Reggae

Award-winning director Roberto Angotti presents double feature at Naples Italian American Foundation on February 13, 2023

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(Basil Russo, Roberto Angotti, John Viola and Maria Bartiromo at the 2017 NIAF Gala) 

Roberto Angotti is a cultural historian, writer, film director, curator, and radio DJ who blends his love of baseball, Italian American arts and culture, and music into multi-media creations. His film, Italian American Baseball Family, tells the story of how Italian Americans assimilated into popular culture through America’s favorite pastime, baseball, and how Italian Americans have circled back to Italy to grow the game by playing for Team Italy in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. His film features interviews with renowned baseball historian Lawrence Baldassaro, and MLB notables Tommy Lasorda, Frank Viola, Nick Punto, Francisco Cervelli, Brandon Nimmo, Chris Colabello and Gavin Cecchini.

At the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) 42nd Anniversary Gala in November 2017, the movie was screened and won the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award. Most recently, the film received international accolades when it screened and was selected as a Finalist at the World FICTS (Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs) Sport Movies & TV Challenge 2018 in Milan, Italy. Other film screenings have taken place in Rome, Chicago, Cleveland, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Fullerton and St. Louis at Fox Sports Midwest Live!

Angotti is an official Team Italy media representative for Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS), and he reports first-hand from international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic and other tournaments. He was first inspired to write about baseball in Italy and the USA, Italian American arts and culture, and music through his blog: http://www.MLBforLife.com.

In 2013, he curated the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball in San Diego, California. This exhibit paid homage to Italian American baseball players and Team Italy players and coaches from the World Baseball Classic through artwork from renowned artists of Italian descent. Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball opened with art and baseball memorabilia honoring such MLB luminaries as Mike Piazza, Jason Grilli, Frank Catalanotto, Chris Denorfia, Drew Butera, Anthony Rizzo, Chris Colabello, and Alex Liddi. 

A graduate of the prestigious Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California with a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Angotti began his filmmaking career with documentaries on The English Beat and UB40. As a radio deejay on KNAC in Long Beach and KROQ in Los Angeles, he launched the career of Grammy nominee Pato Banton in America. Angotti enlisted the services of Pato Banton on his latest film, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza, to produce a musical odyssey documentary on the iconic career of the National Baseball Hall of Famer and the new leader of the Italian national baseball program.

Angotti served as international sister city ambassador between Fullerton, California and Tollo (Abruzzo), Italy in honor of long-time Orange County, California resident Tommy Lasorda and the birth place of his father. Sabatino Lasorda, in Italy. Italian American Baseball Family was featured at the Tommy Lasorda Day celebration in Fullerton on September 22, 2021. In addition, the film (with Italian subtitles) was screened at the reciprocal Tollo sister city
celebration in 2022.

Be sure to join the festivities on Monday, February 13, 2023 at the Naples Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport Pulling Road in Naples, Florida. Doors open at 5 pm. Dinner is included with admission. For tickets and further information, click HERE or call (239) 597-5210.

Italian American baseball films, art and reggae legend at Fullerton Museum on December 10, 2022

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Award-winning director Roberto Angotti and nationally-renowned artist Christopher Paluso will appear at the Fullerton Museum Center on Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm. The National Italian American Foundation Russo Brothers Film Forum award-winning Italian American Baseball Family will screen at 1:30 pm and be followed by an informative Q and A with director Roberto Angotti and artist/illustrator Christopher Paluso.

Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza will make its Southern California premiere at 3 pm. Grammy-nominated artist and reggae legend Pato Banton, who produced to music soundtrack to the documentary celebrating the life and career of National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, will be in attendance along with some very special guests. Directed by former KROQ radio DJ Roberto Angotti, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza comes out just in time for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

A limited-edition commemorative poster designed by artist Christopher Paluso will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the current Fullerton Museum exhibitions on display: Picturing America’s Pastime: A Snapshot of the Photograph Collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and Lasorda Legacy: A Tribute To Baseball and Dodgers Legend Tommy Lasorda. The Fullerton Museum Center is located at 301 N. Pomona Avenue in Fullerton and is open from 12 noon to 4 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

A.J. Morris joins Houston panel discussion following Italian American Baseball Family

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Team Italy starting pitcher A.J. Morris threw five no-hit innings in the 2017 World Baseball Classic against Venezuela featuring a loaded lineup of MLB All-Stars including Jose Altuve, Miguel Cabrera, Alcides Escobar, Freddy Galvis, Ender Inciarte, Carlos Gonzalez, Victor Martinez and Salvador Perez.

