Travel Inside Reggae Music – Jamaica Cultural-Musical Immersion

Travel to the heart of Afro Jamaica Reggae Music with Maroghini and Matt Jenson

If reggae music has crawled inside your bloodstream with its earth shattering drum and bass riddim, its politically and spiritually driving messages of revolution and liberation, and its power to jettison you to a higher state of consciousness, then this cultural-musical immersion trip will satisfy your yearning for an even deeper, visceral understanding of Afro-Jamaican reggae music.  This trip is part academic musicological study, part socio-political discussion group, part transcendental drum circle and part jam session/dance party.

Ideally suited for musicians (professional and non professional)  and non musicians who have a deep affinity for the study of music from the perspective of a musician and humble/witness participant in the culture from which the music originated.

Trip Dates:  January 31-February 9, 2020

Join Jamaican master percussionist Maroghini and keyboardist/songwriter/professor Matt Jenson as they guide you Inside Reggae through the streets of Kingston and the lush Portland coast of this amazing island injecting you directly into experiences such as attending and participating in various reggae concerts/jam sessions in the city with both well-known and up an coming artists, witnessing and partaking in musical demonstrations dissecting the roles of the instruments in various reggae styles with some of the master originators and producers of the music, a trip to the hills to experience the sacred drumming roots and culture of the style (Nayabinghi and/or Kumina and/or Zion Revival), attending an academic conference focused on current trends in Jamaican music, a celebration of Bob Marley’s 75th birthday in a day-long music festival at his home, visits to some of the best known recording studios, some R&R time on the beach, and more.  Also included is a philanthropic outreach experience where we will work directly with a specific community or school, sharing music.  

For early arrivals we will have optional afternoon activities including a Beach outing or Devon House Tour.  The evening will include a group Welcome Dinner and Meet and Greet with Maroghini, Matt and other IR travelers. 

The dinner will include opening presentations by Maroghini on the Connection between Reggae Music and Traditional Sacred Jamaican Drumming; and by Matt on Jamaican Musical-Socio-Political History. 

Q&A discussion to follow

 

Day 2
Sat Feb 1

Morning:  Rastafari School of Vision in the Blue Mountains.  Optional Activity will be offered if needed

Evening:  Misc Runnings 

Overnight:  Kingston
Meals:  Breakfast

We will travel up into the Blue Mountains above Kingston and hike to the Rastafari School of Vision and experience a Rastafarian Sabbath Service with Nyabinghi Drumming.  Note:  This is a somewhat strenuous hike of about 45 minutes.  Bring study footwear: hiking shoes, sneakers or strong sandals.

Pinnacle is generally agreed to be the birthplace of the Rastafarian movement up in the hills overlooking Kingston,  We will be accompanied by Jamaican poet, activist, talk show host and academic, Jerry Bongo Smalls who will provide lively and provocative commentary regarding both historical and current topics related to the Rastafari movement and beyond.

In 2020, Bob Marley would have been 75 years old (b. February 6, 1945)  Every year, the Marley Museum/Foundation hosts an all day/evening celebration at Bob’s residence.  Enjoy a full experience of music, food, crafts and culture, while hearing many of the up and coming bands in Kingston.  Transportation will be provided throughout the day, so you can go back and forth to your accommodations at any time.  

Day 9
Sat Feb 8

Free Day:  R&R, beach time, water sports and other activities

Overnight:  Boston Bay/Port Antonio
Meals:  Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Full day rest and relaxation with option activities; beach at Frenchmen’s Cove or Boston Bay, rafting, walk and shop the streets of Port Antonio or just relax at your accommodations.