ISSUE 4 FEB. 9
SPRING 2016
Photo by Nathaniel Ashton Reggae band Israel Vibrations played at Melbourne Auditorium Feb. 4.
Legendary musicians take the stage with reggae
Reggae lovers jammed to the sounds of Israel Vibration’s Play It Real Tour on Feb. 4. Held at the Melbourne Auditorium, a concert featured the reggae harmony group providing a night of music for a small but dedicated audience. Band manager Buffy said “I have been managing the band for six years now, and I enjoy every minute of it. I grew up with reggae music.” Israel Vibration was established in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 1970’s. Lascelle Bulgin, Albert
Craig and Cecil Spence formed the group. The three met as children through their love of reggae music. The trio made a name for themselves after releasing their debut single “Why Worry,” but then relocated and spent several years apart. 1987 was the year Israel Vibration reunited, as well as when they met Roots Radics, another reggae group with whom they have continued to be associated. Following the departure of Spence, Israel Vibration and Roots Radics continued to share their music, span-
ning multiple tours and the release of 23 albums. One of their albums, Reggae Knights (2010), produced and released by MediaCom, was nominated for the Best Reggae Album Grammy in 2011. The album was backed up by various musicians, including some of the founding members of Roots Radics. Roots Radics was formed in 1978. They became a well-respected session and studio band that backed up numerous artists and bands. Roots Radics will perform with the reggae harmony band
during the Play It Real tour. The Play It Real tour began with its opening at the Melbourne Auditorium. Joining the two reggae bands were multiple local musicians from around Melbourne. The tour was initiated with a dedication of that night’s performance in honor of both Black History Month — observed during February in the United States — and the birthdate of African American Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks. Israel Vibration, Roots Radics and the reggae genre proved to have
passionate supporters including Michael Manley McCalle (Ras Michael), Roots Rock Reggae Host on WFIT and Andrew Walker, assistant manager of the Gleason Performing Arts Center. Israel Vibration and Roots Radics will continue up the east coast before flying to Puerto Rico. The tour will continue in Nevada and Arizona, arriving in California and going up the west coast before ending in Oregon on June 22. v //BEN GOESS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
History comes alive at the Brevard Renaissance Fair Donning steel and boiled leather armor, two men entered the arena prepared for battle. This was not an ancient battlefield or a Hollywood movie set, but the scene at the third annual Brevard Renaissance Fair. Knights, pirates and even mythical creatures crowded Wickham Park in Melbourne, Florida. Dozens of tents littered the park last weekend, with merchants selling wares ranging from chainmail armor and swords to whole turkey legs. Attractions at the fair included a giant rolling pirate ship, fire dancers, and by far the most popular non-choreographed medieval fighting. Standing 6 ft. tall and covered from neck to toe in armor was Randy Pasinski, 28. Pasinski would be fighting today in the roped off arena. “I love fighting,” he said, “I’ve been doing this for three years.” The character he portrayed is Roland, who is armed with a steel one-handed sword and clad in faded blue and white armor. As he and his opponent entered the ring, the crowd stomped their feet and chanted his name. Both bowed before the queen who wished them both luck in combat. At once both combatants hurled themselves forward with axes and swords smashing into each other’s faces.
After defeating his opponent, Roland shook the shorter knight’s hand. The defeated warrior took off the great steel helm, revealing herself to be a woman. Anyone can fight after they take the proper training, said Brighid MacLennan. MacLennan is the hospitaller or public relations officer of the Constantinople chapter of the Adrian Empire. “The Adrian Empire is an organization that recreates medieval culture though combat, blacksmithing, and other historical arts” said MacLennan. The fighting here involves real armor, blunted swords and axes. “Every third Saturday at Wickham Park we hold practices. If you are interested in fighting or would like more information, please come see us” said MacLennan. The Adrian Empire’s national president Antony Caderivi, said that he has always loved renaissance fairs and that that last three years have shown a great turnouts in Brevard County. “My favorite part is sitting underneath a tree and listening to the sounds of the fair, smelling the fresh air, and closing my eyes. Being outdoors brings out the best in people. I can’t remember a time where I haven’t seen people glued to their phones,” Caderivi said. “Today they are experiencing the fair with their own eyes.” General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5 to 11.
//BRANDON HATZEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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