The Italian Cultural and Community Center in association with the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, are pleased to present the Russo Brothers National Italian American Foundation Film Forum Award-winning Italian American Baseball Family documentary on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7 pm. Former Team Italy hurler and Cincinnati Reds pitcher A.J. Morris with join producer/director Roberto Angotti along with David Fanucchi (Author of Miracle on Grass: How Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda led Team USA to a shocking upset over Cuba, capturing the only Olympic gold medal in USA baseball history), SportsRadio 610 host Shaun Bijani and other prominent panelists for a discussion immediately following the movie screening.

Roberto Angotti is a cultural historian, writer, film director, curator, and radio DJ who blends his love of baseball, Italian American arts and culture, and music into multi-media creations. He is an official Team Italy media representative for Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) and reports firsthand from international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic and other tournaments. The proud Italian American was first inspired to write about baseball in Italy and the USA, arts and culture, and music through his blog: www.mlbforlife.com.

In 2013, Angotti curated the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball in San Diego, California. This exhibit paid homage to Italian American baseball players and Team Italy players and coaches from the World Baseball Classic through artwork from renowned artists of Italian descent. The Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball exhibition opened with art and baseball memorabilia honoring such big-league players as Mike Piazza, Jason Grilli, Frank Catalanotto, Chris Denorfia, Nick Punto, Drew Butera, Anthony Rizzo, Chris Colabello, and Alex Liddi.

A graduate of the prestigious Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California with a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Angotti began his filmmaking career with documentaries on The English Beat and UB40. As a radio deejay on KNAC in Long Beach and KROQ in Los Angeles, he launched the career of Grammy nominee Pato Banton in America. Angotti enlisted the services of Pato Banton on his latest film, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza, to produce a musical odyssey documentary on the iconic career of the National Baseball Hall of Famer and the new leader of the Italian national baseball program. The film makes its world premiere followed by a live concert performance by Pato Banton at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club on Sunday, April 24, 2022 in celebration of Festa della Liberazione. Limited tickets are available by clicking HERE.

Angotti recently served as international sister city ambassador between Fullerton, California and Tollo (Abruzzo), Italy in honor of long-time Orange County, California resident Tommy Lasorda and the birth place of his parents in Italy. Italian American Baseball Family was featured at the Tommy Lasorda Day celebration in Fullerton on September 22, 2021. In addition, the film (with Italian subtitles) will screened at the reciprocal Tollo sister city celebration in 2022.

Tickets for the upcoming Houston event featuring Italian American Baseball Family and the star-studded panel discussion at the Italian Cultural and Community Center on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 are available by clicking HERE.

Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza selected as finalist at FICTS International SPORT MOVIES & TV 2020 World Championship in Milan

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Organized by FICTS (Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs) and recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the world-renowned Sport Movies & TV 2020 Festival has selected Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza as a finalist in the FICTS Worldwide Championship of Television, Cinema, Sport, Culture and Communication in Milan, Italy from November 7-11, 2020. Director Roberto Angotti returns for his second FICTS Sport Movies & TV World Challenge after his Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award-winning Italian American Baseball Family documentary was selected as a finalist in 2018.  

The grand final of 20 World FICTS Challenge Festivals spanning five continents, the Sport Movies & TV 2020 Festival will be livestreamed on the ms360.tv website and broadcast live on MS Channel Sky 814. Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza will be livestreamed Monday, November 9, 2020 at 11:15 am (EST) on both platforms.
  
FICTS promotes the values of sport through images in over 123 affiliated nations and is presided over by Professor Franco Ascani of the Italian Olympic Committee Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage. Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza is among the elite productions of the nearly 1,000 submissions from 50 countries in 52 sport disciplines. The FICTS International Jury, made up of ambassadors in the world of cinema, television, media, sport and culture, will deliberate on which productions to select for “Guirlande d’Honneur” (Oscar of Cinema and Sport Television), “Mention d’Honneur” (Honorable Mention), and “Special Awards” for each of the eight categories.

Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza is a musical odyssey documentary featuring the music of Grammy nominee Pato Banton. Filmed at the Italian National Olympic Committee headquarters in Rome and the 2020 CON6 Baseball and Softball Convention in Rimini, the documentary highlights the celebrated career of National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza and captures the new leader of the Italian national baseball program as he meets the press and his team for the first time since his appointment. 

Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on the iconic baseball figure and features interviews with Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda, New York Mets Announcer Wayne Randazzo, and former major leaguers John Franco and Chris Colabello. During his induction speech into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Mike Piazza thanked the country of Italy for giving him the gift of his father, whose family roots stem from Sciacca, Sicily. Mike Piazza honored his ancestral heritage by playing for Team Italy in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and later coaching the Azzurri squad to two European Baseball Championships. Forza #Italia!
 

Award-winning director Roberto Angotti and Grammy-nominated Pato Banton collaborate on new film, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza, which celebrates Hall of Famer’s commitment to Italian baseball

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Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza is a musical odyssey documentary featuring the music of Grammy nominee Pato Banton. Produced by award-winning director Roberto Angotti, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza highlights the celebrated career of National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza.

The film’s opening scene takes place at the 2020 CON6 Italian Baseball and Softball Convention in Rimini, Italy, where Mike Piazza briefly takes the stage before flashing back to Shea Stadium in New York for the first live sporting event post-9/11. Through the lyrics of his song “What a Come Back”, renowned musician Pato Banton collaborates with director Roberto Angotti to tell the story of how Mike Piazza’s heroic home run helped heal a shaken-up nation in fear. In the case of Mike Piazza, who has beaten the odds from being a last-round courtesy draft pick to becoming a National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, the opening song exemplifies the resilience and perseverance Mike Piazza and the American people possessed.

New York Mets play-by-play announcer Wayne Randazzo makes brief but poignant appearances throughout the 36-minute documentary to attest to Mike Piazza’s footprint in New York and sports history as well as validate the Hall of Famer’s commitment to the growth and development of Italian baseball. Using tidbits of information from Mike Piazza’s New York Times best-selling autobiography Long Shot, the film touches on young Mike’s childhood affinity for Spider-Man and his pregame ritual of eating Tastykake on the way to Philadelphia Phillies games at Veteran’s Stadium.

Narrated by Pato Banton‘s song “No Worry Piazza,” the film retraces the path that Mike Piazza took growing up. A cameo appearance from longtime family friend and former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda confirms that Mike was overlooked as a prospect by major-league scouts at that time. The film traverses Piazza’s journey from high school baseball star to National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee and on to his newest role as manager of the Italian national baseball team. Interview segments from former New York Mets pitcher and teammate John Franco as well as former MLB player and current Team Italy slugger Chris Colabello gauge the excitement around Mike as the new leader for Italian baseball.

Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza is presented his jersey during a press conference announcing him as Italy’s national baseball team manager at the Italian Olympic Committee headquarters in Rome on November 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Alberto Pellaschiar)

The film revisits Mike Piazza’s call to the National Baseball Hall of Fame when he was selected as an inductee. With the backdrop of Pato Banton’s guitar-driven anthem “Never Give In Piazza,” viewers experience the determination and resilience of Mike Piazza firsthand. Making his way to Cooperstown, New York for the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Mike recognizes the roles that Tommy Lasorda and Reggie Smith played in his career. Piazza embraces the life lessons learned from these baseball legends, including to never give in and to never quit. Mike gives thanks to the country of Italy for giving him the gift of his father, whose unwavering faith in him served as an anchor. Then he honors his mother for giving him the gift of his Catholic faith. His parents formed the foundation upon which Mike grounded his career and life, and he brings that same foundation into his own marriage and family.

Using the classic “Niceness” rhythm, Pato Banton treats viewers to a new song entitled “Baseball Reggae,” an ode to the game and Italian family heritage Mike cherished with all his heart. It also pays tribute to the Italian baseball family of Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Ernie Lombardi, Tony Lazzeri, and Phil Rizzuto. The film reveals Mike’s Italian roots in Sciacca, Sicily, and he honors his family heritage by playing for Team Italy in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

In the next song, “Go Mike Go”, Pato Banton personalizes the reggae classic and creates a fitting tribute to the leader of the Italian baseball revolution, Mike Piazza. From the first beat of the song when Citi Field comes alive as the site of the Mike Piazza Day celebration, viewers travel across the Atlantic mid-song and follow Mike Piazza to Italy. Then Mike Piazza speaks to the media for the first time from the Italian Olympic Committee headquarters in Rome after the official press conference announcing the new Team Italy manager took place.

