No... we haven't been silenced. Our license hasn't been yanked. There's not a mass "sit-in" at the station, with hostages.
The Powers-that-be did what committees haven't done: an apocalyptic storm strewing trees across power lines all across CVille... ironically, right about the time there was a meeting to "begin" to figure the whole mess out.
Word has it that WTJU will be back up, sooner rather than later. I'm sitting by the phone to make a mad dash, right now.
25 June 2010
Weekend Events, 26th-27th
A reminder that Jimmy Cliff hits the stage of the Charlottesville Pavilion (providing, of course, that there is electricity after Thursday night's apocalyptic storm) on Sunday 27th... with Iron Lion opening, instead of Soldiers of Jah Army. Showtime, 7PM. He got good press for his Bonnaroo performance (way down the page for the Saturday review)....
Bedrock of Old Dominion reggae, Awareness Art Ensemble, reunites to perform at the Richmond's the National on Saturday.
And, the 18th Annual DC Carribean Festival commences with their parade, Saturday. If you were spellbound by the story of the Mardi Gras Indians on HBO's Treme... you can see where the tradition began. On the street:
PARADE: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 11 a.m.
FESTIVAL: Saturday and Sunday, June 26 - 27, 2010, 12-7 p.m.
DC Caribbean Carnival Parade Route: Along Georgia Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Barry Place.
DC Caribbean Carnival Festival Location: Banneker Recreation Park, Georgia Avenue at Barry Place, directly across from Howard University in NW Washington, DC. (202) 726-2204.
Bedrock of Old Dominion reggae, Awareness Art Ensemble, reunites to perform at the Richmond's the National on Saturday.
And, the 18th Annual DC Carribean Festival commences with their parade, Saturday. If you were spellbound by the story of the Mardi Gras Indians on HBO's Treme... you can see where the tradition began. On the street:
PARADE: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 11 a.m.
FESTIVAL: Saturday and Sunday, June 26 - 27, 2010, 12-7 p.m.
DC Caribbean Carnival Parade Route: Along Georgia Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Barry Place.
DC Caribbean Carnival Festival Location: Banneker Recreation Park, Georgia Avenue at Barry Place, directly across from Howard University in NW Washington, DC. (202) 726-2204.
22 June 2010
Hysteria
Much has been said in local news these past few days, regarding the fate of WTJU.
Hasty, incomplete edicts were handed down, earlier this week, eliminating much programming... though the Reggae Vibrations was to have survived, albeit on Tuesday nights, 8-10PM. During this evening's meeting of DJs, and also a surprise visit of the new General Manager, from whence these proposed changes came, it was revealed that a "moratorium" on change will be in effect for two months, though it seems clear that the University (of Virginia) wants to see a serious return on its investment... and that change will come.
Through all of this, the single most galling fact is that the listeners were completely ignored with regard to those changes. When I began as DJ for "Reggae Vibes", it was already into its twenty-third year of an ongoing thirty-one year run--on Friday afternoon, where it has always been.
More than once, those that appreciate the program have always told me that the show defines Friday afternoons in Charlottesville.
The listener's voices need to be heard. That's how this show, and this radio station, has earned its longevity, to begin with. If you are engaged in Reggae Vibrations, call the station (during regular business hours, 9AM-5PM) at (434) 924-0885, and ask for GM Burr Beard, email him at bb3vx@eservices.virginia.edu , or write WTJU Radio, PO Box 400811, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4811.
The consensus is that our dwindling revenue during pledge drives means that nobody is listening, and that change is necessary for the University to get more bang for its buck.
It's your turn. Let them know what you think... and what you believe in.
Hasty, incomplete edicts were handed down, earlier this week, eliminating much programming... though the Reggae Vibrations was to have survived, albeit on Tuesday nights, 8-10PM. During this evening's meeting of DJs, and also a surprise visit of the new General Manager, from whence these proposed changes came, it was revealed that a "moratorium" on change will be in effect for two months, though it seems clear that the University (of Virginia) wants to see a serious return on its investment... and that change will come.
Through all of this, the single most galling fact is that the listeners were completely ignored with regard to those changes. When I began as DJ for "Reggae Vibes", it was already into its twenty-third year of an ongoing thirty-one year run--on Friday afternoon, where it has always been.
