When:  Saturday August 21st, 2010

Time: 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: McLevy Green, Bridgeport, CT

Admission: Free

Contact: 203-727-0200

Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration Committee in Conjunction
with Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Armory and WTCC 90.7 Radio Station:

Presents Springfield First Annual
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
in Commemoration of Caribbean American Heritage Month

On June 12, 2010 For more information click on the link below:

CAHMCC Flyer

Michelle Arthurton has been a champion for reggae music and artists for over 15 years.  Her passion and love for the music has led her to start E2 Recordings, Inc, which has several subsidiaries: E2 Studios, E2 Recordings, E2 Bookings, E2 Onair Radio and Le 2 Music Publishing.  As the only female on the board of the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus, she is committed to the development of the entertainment industry across the Caribbean and other regions.

USmile Magazine caught up with Ms. Arthurton to talk about E2 Recordings, Inc and how she has managed to remain on top in a male dominated industry.

USM:  Why did you start E2 Recordings, Inc?

MA:  Reggae music has been my passion since I was a child.  It has been a dream of mine for a very long time to have my own radio station, recording studio and management company so when the opportunity presented itself, I took full advantage of it.   I feel that reggae music was going in a different direction from the core reggae sound and I wanted to produce positive music with substance and longevity. Read the full story »

Marcia Davis is the lead singer and songwriter of the Marcia Davis and Outro band.  The band is about to release its new CD and launch its first major tour in the U.S.  The Reggae Diva spoke to USmile Magazine about her new book, CD and love.

USM: When did you first start singing?

MD: I started singing as a child with my brothers.  I always knew in my heart that I wanted to be a singer. My parents enrolled me in a performing arts school when I was around nine years old because they saw how much I loved to perform.  The school taught me how to sing, dance and do theater.

UMS:  Tell us about the first play you wrote and produced?

MD:  When I was seventeen, I formed my own theater company and wrote two musical plays.  My first play was Ella, which was extremely successful.  After the success of my first play, I was inspired to pursue my passion of becoming a performance artist.

USM: When did you get your first major break into the business?

MD: In 1987, I came to America and started working at Super Power Records.  I got the opportunity to work as a backup singer for Laury Webb and that’s how I got my first major break into the business.

USM:  Do you plan to write any more plays in the future?

MD:  I am hoping to write more plays in the future.  I have a great idea for a play that incorporates everything that I do; singing, dancing and theater.  The play will be based on what goes on behind the scenes when you are putting a show together.  It will take you through all of the success and failures that come with the business.

USM:  Tell us about the 1650 campaign to stop the violence in Jamaica?

MD: The 1650 campaign was created to help stop the violence and murders in Jamaica.  Laury Webb and I came up with the idea to produce a few songs such as “Young Man” to help with the campaign.  I was deeply affected by what was going on in Jamaica because so many kids were dying senselessly that were the same age as my son.  I wanted to put out a positive message that would reach these kids make them aware of the damage and pain they were causing.

USM:  Can you explain why you record two different genres of music (Reggae and Urban/R&B)?

MD:  I have a great love for music. I see myself as an artist and performer.   My main genre of music is reggae but I also write R & B songs for other people.  I don’t like to be placed in a box or other people putting me in a box.  I am an artist, therefore I can do anything.

USM: What do you do to balance work and family?

MD:   It is extremely challenging being a woman with children in this business.  I don’t like to leave my children alone so I tend to take them with me everywhere I go.  I receive a lot of help from the people in the band, everyone pitches in to help me and I am very grateful for their support.

USM:  How did you get the name Reggae Diva?

MD:  My brother started calling me Reggae Diva and the name stuck.  Everyone else started calling me Reggae Diva shortly thereafter.  I am really not a diva; I am actually a nice person.

USM: What current projects are you working on?

MD:  I am currently working on a book called Jamamer English Girl, which is based on my life.  The book is due to be released summer.  I have also just finished writing and producing four singles, which will be releases this summer as well.

USM: Where will you be touring this summer?

MD:  I will be touring in the U.S. this summer.  We will be kicking off our tour in Northern California.

USM:   Where can your fans learn more about your tour dates and current projects?

Everyone can go to my MySpace page or go to marciadavisband.com to learn more about my tour dates, book release and new CD.

USM: Are you currently in love with anyone at this time?

MD: Well let’s just say I am in love and I am very happy. I don’t really talk about my personal life.

USM:  What else do you want your fan to know about you?

MD:  I truly feel that music can unite everyone together and heal us all.  When I am on stage, I forget about everything that’s going on in the world and my life.  I feel very free when I am on stage; it is a very spiritual experience for me.

USmilenow.com