Tell us about your new single/album/tour?
I’m just writing and recording a lot at the moment so my head is in a creative cloud and i’m trying to keep it there for a while longer, it’s a great place to be.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
I’m just adding the final touches to the first Pat Powell album and there are a few surprises in store for my friends and the general public.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote…
The final day of recording Sierra Kilo Alpha at the ABC studios in Melbourne was the hardest day of singing for me, it was 17.5hrs of lead vocals, backing harmonies and vocal production, tough gig.
What, or who, inspires you?
I’m inspired by Nicky’s energy and leadership.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
OMG I wish I wrote “You Give Me Something” James Morrison
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
My sound is mango/lychee/coconut gelato with chunks of dark chilli chocolate topped with cointreau sauce, it’s a party on your tongue with a lingering after taste that makes you want more.
What’s next for you?
The Pat Powell album.
What’s your scene?
My scene is expanding and taking chances beyond my comfort zone.
About the Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival
Having already announced that Jamaican foundation Rocksteady duo Keith & Tex with The Moonhops will headline the Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival on Sunday 19 March, the festival is very excited to announce the rest of the bill. Joining Keith & Tex will be Jackie Mendez, Pat Powell, Red Sand Shuffle and The Majestics with Ska Vendors, plus MC Mohair Slim. Add that to the already announced Luke Yeoward, DJ Systa BB, and you’ve got one hell of a festival bill.
Californian musician/vocalist Jackie Mendez grew up on a steady diet of Ska and Punk, (mainly the British 2Tone ska revival music of the late 1970s) and began playing in bands, developing a keen interest in 1960s era Jamaican Ska and Reggae influenced by singers from the likes of Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe. LA based Angel City Records approached Jackie, wanting to focus on showcasing her as a solo artist, while supplying her with backing by the label’s reggae/ska house recording band Thee Hurricanes featuring an all-star line-up of some of California’s finest musicians.
Her debut EP ‘Introducing Jackie Mendez’ has been making waves worldwide as she continues to perform around the United States, Mexico and Europe and most recently, making a splash at The London International Ska Festival. For the Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival, Jackie will be backed by The Here Here’s, led by Baz Turn- bull, a guitarist who has worked with the likes of The Gladiators and The Congas. Sydney singer, Pat Powell, is a regular in Melbourne as a guest vocalist with the Ska Vendors and vocalist for the Melbourne Ska Orchestra. This time round, he will be using his versatile, velvet tones alongside Red Sand Shuffle as he performs a set of R&B stompers.
Performing as “The Majestics”, Kerri Simpson and Nichaud Fitzgibbon need no introduction to fans of Blues, Soul and Jazz with hundreds of shows, workshops and recordings under their respective belts. The sultry mix of Fitzgibbons’ velvet tones mixed with Simpson’s smoky blues and extraordinary range are well known to Australian audiences. Their set will delve into the Jamaican female songbook featuring big hits and hidden treasures by artists The Gaylettes, The Dreamlettes Dawn Penn, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. This is a chance to hear some of these artist’s great songs delivered by two of Melbourne’s finest. Don’t miss this rare collaboration.
Mohair Slim is a stalwart of the Melbourne airwaves with his long running Sunday morning 106.7 PBS FM radio program Blue Juice, which specializes in historic African-American and Afro-Caribbean sounds. Mohair Slim DJs regularly around town and is renowned as a suave connoisseur of weird and exotic dancefloor shaking tunes.
Featuring a mammoth line up of local, interstate and international artists, the sounds of young Jamaica will be celebrated in the unique space that is The Substation. Don’t miss the Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival run by locals and aficionados of the ska, reggae and rocksteady scenes on March 19 from 1pm – 7.30pm. Early bird and PBS subscriber tickets from $55, kids under 16yo free!
Head to the venue website at thesubstation.iwannaticket.com.au.
Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival 2017
Sunday 19th March
1pm – 7.30pm
The Substation
1 Market Street, Newport
Limited $55 Early Bird & 106.7 PBSFM Subscriber
tickets on sale now via venue website www.thesubstation.iwannaticket.com.au