of the late icon’s albums. The band continues their relentless touring schedule bringing their message of peace and “one love” to their audiences worldwide.   


    This year, Familyman celebrates 40 years as a Wailer, clearly embodying what Marley once said, “My music will go on forever. Maybe it’s a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.” Just recently, the Wailers concluded the US Tour and now they are off to conquer Europe.      Get your reggae groove on and help support the Wailers in their efforts to eradicate world hunger.  




M&R RUSH ROCKIN’ CHICAGO FOR SUMMER 2010!

     M&R Rush Band, remember them? They’re back, and currently performing on their 2010 Summer Tour! 

    M& R Rush had its beginning in the early 70’s, when a group of five high school friends from Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood had a dream of becoming the best rock band in Chicago. 

    For those who are too young to remember, drummer MARTY MARDIROSIAN and bassist ROGER HIRTZ represent the  “M” and the “R” of the band. The other band members are CARL MOSZUR, keyboards & vocals, JOHN McFARLAND, guitar and vocals, PAUL MARTIN, guitar and vocals, and JEFF LUIF, guitar and vocals. It wasn’t long before M&R Rush had won a couple of “Battle of the Bands” contests and started to build a following. 


    Within a year, M&R Rush was signed by the same Chicago-based management company who was guiding another local Chicago group called Styx. M&R Rush opened a string of high-school and college concerts for the band prior to Styx becoming national recording artists. This gave M&R Rush instant recognition with the 1,500 to 2,000 fans that came to the shows. 


    The word was now out about this hot new band and high schools and colleges were booking M&R Rush based on their reputation to put on a great show and draw a huge crowd. 


    During the early 70’s, M&R Rush performed at over 100 different schools and colleges to sold-out crowds nightly. Some of the most memorable Chicagoland dates included Mendel, Marist, Gordon Tech, St. Pats, St. Xavier, St. Rita, Joliet Catholic, New Trier East, Bogan High School, and Thorton Fractional South.      

        As the band matured, they took their show on the road to the college club scenes in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio and Iowa. There they rocked the Red Lions in DeKalb, Champaign, and Normal. McCabe’s and McFly’s in Carbondale, Ted’s Warehouse in Mattoon, Headliners in Madison, Wisconsin and Junies in Dubuque, Iowa, just to name a few. 


    The management of these establishments was prepared for the crowds that came to see M&R Rush, and on many occasions asked, “Who are these guys”?     Moving into the Chicagoland club scene, M&R Rush joined the likes of other local bands such as Survivor, Cheap Trick and Tommy Shaw before he joined Styx, looking for that national recording contract. 


    During this time, M&R Rush drew packed houses at Haymakers in Wheeling, The  Spirit in Downers Grove, Haywires in Burbank, Point East in Lynwood, Monopoly in Palatine, B’Ginnings in Schaumburg (owned by the drummer from the group Chicago), Thirsty Whale in River Grove, Mothers and Huey’s in Chicago. 


    As the band’s following continued to grow, their mailing list also grew to over 10,000 fans (no such thing as e-mail then). The band used this to their advantage to book their own sold-out shows at various theaters throughout Chicagoland.

     In 1980, “The Loop” radio in Chicago chose M&R Rush to be on their first hometown album. The song “Rock & Roll Chicago,” written and performed by M&R Rush, became the most requested song off the album and finished at #45 for the year at that station.     


     With their popularity high, M&R Rush released an EP titled “Reach For The Stars” and promoted its release by performing in their hometowns at Chicago Fest, Loop Fest, Hammond Fest, Oak Lawn Fest, Chicago Ridge fest, Berwyn fest, and more while also hitting the road performing in a fourteen-state area in the Midwestern United States. 


    During this time, M&R Rush opened shows for Styx, Survivor, Sammy Hagar, Judas Priest, Black Oak Arkansas, Head East and the Go Go’s. 


    With the music industry changing and record companies looking for new acts that sounded like Flock of Seagulls or at the other extreme Motley Crue and other hair bands, M&R Rush disbanded in 1987. The band members kept in close contact at an annual golf outing for the former road crew and band. 


    Every year at the outing, the question would be asked, “When are you guys getting back together?”

    At the 2002 outing, thanks to an impromptu jam session, it was decided that the summer of 2003 would mark the return of M&R Rush. With the help of Jim Lenz from Paradise Artists, M&R Rush performed nine dates at summerfests and clubs as they embarked on their “Rock and Roll Chicago Summer Tour 2003.”  


    The response was tremendous as performances included shows with Foghat and Jim Peterik of Survivor, as well as second-generation M&R Rush musicians. Coinciding with the tour, the band released a compilation CD titled “Rock & Roll Chicago.”


     The disk features re-mastered M&R Rush music from vinyl and cassette releases from the 70’s and 80’s. 


    2003 also marked the return of M&R Rush to the airwaves as the CD’s title track and the holiday release “Heavy Metal Christmas” received airplay in the Chicago Metro area. 


