jamarchSoulful, radiant and powerful are but a few words that could suitably describe Dancehall Soulstress Cherine Anderson’s performance at the 16th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Booneville, California this past weekend. Anderson delivered a set that vouched for her vocal talent and growing popularity among international reggae audiences. With the support of legendary musicians Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang , Anderson rocked the capacity sized crowds with hits like “Kingston State of Mind”, “Good Love” and the her most recent chart topper “Shine On Jamaica”. She got the crowd involved in her performance and looked at home as she sang both new and old tunes. Always appreciative of her fans, Anderson was especially attentive to the group of kids who flocked the side of the stage, signing autographs and taking pictures for well over an hour after exiting the main stage. Back in the media tent, several members of the press referred to Cherine as an ambassador for the music and her country and inquired as to whether she felt pressured to be a female on the current reggae scene.
In the midnight hours Anderson returned for a second performance at the festival, joining veteran selector Rory from the Stone Love movement in the Dancehall. Anderson entertained the jam packed dancehall with popular tunes as well as dancehall tracks from her 2008 mixtape Street Anthems which was hosted by Rory. The vibe was more hardcore but the fans loved every minute of it. After delivering her set, she was put on the spot to sing something a cappella and got an overwhelming response when she belted out “You & Me Against the World”.
Up next for the busy talent are a couple of days of intense rehearsals with the Grammy nominated band the Counting Crows and Michael Franti and Spearhead, for their joint upcoming July thru September tour. She starts her European tour this Saturday, June 27 at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, England, opening for Spearhead.
Media Writer