More than once, those that appreciate the program have always told me that the show defines Friday afternoons in Charlottesville.
The listener's voices need to be heard. That's how this show, and this radio station, has earned its longevity, to begin with. If you are engaged in Reggae Vibrations, call the station (during regular business hours, 9AM-5PM) at (434) 924-0885, and ask for GM Burr Beard, email him at bb3vx@eservices.virginia.edu , or write WTJU Radio, PO Box 400811, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4811.
The consensus is that our dwindling revenue during pledge drives means that nobody is listening, and that change is necessary for the University to get more bang for its buck.
It's your turn. Let them know what you think... and what you believe in.
16 June 2010
Jimmy Cliff @ Charlottesville Pavilion
Following reports of his performance at Bonnaroo, Jimmy Cliff has been rescheduled to appear in Charlottesville Pavilion on Sunday, June 27th, with northern VA's Soldiers Of Jah Army (righteous domestic roots-rockers).
"Many Rivers To Cross", indeed.
"Many Rivers To Cross", indeed.
11 June 2010
As mankind finds further ways to diminish itself and it's environment, Praises for the simplicity of soccer/football to find a way for people from all corners of the globe to cooperate, even if only for two weeks.
Not so very long ago, the idea of the World Cup in apartheid South Africa would have been a pipe dream.
In a long-ago interview with Ansel Cridland of the Meditations, we agreed that openness to the common joys of food, music and football were things that demystified all cultures.
"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae/Rock Steady [Rhino]
"Vanity" - John Brown's Body - All Time [I-Town]
"Playing With Fire" - Govt Mule/Michael Franti - MIghty High [ATO]
"World Crisis" - Heptones - Pressure! [RAS]
"Beware" - the Overtakers - Rudies All Round [Heartbeat]
"That's Life" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
"Facts Of Life" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"My House Is The Red Earth" - Joy Harjo & Poetic Justice - Letter Fropm The End Of The Twentieth Century [SilverWave]
"Waking Dreamer Dub" - The Fire This Time - Dancing On John Wayne's Head [Extreme]
"Chase The Devil" - Max Romeo - Arkology [Island]
"Owner Fe De Yard" - Leonard Dillon - Owner Fe De Yard [Heartbeat]
"City Of The Weak Heart/Dub" - Earl Zero - Life Is A Circle [Pressure Sounds]
"Midiwa Bol (I Love Football)" - Wes Madiko - Wes [Saint George]
"Africa" - Dub All Sense - MP3
"Put It On" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Tuff Gong]
"Bongo Man" - Jimmy Cliff - Ultimate Collection [Hip-O]
"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman [Island]
Techniques/Heptones Soundclash: the so-called "rivals" square off in a contest of sweet melody:
"Pretty Looks Isn't All" - Heptones - New & Old Sounds [EMI]
"Gypsy Woman" - Techniques - Best of... [Heartbeat]
"Time Has Come" - Techniques - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"Equal Rights" - Heptones - Sweet Talking [Heartbeat]
"In The Groove" - Heptones - New & Old Sounds [EMI]
"You're My Everything" - Techniques - Motor City Reggae [Trojan]
"I Shall Be Released" - Heptones - Party Time [Mango]
"Rastafari Anthem" - Alborosie - MP3
06 June 2010
Jimmy Cliff-POSTPONED/Awareness Art Ensemble Reunion in Richmond
Originally slated to perform, tonight, at the Charlottesville Pavilion (with openers, Soldiers Of Jah Army), travel issues have caused the show to be postponed, until further notice.
However...
...the venerable Virginia roots collective, Awareness Art Ensemble, will be performing a reunion concert at The National (708 East Broad Street, Richmond) on Saturday, June 26th. The pioneers of reggae music in this area (having often uplifted many an audience in Charlottesville), they are billed as bringing together all surviving members and two "special guests" in a much-anticipated EVENT. The WTJU studios have one, lone 45 single of their "Coming Home" that has been dusted off many times in the more than twenty years that its been in the library.
Give Thanks, AAE.
04 June 2010
Ball Of Confusion
The Message is in the Music. And the Gulf of Mexico is still a spewing, toxic soup. The Middle East, and the Koreas are about to ignite.
