By NAN ET Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY,
Friday, July 12, 2019: Here are the top headlines making news on the Caribbean entertainment
scene for this week:
Jamaican National From TLC Show 90-Day Fiancé In Immigration Detention
Jamaican national Jay Smith, whose real name is Conroy Smith and who appeared on the TLC show, 90-Day Fiancé, is currently being in immigration detention in NYC. The 21-year-old’s court hearing has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 17.
According to a GoFundMe post from Kayla O’Brien, who identifies herself as a “friend,” Smith turned himself into authorities with the understanding and intent that he was to see a judge the next morning and be released after the incident regarding a social media post.
The judge did release him regarding the social media incident and dropped the charge, but he was immediately turned over to immigration enforcement and is being held in a jail cell facing deportation.
Smith, who starred on the TLC series with estranged wife Ashley Martson, was taken into custody on a Violation of a Protection from Abuse Order charge, according to Upper Allen Police Department.
“On July 2, 2019, Upper Allen Police investigated a report of a PFA violation,” a report on the police department’s website states about Smith, whose real name is Conroy Smith.
“The protected party lives in Upper Allen Township and reported a social media post made by Smith, which was in violation of the order,” the report continues. “As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Smith. On July 3, 2019, Smith was taken into custody without incident.”
So far, the GoFundMe has raised $3,230 of its $5,000 goal that is set to go towards legal fees to fight the deportation claim.
Hawaii Founded Group Tops Billboard Reggae Chart
A three-piece rock band originally from Hawaii and now based in San Diego, CA has landed on top of the Reggae Billboard Chart this week. The group’s album ‘Local Motion,’ debuted at number one, ousting ‘Soca Gold 2019’ from the top spot and from the top 10. Local Motion is the band’s 8th studio album and was released on June 28th.
Stephen Marley Is On a Summer Tour
Following two back-to-back acoustic U.S. tours over the last year, eight-time GRAMMY-winning musician, Stephen “Ragga” Marley is back on the road again, this time accompanied by full band.
His Babylon By Bus Tour that kicked off on July 5th in Ormond Beach, FL continues today, July 12th in Martha’s Vineyard at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
Throughout the set, fans can expect him to perform hits from his four solo studio albums, all of which hit #1 on Billboard Reggae’s album chart, as well as cover some of his father’s classics.
As a part of this tour, a dollar from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Ghetto Youths Foundation. Founded by Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley, the non-profit organization provides aid, assistance, resources and opportunity to communities in need. For more see stephenmarleymusic.com
Beres Hammond Coming to New York’s Tri-State
Jamaican-born reggae crooner, Beres Hammond, is set to thrill fans in the tri-state this August.
The international artist is set to perform on Sunday, August 4th in Brooklyn, New York at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk.
And on Saturday, August 10th, he is slated to perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ. The concert series dubbed ‘Singers in Action,’ will also feature singer Maxi Priest and rising superstar Romain Virgo. Tickets for the concerts can be purchase via Ticketmaster.com, NJPAC.org or by visiting the venue box offices and local Ticket Outlets.
Reggae At Central Park Summerstage
Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Estelle and Raging Fyah are some of the VP Records artists set for this year’s Central Park SummerStage.
The event, New York’s largest free outdoor preforming arts festival, is set for this August 10th, 2019 from 6 – 10 p.m.
Countdown On To Top Reggae Show
The countdown is on to what organizers call the ‘greatest reggae show on earth.’
Reggae Sumfest takes over Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 14-20th but most of the top action nights will be July 19th and 20th. Among this year’s top performers are Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Bounty Killa as well as Chronixx, Beres Hammond, Dalton Harris, Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Etana, Spice, Spragga Benz, Elephant man and so much more.
This year the festival offers a 7-night line-up of events as follows:
July 14 – Mornin’ Medz Brunch Party
July 15 – Street Dance Party
July 16 – All White Party
July 17 – Blitz All Black Party / Bunji Garlin’s Birthday Celebration
July 18 – Global Sound Clash
July 19 – Festival Night 1
July 20 – Festival Night 2
For more log on to https://reggaesumfest.com/