The film also captures Mike Piazza being interviewed by the Italian press at the 2020 CON6 Baseball and Softball Coaches Convention in Rimini. Using Pato Banton‘s “My Opinion” rhythm as a soundtrack, Team Italy manager Mike Piazza and pitching coach Bill Holmberg talk to their players behind closed doors about what it will take for them to make the upcoming World Baseball Classic roster. Highlights from Team Italy in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic competitions are shown with Pato Banton‘s “Gwarn Piazza” in the background.

Mike Piazza and Bill Holmberg share their philosophy of developing players at all age levels and their ongoing commitment to growing the game of baseball in Italy with director Roberto Angotti. The film concludes with rare footage of the 2020 CON6 Coaches Convention where Mike is freely taking photos with fans and signing memorabilia. Ultimately, Introducing Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza shows how much the Hall of Fame catcher loves Italy and how Italy wholeheartedly embraces him. Forza #Italia!

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Grammy nominee Pato Banton and director Roberto Angotti in the recording studio (Photo by Peter McEvilley)

BURNT and Perro Bravo add fire and bite to Cali Reggae Rock

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burnt and perro bravo backstage at Victoria SkaFest
BURNT and Perro Bravo backstage at the Victoria Ska and Reggae Fest on June 17, 2017.

Fresh off Vancouver Island after performing at the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival, BURNT and Perro Bravo return to their California roots this summer with new releases. While we patiently await Perro Bravo‘s full-length effort, BURNT delivers 70 minutes of absolute niceness on a must-own double album entitled Majestic Walrus, which features special guest appearances by various luminaries including Perro Bravo’s Miguel Happoldt. BURNT lead vocalist Danny Franco remembers the day he was introduced to Sublime and learned of Skunk Records producer Mike ‘Miguel’ Happoldt. He said, “We first became aware of Miguel through his work with Sublime. I first heard 40 oz. to Freedom as a teenager…this would have been 1994 or 1995. A girl I had a crush on played the CD for me, and I thought it was really strange music…but I could not stop listening. For the next decade Sublime’s music became the soundtrack to our lives. There are many other influences for sure, but Sublime was always there. I personally discovered so much music through Sublime, which of course was part of Brad Nowell’s genius–from The Minutemen, Bad Brains, KRS-One, Circle Jerks, Beastie Boys, Falling Idols, The Ziggens, Peter Tosh, Secret Hate, Public Enemy, The Toyes–the list goes on and on. There were so many layers and snatches of music. A person could spend years unpacking the references and samples on Sublimes’s 40 oz. to Freedom and Robbin’ the Hood and we did.”cover

The 20-song masterpiece Majestic Walrus is the 10th self-produced release from BURNT, an indy power trio comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Danny Franco, bass player Matt “Primo” Swagler and drummer Rob LaPorte. BURNT’s “less is more” approach to music is reminiscent to that of the original Long Beach-based Sublime band’s three-piece lineup. BURNT leader Franco looked to DIY mentor Miguel Happoldt for inspiration. He said, “BURNT has always been a DIY band, following the example of many influential bands before us. As the saying goes: We stand on the shoulders of giants… As BURNT began to develop our own musical sound and craft back in early 2000, we studied not only the sounds of Sublime but also the means by which they produced albums–the DIY culture. This was not unique to Sublime, but we respected and looked up to the way that Brad and Miguel founded Skunk Records–with Miguel leveraging his free recording time as a student at Cal State Dominguez Hills to record the early Sublime work. We took that example to heart–that we should be the directors and producers of our craft and the masters of our own musical destiny. That is really where Miguel first fits into the BURNT story. He is a master musician and of course contributed heavily to Sublime’s music, but we really looked up to Miguel as a producer and engineer. In addition, we also marveled at the way the guy figured out a way to keep it together and put out quality records through all the chaos that is life.” 

BURNT’s latest Majestic Walrus brings together a plethora of talented musicians including lead guitarist Joe Ransom Ortner, members of The Debonaires, Beyond Rhythm’s Benjamin “B-Jah” Cook, renowned hip hop artist Karmic Basis and UK dubmaster Nathan “Rivel” McCoy. Recorded and mixed by BURNT, Tom Cook and Calvin “Crash” Turnabull in The Debonaires’ hometown of Riverside, California, the new Majestic Walrus double album has something for everybody to enjoy. Perro Bravo’s Miguel Happoldt contributed his expertise to the song ‘Downstream’, which no doubt makes the new BURNT recording a true collector’s item. Danny Franco commented, “As we were going through the recording process for Majestic Walrus, I hit up Miguel with a number of tracks. The one that made the album, ‘Downstream’ came together organically and is a total collaboration from start to finish. We’re humbled and honored to share the stage and make music with all the Perro Bravo guys. It’s fair to say that I hit it off right away with bassist Mike Long and Greg “Mudd” Lowther, Perro Bravo’s drummer. He is a very intelligent guy who loves books and music. I think both bands realized that we had a kindred spirit, and that our sounds–while being very distinct and different from one another–make for an entertaining show and lineup. Miguel and I started booking runs of shows together, and most recently just got back from a mini-tour of British Columbia and an appearance at the 18th Annual Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival. It has been totally fun getting to know all the Perro Bravo guys, and learning from their wisdom and experience. I truly believe that this is really still the beginning of what I hope will be many fun and interesting collaborations in the years to come.” If Majestic Walrus is any indication of what the future holds between BURNT and Perro Bravo, then more collaborations between the two Cali Reggae Rock bands are on the horizon. With a new Perro Bravo recording expected later this summer, pick up a copy of BURNT’s Majestic Walrus in the meantime by clicking HERE. HALOWEEN 2015 DIA DE MUERTOS 

UB40’s Ali Campbell: Reggae Rebel with a Cause

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Original UB40 lead vocalist Ali Campbell is taking reggae and dub music to new heights.

Ali Campbell has been avid supporter of human rights worldwide.
Ali Campbell has been a big supporter of human rights in South Africa and worldwide.

In an effort to promote reggae music while exemplifying unity among various races and cultures in England, UB40 became a politically-charged entity when the group began in 1979. Original UB40 lead vocalist Ali Campbell said, “We had something tangible to speak out against then. Now England is worse than it’s ever been. Politically, reggae has always spoken against the establishment. It’s synonymous with protest. We supported South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, and you can see the effect the entire movement had when the whole world stopped when Mandella passed away. It was felt around the world and that legacy is something South Africans can be proud of.” Approaching his 57th birthday in February and having sold more that 70 million records worldwide, Campbell has the same sense of urgency that the late and great Bob Marley had in spreading “Rebel Music” and “Positive Vibration”. Campbell explained: “We started out on the streets of Birmingham as kids wanting to make reggae music. I set UB40 up years ago when I started the band to travel the world promoting reggae and dub music. That was my mission back then and it still is today. We have been flying the flag for reggae basically.”head_bg

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Ali Campbell is happier than ever to be reunited with UB40 bandmates Astro and Mickey Virtue.

After 30 years of fronting UB40, Ali resigned from the band due to “intolerable management difficulties”. Original UB40 keyboardist Mickey Virtue followed Ali’s lead shortly thereafter in 2008. Having become disillusioned with the band’s creative direction since Ali’s departure, UB40’s dreadlocked MC and toaster Astro left the band in 2013 to reunite with Ali and Mickey. The trio have since reclaimed the name UB40 as their own to preserve the integrity of the band’s original signature sound and vision. Reggae Rebel Ali Campbell elaborated: “We feel that we can try and save the legacy of UB40 by touring and playing internationally. I still make reggae for the fans who love and supported us over the years. I still love my original influences like Peter Tosh and Stevie Wonder. I love dub since the music sometimes says more that lyrics can. It’s a great unifier. I still hold myself as being responsible for the continuation of reggae, and that’s what I will do for as long as I live.”

UB40 at OC Fair
Catch UB40 live at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa on July 31.

Having recently performed a series of sold-out concerts in Hawaii and celebrated his 57th birthday, reggae ambassador Ali Campbell returns to Southern California with UB40 original members Astro and Mickey Virtue for an exclusive appearance at the OC Fair Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre on July 31st. All reserved seats include free admission to the OC Fair. Purchase your tickets today by clicking HERE. Based on last year’s sold-out shows in Cerritos and San Diego, it is highly advisable to act fast to avoid disappointment.

