MEDIA INFORMATION Wednesday 2 July 08

KATCHAFIRE TO HEADLINE REGGAE FESTIVAL
12 noon to 11pm, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Saturday 6 September, 2008

Cairns, Tropical North Queensland.. Australia’s premier Roots Reggae event, Reggaetown Festival, introduces a new brand of groove when it takes place on Saturday 6 September 2008 at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This year’s event features the sweet and saucy rhythms and harmonies of New Zealand’s stand out Reggae ambassadors, Katchafire , the Mana Maori Music Men.

According to Reggaetown’s event manager, Mickie Sellton of The Roots Music Agency, they have secured a coup with Katachafire – renowned for creating arguably the best Reggae in Oceania.

“Katchafire’s albums and 2008 tours, that include dates in Hawaii and the United States, are spreading the love and Reggae message far and wide. We are fortunate to have them in our line up, they are our favourite Mana Maori Music Men who will perform two shows in Southport on their way north,” said Mickie.

Since its humble beginnings in 1995, Reggaetown Festival (Formerly Kuranda Reggae Fest) has become an important and anticipated part of the region’s cultural ecology and landscape as well as a well loved icon on Australia’s festival calendar.

In past years Reggaetown Festival has been listed alongside Womad and Bluesfest as one of the top gigs of the year in Rhythms Magazine. The event has hosted names like Mad Professor(UK) , OYABA (AFRICA),Jah Mason(JAMAICA), Blue King Brown, Cornerstone Roots and many more national, local and indigenous bands.

Culminating in the attendance of 2500 festival goers in 2007, Mickie says the success is based on a dynamic formula: soulful music, relaxing tropical surroundings and delicious food. Some good company helps too, bring your own or make new friends there!

“For Reggaetown, 2007 was a watershed year. I was lucky enough to be selected to attend John Butler’s (JBSEED) Music Manager’s Forum and was successful in my application for a Queensland Events’ Regional Development grant that will be fundamental to the staging of this year’s fixture.

“What Reggaetown offers people is a vibrant experience that captures the true spirit of the Tropics. The event is adored by fans worldwide for its special ability to engage and bring people together.

“Reggaetown spreads the messages of “one love”, “respect” and “who feels it knows it,” said Mickie.

Reggaetown 2008 is a key event on the Festival Cairns 2008 official program. For information, www.festivalcairns.com.au

Tickets for all shows on sale 25 June :

Cairns
www.Ticketlink.com.au
Tastey records – Grafton St Cairns
Brothers World of Entertainment www.brotherscairns.com.au

More…/2

Southport Katchafire shows
Thursday 4th September and Friday 5th September
With Support Act Kingfisha
Tickets from Southport RSL 07 555 24200 or www.southportrsl.com.au

For further information, images , interviews , radio jingles and detailed artist information, please contact:

Cairns – Mickie Sellton
The Roots Music Agency
Skype: reggaemickie
Mob: 0416037275
Email mickie@reggaetown.com.au
Web: www.reggaetown.com.au

For Artist information, check out :

Web: www.myspace.com/reggaetownfestivalaustralia
Blog: www.rastainoz.com.au PLUS Bebo.com and Facebook.com

More information about Reggaetown Festival 2008
Festival goers are encouraged to come early and stay until late – taking their time to enjoy the eclectic mix of music, bands, artists, djs and roving performers, cafes and garden bars, kids activities and workshops in music, dance and drafts, market stalls from all over the world and a few surprises .

First Round – Artist Line Up

KATCHAFIRE : www.katchfire.co.nz
JAH MASON : www.jahmason.net
DEEJAY TICKLES : MYSPACE.COM/DJTICKELZ
IMPOSSIBLE ODDS : WWW.MYSPACE.COM/IMPOSSIBLEODDS
SARITAH : www.myspace.com/saritah
KOBYA : www.carlospanguana.com.au/
KINGFISHA:MYSPACE.COM/KINGFISHAMUSIC
DIRECT INFLUENCE: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DIRECTINFLUENCE
ANCIENT INSTINCTS : WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ASTROBRIM
Poetikool justice : www.myspace.com/poetikooljustice
TORTTRIBE : www.myspace.com/torttribe
PATCHUP
DUBAZ
THE DC BAND
More BIG Artists to be announced….