Last night was another evening spent at Red Bones. It was the perfect way to end a day spent at a workshop (organized by Erin!) on gender mainstreaming. We heard an informative presentation from a woman from the Bureau of Women’s Affairs (will post later on this). As Feb. 6 was Bob Marley’s birthday and it is Reggae Month, there is a plethora of concerts and celebrations all month. Last night, Red Bones hosted Bunny Rugs (the night was also a fund-raiser for Alpha Boys School (which I will also write about). It is a well-established school known for its band (members of Skatalites were original attendees) and its discipline.

Bunny Rugs is best known for being the lead singer of Third World. His voice and performance were beautiful last night, and he mostly did songs from his new album, Time. In addition to Rugs, we heard from several other bands, including Hempress Sativa. The night was dubbed as a Conscious Reggae Party, and indeed it was. It was a Rasta vibe with lots of conscious lyrics and acoustic performance. Famed poet and agitator Mutabaruka was spinning tunes in between performances (reggae version of Rihanna’s Diamonds anyone?). He never wears shoes and can always be counted on to provide incisive, inflammatory commentary on current events in Jamaica. Nataleah wanted a picture with him so we timed it right and he obliged.

On the way in, I talked to Ras I-Nation (Kirk Scarlett), a Rasta who travels about, selling books (conscious, Rasta-themed literature like Marcus Garvey’s writings). And then Sister Conscious, who wanted a picture with me. She sells jewelry and performs poetry. Another great night, although a little bit sad because of the fact that Brianna is going to Toronto for a month in preparation for a posting in Ghana.