Saddle To The East 2008 – October 10, 2008, Jamaica

Bounty Killer and Gary Foster present “Saddle to The East 2k8” An Annual Charity Concert held in St. Thomas, Jamaica, at Goodyear Oval benefits Upliftment Jamaica.. Saddle to the East was originally scheduled to occur on August 30th, 2008, but due to the addition of more reggae artists and sounds it will be rescheduled for October 18, 2008. Rodney Price stage name Bounty Killer, is one of the original kings of dancehall, He is a grammy award winning artists who has a strong voice in the Caribbean community. He initiated Saddle to the East in 1999 as an effort to rally the entertainment sector to give back to their community.

Originally held during Christmas season, the moderately priced show gives less fortunate populations the opportunity to see the biggest and best names in Jamaican music, proceeds are donated to schools and charities in the country’s inner-city communities. When I asked Bounty what drives him to support his community he stated “I have been through a lot in my life. I carry the pain of poor people with me where ever I go! This show represents a genuine and sincere effort to do what I can do with my friends to impact poor people lives! We in the entertainment community have to stand up for our youths”. Upliftment Jamaica Chairman, Gary Foster has taken Upliftment Jamaica from strength to strength. He has not only managed to make a huge personal contribution of time and money, but also inspire others to do the same, to support a worthy cause.

Gary Foster, a Political Science major, is a successful philanthropist and entrepreneur. He has worked closely with Russell Simmons, he credits his mentor, Dr. Benjamin Chavis for his avid philanthropy and faith. Aside from being colleagues, I asked Gary to explain the partnership between Bounty Killer and himself, he stated “I am very pleased to stage this show again this year with Bounty! Bounty has been a voice for the voiceless. We are always thankful for the support from the entertainment community! We need a greater cried for the youth of Jamaica”. SADDLE TO THE EAST marks the revival of Jamaica’s signature charity event—an evening where the biggest and best names in Reggae, Dancehall and Hip Hop come together to raise awareness and funds to support health, education, and wellness programs. Upliftment Jamaica serves Jamaica’s most disadvantaged and disconnected communities.

Upliftment Jamaica aims to build optimism where it does not exist. For the first time ever Saddle to East will initiate a drive to collect school supplies for children in Jamaica, all patrons who enter the stage grounds with school supplies will be able to purchase a ticket at a discount. Jamaica has been plagues with a severe shortage of school supplies for their youth. Support this event because, UJ successfully supports and provides opportunities to the underserved populous, to establish ongoing transformation. Performing live Grammy- nominated artist Bounty Killer, alongside Sizzla Kalonji, Muvado, Busy Signal, Serani, Bling Dawg, Wayne Marshall, Bugle, Voice Mail, Assassin, Kiprich, Cristopher Martin with Sound Systems to include; Tony Matterhorn, Stone Love, and Boom Boom. This announcement serves to educate and provide a philanthropic opportunity to individuals, socially responsible corporations and community based organizations to participate in a movement which unlike any other serves to provide individuals the opportunity to make better decisions and to control their destiny by surmounting the obstacles that plague our community.

For more information please visit our website at http://upliftmentjamaica.org or call 561-633-7006. Tickets will go on sale on October 10, 2008.