Ky-Mani Marley, Gregory Issacs, Third World, Yellowman headline annual Reggae in the Desert

By Jerry Fink

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 | 1:36 p.m.

A son of late reggae legend Bob Marley will head the lineup of the 8th annual Reggae in the Desert this summer.

Ky-Mani Marley, the second youngest of Marley’s 11 children, will be on the bill with Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Yellowman, One Pin Short and Jah Fusion. DJ Rhamma will spin tunes throughout the day and in between sets. Steve Edwards is the host.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. June 13 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 the day of the show. They are on sale now through Ticketmaster. For information call 455-8200.

Ky-Mani Marley is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. He made his debut at the age of 20 in 1996, record "Like Father Like Son," an album featuring cover versions of his father’s hits.

In 2001, his album "Many More Roads" was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Reggae Album category. His more recent album, "Radio," was released in 2007.

Gregory Isaacs has been an important member of the reggae community for three decades. Born in Jamaica in 1950, Isaacs began his career by working with numerous producers and artists. After owning his own label and shop in Jamaica, Isaacs went on the road and recorded extensively, making a name for himself in the ’70s and ’80s. In 2008, Isaacs released the studio album Brand New Me after nearly 40 years as a recording artist to much reggae acclaim.

Third World, which last played this event in 2007, was conceived in 1973 by teenage guitarist, cellist and singer Stephen “Cat” Coore, who left the Inner Circle Band to start his own group with a fellow musician. Just a year after the group’s formation, it opened for the Jackson Five. The group debuted on vinyl in 1976 with Satta Amasa Gana and followed it with 96 Degrees in the Shade in 1977. Since then, the group has welcomed new members and said goodbye to departing musicians, but the sound has remained the same. For more than 30 years, the group has traveled the world spreading peace, love and unity and has released 22 albums.

As an albino, Yellowman had a rocky start in life and the music industry. Yellowman was deserted by his parents, shunned at stage shows for his appearance and told he only had three years to live. That was 1983. He turned to music for comfort and became one of the most well-known dancehall artists in the world. Aside from his own music, he has partnered with rap artists such as Run DMC, NWA, Public Enemy and Doug E. Fresh. He has more than 45 recordings and has appeared on more than 88 compilation albums.

Locals One Pin Short and Jah Fusion also are scheduled to perform along with DJ Ramma. DJ Ramma, also know as Suppa Kirk, began emceeing alongside some of Los Angeles’ best deejays more than two decades. Hailing from Belize, DJ Ramma moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 1995 and has played a key role in bringing reggae vibes to the community. He has performed at numerous spots around town and is celebrating his sixth year as a Reggae in the Desert performer.

Blankets for lawn seating are permitted. Vendors in the Caribbean Islands Vendor Village will have Reggae-style items, exhibits, food and beverages as well as other fare. Domestic and imported beers will be available. There will be no re-entry, and there will be ATMs on site.

Sponsors include Miller Lite, Miller Chill, CW Las Vegas, MY LV TV, United Family of Car Dealerships, Mix 94.1, Area 107.9, Point 97.1 and Hot 97.5FM.

For a complete list of performance times, information and tickets, visit www.reggaeinthedesert.com or Clark County Parks and Recreation’s Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks.