Spread the love

With over 22 albums, 10 Grammy Award nominations, an induction on the Reggae Walk of Fame and an eclectic blend of music that combines reggae, rock and funk, Third World Band, has not only changed the course of reggae music but they have inspired fans with their music for over three decades. Now in their 6th month of their year-long 35th anniversary celebration tour, the reggae ambassadors took over the island of St. Kitts, when they opened at the 14th installment of the St. Kitts Music Festival.

The St. Kitts Music festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. Past acts have included John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.

The group opened the festival at 8:30 pm on Thursday, June 24, 2010. With well over 3000 fans in attendance, festival organizers achieved goal as fans arrived early to see the group perform. The show started with Cat Coore singing “One Cool Vibe.” Thereafter, the screams of fans ushered in lead vocal Bunny Rugs who entered the stage singing “Spirit Lives,” a dedication to the people of Haiti. They continued their set with international hit singles, “Sense of Purpose,” “Reggae Ambassador,” “96 Degrees In The Shade,” “Roots With Quality,” among others. Fans danced and sang with the band despite the looming threat of rain. At the close of their performance, the band was brought back on stage for an encore performance. Only too happy to oblige, the group performed timeless musical rendition of “Satta Massagana” and inspirational anthem “Moving Up.”

Upon exiting the stage, the band was greeted by adoring fans and media outlets who applauded them for their tremendous performance. Fan, Wendy Feinberg remarked, “First I would like to say what a wonderful time we had at the St. Kitts festival because of the amazing Third World Band. My husband and I have followed them for over 30 years and were blown away by how wonderful they still are. We brought our daughter, niece and nephew to see the show and they were blown away. They loved them and are now Third World fans as well.”

Prior to their performance, the group attended a press conference hosted by the St. Kitts Music Festival. Joining them on the panel were reggae artist Capleton, St. Kitts calypso artists King Elle Matt and King Star Shield, Trinidad’s own Bunji Garlin, Minister of Tourism Richard Skerritt, moderator, Junie of Sugar City Roc and members Smilie and Alex of the Grand Masters Band. Media outlets from neighboring islands, the United States and Europe attended to field questions to the panel.

Continuing their celebration tour, the group will travel to Europe for a three week tour that will consist of performances at the Reggaeland Festival in Poland, NOWA Reggae 2010 Festival in Spain and Dour Festival in Belgium. Other performances include Monterey Bay Reggae Festival in California, Nectar Lounge in Seattle, Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, Reggae Rising in California, Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Ohio, Keswick Theater in Pennsylvania, Seacrets Resorts in Maryland, Kanawha Plaza in Virginia, St. Barthelme Festival in St. Barths and New Zealand Music Festival in New Zealand.