Trust in Jah to sort it all out. Men aren't getting it done.
"Long Time Now" - the Ethiopians - Engine 54 [Jamaican Gold]
"Birth Control" - Lloydie & the Lowbites - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"Ball Of Confusion" - A Darker Shade Of Black - Motor City Reggae Box [Trojan]
"One-Eyed Giant" - Baba Brooks - The Trojan Story V1 [Trojan]
"Oil In My Lamp" - the Ska Kings - Roots Of Reggae: Ska [Rhino]
"Christine Keeler" - Skatalites - Scandal Ska [Mango]
"Greedy Dog" - Israel Vibration - Strength Of My Life [RAS]
"No Hiding Place" - Willie Williams - Messenger Man [Blood and Fire]
"Changes" - Don Carlos - Changes [Don Carlos]
"Stab You Back" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"Promise Is A Comfort To A Fool" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Hit The Road Jack" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"Road To Axum" - Bill Laswell/Roots Tonic - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell [ROIR]
"Harder They Come" - Jimmy Cliff - Harder They Come (Soundtrack) [Island]
>"Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [ISLAND]
"Life Goes In Circles" - Dennis Brown - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Wild Goose Chase" - Steel Pulse - Earth Crisis [MESA]
"Every Time I Hear The Word" - Prince Far I - Trojan Story V2 (vinyl) [Trojan]
"Strong Will" - Midnite & Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Love Of Jah" - Annette Brissette - MP3
"Love's Contagious" - Tarrus Riley - Contagious [VP]
"Let George Do It" - Don Drummond - Greatest Hits [Jet Set]
"Never, Never" - Bobby Aitken - Ska Venture [(Self)]
"It's Hard To Confess" - Gaylads - Rock Steady Box [Trojan]
"I'll Be Around" - Kingstonians - Sufferer [ATTACK!]
"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" - Jimmy Cliff - Ultimate Collection [Hip-O]
"Forward Up" - Brent Dowe - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
"That Girl" - Dave & Ansel - Double Barrel [RAS]
"Swing & Dine" - Melodians - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
Trust in Jah to sort it all out. Men aren't getting it done.
"Long Time Now" - the Ethiopians - Engine 54 [Jamaican Gold]
"Birth Control" - Lloydie & the Lowbites - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"Ball Of Confusion" - A Darker Shade Of Black - Motor City Reggae Box [Trojan]
"One-Eyed Giant" - Baba Brooks - The Trojan Story V1 [Trojan]
"Oil In My Lamp" - the Ska Kings - Roots Of Reggae: Ska [Rhino]
"Christine Keeler" - Skatalites - Scandal Ska [Mango]
"Greedy Dog" - Israel Vibration - Strength Of My Life [RAS]
"No Hiding Place" - Willie Williams - Messenger Man [Blood and Fire]
"Changes" - Don Carlos - Changes [Don Carlos]
"Stab You Back" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"Promise Is A Comfort To A Fool" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Hit The Road Jack" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"Road To Axum" - Bill Laswell/Roots Tonic - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell [ROIR]
"Harder They Come" - Jimmy Cliff - Harder They Come (Soundtrack) [Island]
>"Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [ISLAND]
"Life Goes In Circles" - Dennis Brown - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Wild Goose Chase" - Steel Pulse - Earth Crisis [MESA]
"Every Time I Hear The Word" - Prince Far I - Trojan Story V2 (vinyl) [Trojan]
"Strong Will" - Midnite & Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Love Of Jah" - Annette Brissette - MP3
"Love's Contagious" - Tarrus Riley - Contagious [VP]
"Let George Do It" - Don Drummond - Greatest Hits [Jet Set]
"Never, Never" - Bobby Aitken - Ska Venture [(Self)]
"It's Hard To Confess" - Gaylads - Rock Steady Box [Trojan]
"I'll Be Around" - Kingstonians - Sufferer [ATTACK!]
"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" - Jimmy Cliff - Ultimate Collection [Hip-O]
"Forward Up" - Brent Dowe - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
"That Girl" - Dave & Ansel - Double Barrel [RAS]
"Swing & Dine" - Melodians - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
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