Beres Hammond: Web Site | My Space | YouTube

Considered Jamaica’s greatest practicing singer/songwriter, Beres Hammond is hailed as one of the finest Reggae musicians, a distinguished artiste with a career expanding over 35 years.

Beres’ voice, rich and flavourful, creates sounds ranging from sultry R&B, gospel, jazz to roots reggae, maintaining lyrical freshness and vocal excellence.

ReggaeFest 2010 is honoured to welcome back one of reggae music's legends, Beres Hammond. After much demand, Beres will touch the stage once again to give Calgary fans a taste of his sweet, melodic voice.

Bianca: Web Site

Calgary’s own Bianca was born to sing. She has earned a reputation as a professional artiste and is acknowledged by her loyal fans not only in her home city of Calgary, but also throughout Canada and abroad.

An alumni of the Calgary International Reggae Festival, Bianca has been busy over the last few years recording tracks and working on new projects. Her amazing single “Heaven” is one of the most requested songs on Canadian radio and Bianca is proud to have recently launched her new website www.biancareggae.com.

ReggaeFest welcomes back Bianca to the stage to share her beautiful voice with all music lovers.

Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill: Web Site | My Space | YouTube

Kenyatta Hill’s debut single, “Daddy” confronts the emotional pain and uncertainty he felt after the loss of his father, Joseph Hill, the front man of the legendary vocal trio Culture, whose 1977 record “Two Sevens Clash”, helped define the roots reggae genre. In August 2006, while on tour in Germany, Joseph Hill suddenly fell ill and passed away. Rather than cancel the rest of the tour, Kenyatta, who had served as Culture’s sound engineer since the age of fifteen, decided to step in for his father.

Back on tour, touching down in Calgary for the second time, Culture will wow audiences once again with their solid music and concsious lyrics, spreading the word of Rastafari, love and unity. ReggaeFest is excited to have Culture back in the West!

Elaine 'Lil'Bit' Shepherd: My Space | YouTube

Elaine ‘Lil’Bit’ Shepherd, born in Bahrain, began performing at a young age. In 1997 she immigrated to Vancouver with her family, where she continued to develop her musical talents. Blessed with a killer voice and creative ability, Lil'Bit is recognized as "the little girl with the big voice". Her sweet, feathery tone is a stark contrast to her soulful power.

Her life inspired debut album "Lady In The Streets" is due to be released this fall. This lyrically conscious, fresh work of art is rooted in Reggae and combines Soul, Jazz and R&B. It is a true reflection of Shepherd and her musical style. With good reason, Lil'Bit is one of Canada's most outstanding prospects in the world of music. Look out for this up and coming songstress!

Explosion Band: Web Site

Explosion Band is one of the most versatile and dynamic bands in Calgary and surrounding area. Providing a diverse repertoire of high energy dance songs from pop and Caribbean styles, Explosion Band's music comes from many genres and is presented with exciting and lively rhythms. Combining calypso, reggae, pop, rhythm & blues, as well as music from other parts of the Caribbean.

ReggaeFest is excited to welcome Explosion Band to this year's line up.

Fenom: My Space

Fenom is a singer/songwriter, and unknown to some, a talented lyricist. Quite content in her hometown of Winnipeg, Fenom combines soul, Reggae, and hip hop to showcase her musical talent. Embracing her Caribbean roots, she is very proud to be heavily involved in Reggae music. She's held the #2 spot on Galaxie Reggae station's charts with the hit, Lover's Paradise (featuring Mello Man) and she has also had the privilege to open for award-winning artistes: Sean Paul, Beanie Man, and Singing Melody.

Due to her cross boarder appeal, unique look and strong vocals, Fenom is making a mark on the Canadian Reggae music scene.

ReggaeFest welcomes this up and coming songstress to Calgary!

Inner Circle: Web Site | YouTube

To anyone who’s familiar with Inner Circle’s 20 year plus history in the Reggae field and their immense popularity around the world, there is much more to this dynamic group then meets the eye. This Jamaican- bred, Grammy winning quartet is one of the world’s most respected Reggae groups. Inner Circle's special brand of pop-oriented Jamaican beats and energy -filled live performances has allowed the band to transcend the traditional Reggae niche and enjoy widespread crossover appeal. A testament to this is the fact that Inner Circle plays at many of the world's largest music festivals. Along the way, the group has withstood two-and-a-half decades of triumph and tragedy, thanks to a shared belief in music's power to unite and heal.

Since 1997 Inner Circle has undertaken one of its most intense periods of touring playing to enraptured crowds all over the world.

Lenya Wilks: YouTube

Lenya Wilks, considered a bonafide vocal powerhouse (just ask mentor Beres Hammond), has been inching towards a music career for years. Since her collision with fame on the televised talent series “Digicel Risings Stars” in 2008, there has been no looking back. And with all the musical treats she is about to serve up, this St. Catherine, Jamaica born singer might help change the music industry - one note at a time.

