FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/2/2011
Morgan Arts Council -- Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

Press Contact only: Mary Hott 304-258-2300 - mary@macicehouse.org

REGGAE POET AND BAND CONCERT AT ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ----Continuing a yearlong theme of tolerance and understanding, the Morgan Arts Council (MAC) brings authentic reggae poet, singer and songwriter Taj Weekes and his band Adowa to the Ice House in concert on Saturday, December 12 at 8pm.  The public concert concludes two days of assemblies with Weekes in Paw Paw and Warm Springs Middle School as part of MAC's long-running Adopt-A-School program.

"We had a special request from the school board to offer these artists to the community as well as the students," said Mary Hott, MAC's Executive Director.  "MAC is pleased to bring the power of great music to community-wide efforts encouraging tolerance and appreciating diversity.  It's another way to support anti-bullying efforts."

Hailing from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Taj Weekes has an expanded approach to reggae incorporating sounds from vintage Ethiopian funk jazz to roots rock, from Deep South blues to West African percussion.   His gritty tenor and lilting guitar are perfect 
for poetic lyrics that tell tales of hardship and hope.  He has reflected musically on the impact of Hurricane Katrina, the twisted tragedy of Darfur and the careless destruction of the Gulf oil spill.   Weekes and Adowa  balance elegant melodies with rich strings, 
purring percussion, bluesy harmonica licks, and funky, funky keys.

"Taj Weekes' story is surprisingly close to those we heard from Morgan 
County roots musicians," said Hott.   Weekes learned country tunes and 
jazz standards at the family kitchen table with his father and siblings and was exposed by local calypso musicians to using provocative lyrics to take a stand .  "I write from the heart and I speak about issues that move me," said Weekes.  "I believe that’s what really matters."

Weekes does more than write poignant poetry and play engaging music to bring awareness to the issues he is passionate about, he also walks the talk of his songs' messages.  In 2007, he founded They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), a charity designed to improve the lives of underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs.  “I still play soccer when we’re on the road touring, at rest stops,” Weekes said. “It’s great stress relief, especially for children who face all sorts of problems. Their responsibility is just to play, and we help them do that.”

Taj Weekes tours regularly in Europe, the US and Caribbean.    XM Satellite Radio praised him for "raising the level of songwriting within the idiom of reggae music."  Weekes' award-winning album Deidem was short listed for Grammy consideration as best reggae album.

Funding for the concert is provided in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, West Virginia Commission on the Arts and local hotel/ motel taxes.  School activities receive additional funds from the Morgan County Schools.

The Ice House is located at Independence and Mercer in downtown Berkeley Springs.  Reservations are encouraged for the evening performance. Call MAC at 304-258-2300  or check online at www.macicehouse.org