    With the help of the Internet, M&R Rush music is now being played in Europe. Amazingly, the band is selling more CDs online across the pond than here in the U.S. with European fans classifying the late 70’s & early 80’s style of M7R Rush as Pomprock. 


    In the summer of 2004, the band returned to the stage to promote the release of  “The Thrill Of The Chase,” their first new studio release in 15 years. The “Pomprock Tour 2004” included shows with Survivor and Heartsfield, as well as two unplugged performances live on X-Rock 103.9 FM I Northwest Indiana. 


    Chicago radio legend Mitch Michaels stopped by one of the shows to introduce “Rock & Roll Chicago.”  Mitch was the Program Director and on-air personality at The Loop, WLUP-FM in 1980 when “Rock & Roll Chicago” was chosen to be on the “Chicago Rocks” Hometown Album. 


    Near the end of the 2004 baseball season, when it looked like the Chicago Cubs might be headed for the playoffs, ESPN Radio in Chicago began playing “I’m Dreamin,” the first single off “The Thrill Of The Chase.” “I’m Dreamin” is a tribute to the Chicago Cubs players of yesterday and today (if only the Cubs would have…never mind!!!). 


    In 2005, the band embarked on the “Reach For The Stars” Tour 2005. This tour included 12 shows in the Chicago metro area and Northwest Indiana, including a show with REO Speedwagon and a benefit performance at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana with Chicago legends The Buckinghams, The Cyan Shames and others to benefit The American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.  


    In 2006, the “Tight Tour” included two shows in Roger’s new hometown of Indianapolis, a special Roseland Reunion show at Villa De Bruno in Lynwood, Illinois and first time appearances at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago and CD’s & Me in Frankfort, Illinois. 


    In 2007, M&R Rush performed on their “Keep On Rockin” Tour, which promoted the release of their new studio CD of the same name.


     In 2008, M&R Rush performed on their “Ticket To Kick It” Tour. Highlights from 2008 include a show with the legendary Temptations, a performance at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Chicago at the corner of Lincoln Avenue & Fullerton and a show with The Dancing Noodles. 


    M&R Rush is currently performing on their “Big 3-0” 2010 summer tour, celebrating 30 years since “Rock & Roll Chicago” was on the airwaves in Chicago all summer long. They had performed recently at the Homewood Days in Homewood, Illinois last July 9.        


Save these dates for their upcoming performances: July 23 (Friday), 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL. Showtime at 10PM, July 29 (Thursday) Wicker Park Concert Series in Highland, Indiana Showtime at 9PM, August 1 (Sunday), Rock N Roll Chicago ½ Marathon in Chicago, IL Showtime-TBA, August 13 (Friday), Lake County Fair in Crown Point, Indiana Showtime at 8PM, September 9 (Thursday), CD & Me in Frankfort, IL, Showtime at 8PM. 


    Don’t miss their upcoming shows and keep on rockin’ Chicago!          TELESERYE ROYALS LIVE IN CHICAGO! 

    On August 13, the best of teleserye series stars will go onstage at the Copernicus Center in Chicago. 


    The much-awaited show features the original hunk and matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, the most sought-after love tandem of Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu (The Kimerald Love Team), multi-awarded actor Coco Martin, the “Impostor” star Maja Salvador, the controversial actress Maricar Reyes, comedian Chokoleit and pop rock star Yeng Constantino. 


    TELESERYE ROYALS LIVE IN CHICAGO is produced by HCN Group of Companies in cooperation with Donnarich Productions, Inc. Gabby, Gerald, Kim, Maricar and Coco are all stars at the top rating teleserye titled “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” which had its final episode last July 9.


    Adding spice to a delightful evening is the equally popular and alluring Maja Salvador who plays the lead role in “Impostor,” opposite Sam Milby. 

    Singing Champ, Yeng Constantino, will sing her signature song numbers. Meanwhile, comedian Chokoleit is sure to bring everyone laughing in stitches. This is one of the must-see shows this summer in Chicago! 


    Teleserye Royals are guaranteed to entertain both the young and old ones alike!         On a side note, I would like to greet happy birthday wishes to Tita Fely Velez (July 1), July Macaranas (July 4), Orestes Chua (July 7), Tito Father Ernie Halina (July 9), Jeng Javate (July 12), John Le Halina (July 16), EJ Sarreal (July 19), Jess Christopher Campo (July 23), Maya Leighton (July 20), Meredith Barcega (July 22), Tita Dely Bacatan (July 31), and to my niece and princess Bettina Abrienne “Butchay” Calma Zamora, who just turned one last July 9!   


    BIG thanks to my cousins and favorite couple Mark and John Lou Cantada, for an awesome get-together of our family in New Buffalo, Michigan for the 4th of July celebration.  We all had a blast! 


    To my BFF, Amie Hana, thank you for helping me out in covering the Wailers’ performance, and for simply being there for me all the time. 

    To my Tiger BFFs, Chie Rowland and Doreen Musni, I have realized that life is tough but I am tougher most especially at times when my fellow tigers are around me!


     Thank you for the love as always, and let’s continue to “rawr”! To all our VT Readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support.     


Stay tuned for the next Wassup?!     

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