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MLBblogger Roberto Angotti shares quilt made from his UB40 t-shirts with Astro, Mickey and Ali.

From Costa Rica to Costa Mesa, Perro Bravo rocks!

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Perro Bravo lead vocalist/guitarist Michael “Miguel “Happoldt, drummer Greg “Mudd” Lowther and bassist Mike Long
Guitarist Michael “Miguel “Happoldt, drummer Greg “Mudd” Lowther and bassist Mike Long

Cover art for Perro Bravo's 3 on the tree CD by Opie Ortiz
Cover art for Perro Bravo’s 3 on the Tree CD was produced by Sublime graphic designer Opie Ortiz, who serves as Long Beach Dub Allstars frontman.

Long Beach Records is pleased to announce the release of Perro Bravo’s new 3 on the Tree CD, which is now conveniently packaged with the band’s 2013 Smoking Scorpion Tales CD in order to double your listening pleasure. Perro Bravo is the manifestation of reggae rock/dub innovator Michael “Miguel” Happoldt of Skunk Records, who most music lovers remember as the producer who brought Sublime, Slightly Stoopid and Long Beach Dub Allstars into the limelight. Coupled with seasoned and accomplished musicians Greg “Mudd” Lowther on drums and Mike Long on bass, this power trio has fast become fan favorites in some of the best surfing towns in Costa Rica and California. Find out what the buzz is about and purchase their double CD by clicking HERE.

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Perro Bravo’s Smoking Scorpion Tales CD cover art was illustrated by renowned LBC tattoo artist Opie Ortiz.

Perro Bravo will be among the 27 bands performing at the One Love Cali Reggae Fest on February 13, 2016 at the Observatory in Santa Ana. Some of the other headliners at the all-ages festival include Pato Banton, KRS-One, Rebelution, Iration, Pepper, Tribal Seeds and Fortunate Youth. Purchase your tickets by clicking HERE. Perro Bravo recently performed at a benefit concert for former LBDA family members Ikey and Aaron Owens at LA’s El Rey Theatre, where they also backed LBDA. Perro Bravo turns up the heat when backing other artists and welcomes surprise guests onstage on any given night. Since anything can happen live, one must catch the band while on tour or miss a potential once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Salento-Kingston connection: Shengen Clan Band’s Toni Tarantino brings Italian fire backing Alborosie

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Shengen Clan Band's Toni Tarantino
The Shengen Clan Band’s keyboardist Toni Tarantino

Located on the heel of Italy’s boot, the Salento Peninsula in southern Puglia is world-class for its pure olive oil, exquisite wine, and crystal clear blue waters off the beautiful coastline. Considered the Jamaica of Italy for its sandy beaches and reggae vibes, Salento is fast becoming known for its share of renowned hometown musicians including–Anthony “Toni” Tarantino–keyboardist, beatboxer and trumpet player for reggae ambassador Alborosie’s Kingston-based Shengen Clan Band.

 

Shengen Clan's Toni Tarantino
Shengen Clan’s Toni Tarantino (front and center) live

Having studied and performed classical music and jazz in Europe prior to joining Shengen Clan in 2009, Tarantino was greatly influenced by Cinematic Orchestra, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Michel Petrucciani. Fluent in Italian, French, English and Jamaican patois, Toni now travels the reggae world as an accomplished international arranger, producer and musician.

The multi-talented Toni Tarantino
The multi-talented Toni Tarantino

Receiving his first keyboard when he was three years old from his father, who would later in life sing and accompany his talented son at piano bars and special events, the 33-year-old Italian maestro expressed interest early beginning at age five that he aspired to join a top-notch music conservatory. Although it took fourteen years before his dreams were realized in 2001 when he enrolled at Prince Clause Conservatorium in Groningen, Holland to study jazz and piano, Toni began listening to Italian mainstream music such as Modugno, Claudio Villa, and Minabegan before playing regularly in the public eye when he was twelve at his local church. Having played the trumpet concurrently for three years while a member of Tito Schipa, a respected conservatorium for musicians in the Lecce area, in addition to being a skilled keyboardist, Toni decided to focus entirely in playing and studying classical piano. During his early teens, Tarantino drew significant influence from the likes of Bach, Chopin, Albeniz, Debussy, Post Romantic, and Jazz music.

