Live Music Resurrected- How 689 by Brian Lumley and Nanook keeping Reggae Entertainment alive on the local scenes.
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On any given night in the city, whether in Montego Bay or Kingston there exist several options of nightly entertainment in the form of nightclubs, chill spots or weekly street dances. In that aspect there is much to offer however we are still dropping the ball on live music and as such with the exception of annual festivals like; Jamaica jazz and blues, Reggae Sumfest and Rebel salute, the offerings are meagre and not very well promoted. Many believe that Jamaica has failed to benefit from culture and entertainment in the past because of the mindset of the people and the low value placed on talent, creative or cultural businesses. Compared to recent times however, the future of live music is in a promising place right now. This mindset is shifting and the nation is now recognizing the potential of this industry. The talent has always been and is still here, and supporters of live music believes that as the climate becomes more supportive of these musicians and music-related events we should see a positive growth in LIVE music which could easily surpass or rival other international cultural meccas. Two such pioneers are; Restaurateur and local celebrity Chef Brian Lumley and Joan Webley Founder and owner of Nanook Enterprises.
Local upcoming acts
as well as established artistes are given an opportunity to showcase their
talents in live musical offerings on several nights of the week in an effort by
both Lumley and Webley. For the former,
his restaurant, 689 by Brian Lumley offers what he describes as ‘wholesome
entertainment’. ‘Pairing fine dining
with entertainment has helped to attract diners from as far as Russia, New York
and Jamaicans from all walks of life.’ Along with
the option for patrons to immerse themselves in the best of contemporary
Caribbean cuisine, Lumley and his team came up with an innovative, forward
thinking idea that will keep the people excited as well. Live revival reggae.
Lumley had the opportunity to team
up with local recording artiste, performer and song writer Stephanie Wallace to
give live music another hub where fans can come and enjoy some good food and
drinks. The restaurant provided for two
themed events called 689 musixology and 689 unplugged which happens on a
Wednesday and Sunday night.
The underground music movement is a
very active one and although, in theory, these featured artistes are seen as
beginners- with the advent of social media these people are able to form a fan
base and share with them their music and when it does come time to perform at a
venue, their fans come out to support. I’m very proud to be a facilitator of
modern Jamaican culture.
----Brian
Lumley chef de cuisine, owner 689
The musixology series is a
one-of-a-kind event where music and flair-tending make up the entertainment
offerings, while 689 unplugged is a partnership with Mystical Revolution and is
held once per month. Music lovers can also check out 689 LIVE where featured
artists come in and give the people an up close and personal taste of their
talent as musicians. These live music series has gained quite a momentum since
the beginning of last year and promises to be a mainstay in the local live
music community.
Whereas 689 is giving
live entertainment a stage, Nanook is going a step further to bridge the gaps that may exist in the movement. Apart from
providing a platform for a variety of music industry related activities
including album launches, and listening parties, their LIVE jam session series
has the greatest buzz in the underground music scene.
Each week
musicians from final-year students at the Edna Manley College, young touring
musicians from the current crop of bands, and living legends converge on stage at
a Nanook jam session. Singers who sign up each night then join this rotating
roster of top guitarists, keyboardists, bass players, drummers and
percussionists, on-stage. Audiences never know from week to week who is going
to appear.
----Joan
Webley --founder Nanook
Nanook is the place that
you want to be on a Thursday evening. The vibe of the
space is always remarked on as being a comfortable, inviting and inspiring
space and the audience is an eclectic mix of local and foreign musicians and
music lovers. If that’s not enough to attract you as a music lover, you can
still make it for the popular late night vegetable soup, ambience and good
conversations. Though the space is
mostly defined by underground acts, established musicians often make an appearance
on some occasions. The talented Local
songstress Alaine has attended a few nights and on some she provides major
highlights often singing support harmonies for young unknown talent and shows a
true love of her craft. The strongest night Nanook has had so far was when
there was a particularly strong representation of local bands in the house and
they jammed. The Musicians, namely; Omar (Roots Underground), Hector
(ZincFence), Carlos and Shortman (Curfew), Demar (Raging Fyah), Luke (Dubtonic
Kru), Simon and Rasheed (SkyGrass) went through genres, rotated instruments and
displayed the real spirit of our music. Amazing night! There was also the night as well when Alaine
passed through and was joined on stage by Brian Gold (now known as Anu Brian)
and Kabaka Pyramid for an impromptu collaboration.
For Nanook, A Dub School
sessions will begin in June and will be every Friday. The LIVE jam session will
continue every Thursday throughout the year. Joan and her team will also be
hosting a LIVE music event as part of the Kingston on the Edge (KOTE) art
Festival and have a few other special events planned.
No doubt 689 and Nanook
are doing a fabulous job but there are other efforts of note that should be
given credit as well. Special kudos can
be given to Ibo Cooper at the Edna Manley College and the guidance of person
such as Mike Bennett of Gafton studios who had a lot to do with inspiring this
current generation of musicians and bands.
The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) Reggae Month
shows played a key role in reinvigorating the LIVE music scene as well and
often provides backing to other dining locations such as Red Bones Blues bar and café’.
Usain Bolts Tracks and Records have also joined in the Live music
entertainment where every Tuesday night patrons can witness dancehall and
reggae musical acts with their weekly ‘behind the scene’ events.
Though it may require
a few more years for full development, we are at a stage now where we can truly
say, Live music is very readily available and a night on the town is going to
be so much more entertaining because of this.
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