On its way to its 21st edition this summer, the Garance Reggae Festival has revealed the first names on its bill.
The 2012 vintage holds several surprises, foremost among them Johnny Osbourne, who has not been seen in Europe for twenty years! But also the I-Threes feat. Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths & Pam Hall, Morgan Heritage (who are preparing a new album, "The Return", news of 30 March 2012), Alpha Blondy, Groundation, Jamaican Legends feat. Sly & Robbie, Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander, The Mighty Diamonds, Freddie McGregor, Bob Andy, Leroy Smart, Derrick Morgan, Jamaica All Stars, Lloyd Parks, Derajah & Donkey Jaw Bone, Raging Fyah (the young band to watch closely), Busy Signal, Biga Ranx...
Over at the Dub Station Corner, it will be clash time with the announced musical showdown between the New York sound Downbeat The Ruler and the French crew Soul Stereo. Also expected are Aba Shanti-I, Rootsting feat. Murray Man, Dubkasm feat. Solo Banton, King Alpha, OBF and Blackboard Jungle.
Other artists will be announced soon. The 21st edition of the Garance Reggae Festival will take place on 25, 26, 27 and 28 July 2012, at the Parc Arthur Rimbaud in Bagnols-sur-Cèze (30).
EDIT: 24 hours after this news was published, we learned that the Dub Station Corner would also host another clash: King Jammy vs Mad Professor!
More info at www.garancereggaefestival.com.