“His (grandfather) music has been in my blood since I was around 7 years of age. Back in the day when Watkins’ grandfather was in the army, he played a lot of instruments such as the trumpet, saxophone, drums and trombone. The main reason he played those instruments was to teach kids how they can be something and achieve in life. His grandfather was influenced by great jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Count Bassie.

IRA SOUL

Two weeks ago, in full view of everyone in the restaurant, I gave a man, who said he was in need, a five dollar bill. Then, across from me at the next table a girl smiled at me and sent me a note with the number 50 on it without any explanation. When I motioned for her to come to my table, she said the number 50 stood for $50 which she was requesting and then she would go out with me. I told her I was not interested and told her to go back to her table. She refused to go and stated that the $50 would include everything and anything I wanted to do.

Where is your favorite place to play?

Maybe you have a playhouse out in the back yard, or a secret spot where adults are not so welcome. Perhaps there’s a basketball court or set of swings that you’d visit every day if you could. Or maybe you like your room best or a certain spot on the sofa.

No matter where it is, nobody better mess with your spot.

In the new book “Trouble in Troublesome Creek” by Nancy Kelly Allen, illustrated by K. Michael Crawford, somebody was killing fish in the Gang’s best summertime play spot, and James and his friends needed to make it stop.

by Kevin Amos

The Stanley Theatre (now called The Benedum) was the last venue Bob Marley and The Wailers performed publicly on Sept. 23, 1980 before his passing. Exactly 30 years after that magical evening, the Marley family came together for a powerful live tribute concert benefiting their 1 Love Foundation and honoring the patriarch in a concert entitled “1 Love presents “Live Forever, a Bob Marley Celebration” concert.

MARLEY BROTHERS—Julian, Stephen and Damian Marley. (Photos by Gail Manker).

Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Cedella Marley and The Marley girls performed the set list from the 1980 show to a soldout crowd of all ages. Rita Marley traveled from her home in Ghana to be part of this special event along with former I-Three member, Marcia Griffiths. The enthusiastic audience consisted of young reggae fans who weren’t alive during the heyday of Bob Marley and the Wailers, but have since embraced the music of the group and the Marley children.