Morgan Heritage and Maxie D from Groovin Radio 93.5fm from left: Mojo, Peetah, Maxie D, Gramps.
Groovin in the Park executive team in New York City are finalizing plans for their June 28, 2015 concert. The biggest annual concert in New York City and North America once again is ready to showcase their star studded lineup. On the show this year is: Multiple Grammy Award winner Michael Bolton, Multiple Granny Award winner Billy Ocean, The Royal Family of Reggae Morgan Heritage, The Prophet Capleton, The Preacher, Lt. Stitchie, Sweet, Sweet Coco Tea and The Messenger Luciano.
As the executive team for Groovin in the Park continues their preparation for the big concert, I spoke to one of the executive member Clement “Ras Clem” Hume who is also the Host of Groovin Radio on 93.5FM. A Jamaica Experience (AJE) asked Ras Clem about their goals for the concert and according to Ras Clem, “We respect all the people who come to Groovin in the Park each and every year. We would like the people to come out for the best entertainment, enjoy the food and savor the moment as it will last a life time and that is our goal each year.”
Morgan Heritage Mojo, Peetah, and Gramps. sign new album for fans “Strictly Roots”
Ras Clem went on to say that this year, “We added a segment called Groovin Idol to allow up and coming artist to showcase their talent. We could have selected two or three artist to open the show at Groovin in the Park but this year, we allow up-and-coming artist to submit their music and have the listening audience of WVIP 93.5FM to vote for the winner. Now, the Groovin Idol segment is going so well that RJR station in Jamaica is onboard and decided to do there own Groovin Idol competition in Jamaica. The winner of Groovin Idol in Jamaica will fly to New York and perform on the big stage at Groovin in the Park along with the winner(s) in NYC on June 28th.
As the star lineup prepare for the show, last Saturday, May 24th I spoke with a few members of Morgan Heritage Reggae group known as The Royal Family of Reggie. The group is on tour in Africa but took some time and came back to New York City to promote Groovin in The Park and also their new album “Strictly Roots.” The album has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Album chart in the first week and debut #1 Reggae Album on iTunes. The album is also charting at #16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Morgan Heritage has been consistently humble as a group since their 1994 debut album. The group Morgan Heritage is no strange to reggae music; they are the children of Reggae Legend Denroy Morgan. On Saturday members of Morgan Heritage group Peetah, Gramps and Mojo were at an album signing at VP Records in Queens New York and promoting Groovin in the Park. AJE interviewed the group live for Groovin Radio 93.5FM and according to Mojo in response to my question, “In putting an album together, we could never fit all the songs that we recorded but we are happy with the selection on the album titled Strictly Roots. During my conversation with Peetah, he corrected me that this was not the “Big Bad Album” but the “Big Good Album and we are thankful that it is so well received by our fans and music lovers around the world.”
Morgan Heritage Peetah at new album sign “Strictly Roots” pose with happy fan Paulette “
Meanwhile, Gramps was taking pictures, signing autographs and speaking with all the fans that came out to pick up the album or just to hang out with the group. “The concept was met with this album. We achieve the dancehall influence in our music without sacrificing our conscious message music” said Gramps.
The Groovin in the Park executives are happy that they are able to bring music lovers the quality concert they are longing for and they are also excited about the upcoming concert. “The fans emailed us on who they wanted to see based on availability and they asked us to make certain changes and we were able to meet and implemented all the fans concerns”, said Ras Clem.
Breadman, Ras Clem and Maxie D from WVIP 93.5 FM backstage at Groovin in the Park 2014
From the Reggae lineup, Sweet, sweet, Coco Tea said, “Groovin in the Park is not sell-off, the show will be sold out so get your ticket fast.” Lt. Stitchie said, “He’s been hearing a lot about the show from past performers and he is happy to be a part of the best show in New York City. So while everyone is excited about the concert, Morgan Heritage ready for Groovin in the Park and they are promising all the people, they are in for a performance of a life time. So while Maxie D is disclosing that he is one of the contributors on Groovin Radio 93.5FM, AJE is saying we endorse this concert 100% and we will see you in the park.