Lenya will grace the stage in Calgary as part of the “ For the Love of It ” tour with Beres Hammond, Culture and Inner Circle.

Mandy Woods: My Space | YouTube

Mandy Woods is ready to take her musical career to the next level. Migrating to Canada from Trinidad as a young girl, she has blossomed into a soulful songstress. She recently recorded her latest single “Now is The Time”, proving amazing vocal capabilities. In addition, Mandy has recorded two duets with Steele, which has significantly raised her profile as a serious artiste. Songs such as “Love Yourself First” and “Emotions” are slowly cementing this singer in the hearts of the people.

Currently residing in Toronto, Mandy has also been blessed to perform at major events such as Toronto’s Jamaica Day. Watch out for Canada’s next breakout artiste.

Mello G: Web Site | YouTube

Whatever the occasion, Reggae music has the ability to get people moving, and Mello G, born in Clarendon, Jamaica, is certainly gifted in this area. The minute he hits the stage something just makes you want to sway. With his unmistakable Reggae/Soul voice and sound, Mello G is extremely versatile with his styles of music. Whether you prefer the more authentic roots sounds or the more modern dancehall tunes, you can bet Mello G has a song to make you move.

His first full length album “I Am Bless” has been long anticipated by fans and fellow artistes.

Nadera: My Space | YouTube

Nadera - model,actress, recording artiste - was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to Canada to study film and television. A singer since the age of 10, Nadera has appeared onstage across Canada and in Jamaica with artistes such as Chuck Fender, Horace Martin and Tony Anthony. Nadera has also appeared in several commercials, short and independent films, and she has also worked in theatre for many years.

In 2009 after a grand performance in Canada's first reggae musical "Soundclash" she was approached by Phylani Music's Executives to record for their label and be a part of their artiste roster. The first single release by the record company "Cheater's Loss" showcases the enormous talent of this artiste and designate that she is a superstar in the making. Nadera and her label are currently working on her debut album which is slated for release in the fall of 2010.

Nesbeth: My Space | YouTube | Nesbeth's Blog

Blessed with a strong voice and a passion for music, dancehall artiste Nesbeth is determined to make his mark in the reggae arena. His music covers a broad spectrum of subjects, but he admits that those which address adversity are closest to his heart. This is evident in tracks like 'Board House' and 'So Let it Be'.

Nesbeth has performed extensively, making appearances at a number of stage shows across his island of Jamaica, including Sumfest, Bob Marley Birthday Bash and Sting. He has also toured the U.S, Antigua, and Grenada, touching the public with conscious vibes. This singjay is determined to use his talent to spread positive messages in the dancehall and hopes he will help in steering youths in the right direction. Nesbeth is currently working on new material to unleash on his fans in the coming year.

Progress: My Space | YouTube

Molten lava, raging storm, earthquake, these words are synonymous with the high-energy Reggae style of Progress. Leaving Barbados in the 1990's Progress moved to Canada where his music took off to new heights. His single "Sunshine" is currently burning up college radio in the U.S. and Canada as well as throughout the Caribbean.

Progress has opened up for international Reggae artistes such as Norrisman, Yami Bolo and Anthony B. After years of honing his musical skills, Progress is ready for the world to hear his message of love and struggle.

Strugglah: My Space

Strugglah is a progressive, hardworking, determined, roots and culture Reggae band that has been performing since 1995. Over the years, along their musical journey, Strugglah has been blessed to share the stage with such foundation artistes like The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff and Burning Spear. Currently the band has been getting much airplay and positive feedback in the Caribbean, which is shining a light towards a brighter future.

In 2004, Strugglah released their sweet and mellow second full length album entitled "People All Over The World." ReggaeFest is proud to welcome back local legends Strugglah.

Tony Anthony: My Space | YouTube

Hailing from St. Catherine, Jamaica, Tony Anthony’s music demonstrates the deepness of his consciousness and the vast profundity of his creativity. His musical emergence has revealed a man empowered about life, himself, and his own destiny. This discloses that Tony Anthony is ready to expose his lyrical and vocal brilliance to the world.

As a songwriter and producer for several Canadian and Jamaican Reggae artistes, Tony Anthony’s talents are widespread. Tony has just released his debut album “Million Chance” and he continues to be in demand for live performances in Canada and around the world.

Tristin Chanel and The Royal Syndicate: Website

The Royal Syndicate has a unique sound, created by many different influences ranging from hip hop to ska to reggae/punk/house/dub. They successfully found a perfect balance that will keep you moving. With lead vocals powerhouse Tristin Chanel, this diverse group is hitting the music scene with force as their unique artistic output continues to inspire and amaze.

On stage, this energetic group of eight delivers a big sound, executing pristine vocal harmonies while utilizing a variety of multi-instrumental talents and engaging crowd involvement. Individually they have all been blowing up a storm with other projects in the Canadian music scene, including opening for Rancid, NOFX, and Toots and the Maytals.

Check out The Royal Syndicate as part of REGGAEFEST 2010.