Alborosie enlisted the the services of fellow Italian Toni Tarantino to join the Shengen Clan Band
Alborosie enlisted the services of fellow Italian Toni Tarantino to join Shengen Clan.

Toni Tarantino's Mad Boxes project
Toni Tarantino’s Italian side project: Mad Boxes

Tarantino’s parents rented a piano so that their son Toni could practice at least eight hours a day in order to receive his piano diploma during the course of six years of study instead of the usual decade of dedication. Sandro P, a friend who served as Monteroni di Lecce’s “Fa la cosa giusta” music association president, encouraged Toni to come along on a well-deserved Jamaican vacation during which time Alborosie invited him to join the Shengen Clan Band. He has since been involved in every Alborosie studio production and tour since 2009. Toni has also produced DJ Gruff, Boom Boom Vibration and Rubens as well as his latest project–Mad Boxes–to critical acclaim.

Rocky Road The loyal and strong California reggae massive were delighted to see headliners Alborosie and the Shengen Clan Band (featuring Toni Tarantino) recently at Reggae On The Mountain in Topanga. Prior to heading up to Humboldt County for Reggae On The River, Alborosie and Shengen Clan make a rare Orange County club appearance on Saturday, August 1st at the Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., in Santa Ana. For more information, phone (714) 957-0600 or visit www.observatoryoc.com While you are there, pick up a copy of Alborosie’s latest “Dub of Thrones” release featuring legendary Jamaican producer King Jammy. Last but not least, make sure to watch and ‘like’ Puppa Albo’s new “Rocky Road” video by clicking HERE. Grazie!

Salento’s Mamanera Beach is truly the Jamaica of Italy

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Mamanera Reggae Boom Beach celebrates its 15th Anniversary on Lido San Basilio this summer.
Mamanera Reggae Boom Beach celebrates its 15th Anniversary on Lido San Basilio this summer.

salento-map-1 The irie reggae vibes on the sandy Salento coast beach of Lido San Basilio (San Foca) in the province of Lecce located in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy rival those found in the Jamaican dancehall today. With “Free Music for Free People” as its motto, Mamanera Beach has been a favorite spot for reggae artists and fans alike. Montego Bay-born reggae dancehall diva Tenza told Jamaica Observer that Salento was legit and said: “The way they embraced the music and the Jamaican culture was absolutely amazing and memorable. They came out in numbers. The atmosphere was like being back in Jamaica, where every night was another party and people just rave non-stop to dancehall and reggae music even if it’s raining.”

Mamanera Reggae Beach on Lido San Basilio
Mamanera Reggae Boom Beach on Lido San Basilio in Salento is the place to be this summer for irie vibes.

The 2015 Mamanera Reggae Boom Beach summer lineup is as follows: July 25–I-Shence (Perugia); August 1–Villada Posse (Rome); August 8–Black Chiney (Miami); August 10–Mr. Vegas (Jamaica); August 12–Johnny Osbourne (Jamaica)/Soul Stereo (France); August 13–Heavy Hammer Sound 16th Anniversary Party with Killamanjaro Sound (Jamaica); August 15–Sound Clash between Sentinel Sound (Germany) and Coppershot Sound (Jamaica); August 17–Mananera Revolution; August 20–Original Salento Dancehall: No-Tap! with Mamanera All-Stars. www.Mamanera.com

Heavy Hammer Sound opened the 2015 Summer Season.
Salento favorite Heavy Hammer Sound entertained over 5000 reggae dancehall lovers on Opening Night.

Established in 1999 in on the outskirts of Lecce in Salento–otherwise known as “the Italian Jamaica”–Heavy Hammer is the resident sound crew on the world-famous Mamanera Beach every summer alongside some of best entertainers in the business. Initially four friends who shared a common love for reggae dancehall music, sound systems, Jamaican culture and partying all night on the beach, Heavy Hammer has grown to become a family of seven–including Raffa, Gecky, Gigi, Quasta, Lep, Boris and Charly. Learn more about Heavy Hammer, the promoters of the annual Mamanera Reggae Boom Beach at www.HeavyHammer.it