FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jeff Weber General Manager Battle Creek Live! Kellogg Arena & Festival Market Square 1 McCamly Sq. Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 788-1101

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.- The Battle Creek Caribbean Festival will bring the Islands back to Downtown Battle Creek on July 21, from 5:00p.m.-11:30p.m.

Presale tickets will remain $5 increasing the day of the show to $8. Military, Seniors, 65 years and older, and Children 12 years and younger are also $5.

With overwhelming energy and a full spectrum of Reggae flavor the Indika Reggae Band wowed the inaugural Battle Creek Caribbean Festival in 2017. This year's headliner will hit the stage at 9:45p.m. The band is proud to back U-Roy Mushla one of the Mid-west best Reggae vocalists. The Indika Reggae Band itself has won Martin's International Music Awards "Best Reggae Band" numerous times. In addition to their own high energy shows, they have also been honored to back international Reggae artists such as Jr Marvin, Sister Carol, Dennis Brown, Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott and U Roy. Between them they have over 145+ years of experience playing Reggae, Calypso and Soca music. The Members of Indika developed their talents in Jamaica & Belize giving them an authentic sound. They perform old Reggae favorites with new life, and add to the Reggae world with new original songs.

From 9:15-9:45 p.m. Sunshine Fire Entertainment will light up the skyline with their fire breathing, juggling, and manipulation.

Backed by headliner Indika, Devon Brown and Karl "Kofi" James will bring a Bob Marley Tribute to Festival Market Square from 7:45p.m.-9:15p.m. Known for his powerful singing Devon Brown's showmanship on stage will capture you. Devon Brown is the Dub Dis Reggae Band’s Special Guest. . Award winning Reggae vocalist Devon Brown and Karl "Kofi" James will be performing a Tribute to Bob's Exodus album on its 40th anniversary. Time magazine chooses Marley's Exudus as the album of the century.

Kicking off the festival at 5:45p.m. is Uprizin Steel Band. Led by Trinidad-born steel drummer virtuoso Lyndon Sorzano, Uprizin performs jazz and contemporary music arranged for steel drums. Lyndon began playing steel drums at the age of 8. In Trinidad, Lyndon performed with the renowned Neal & Massey All Stars and the Pamberi Steel Orchestra, and has since gained an international reputation as a steel drum composer, arranger, and performer through extensive tours of Europe and Asia. Now a resident of Warren, Michigan, Lyndon is — in addition to leading Uprizin — an instructor for Caribbean Pans of Joy in Detroit. He has traveled throughout Asia, Europe, and the US representing Trinidad in numerous festivals and competitions, including the Caribbean and African World Festivals held at Hart Plaza and the Art, Beats, and Eats in Pontiac.

Featured food vendors include Jamaican Spice, Redline BBQ, Caribbean Chill & Grill Taste of the Caribbean doing Caribbean cuisines, Taste of India as well as Great Scott Ice Cream featuring fruit favors from the Caribbean.

Come celebrate the vibrant culture of the Caribbean in downtown Battle Creek. A day and evening of outstanding music, Caribbean inspired cuisine, drinks and crafts. The Reggae line-up runs all day and ranges from well-known regional to national headliners presented outdoors under blue skies, beautiful sunshine all the way until the evening playing irie tunes under the moon and stars.

 

What: Battle Creek Caribbean Festival

Who: Indika Reggae Band, Bob Marley Tribute w/Devon Brown & Karl "Kofi" James, Uprizin Steel Band, Sunshine Fire Entertainment

Where: Festival Market Square, Downtown Battle Creek

When: July 21, 5:00PM - 11:00PM

Ticket Sales: Presale $5, Day of Show $8, Seniors (65+)/Military/Child (12 under) $5

Available at Battlecreeklive.com on April 16 at 10:00AM