Farewell Wild Hare....

Tonight marks the end of an era in Chicago reggae-- the closing of the historic Wild Hare.

Friday night I went to the Wild Hare for what might be my last visit to this Chicago institution.  In the heart of Wrigleyville, Wild Hare's an iconic reggae club in the Windy City.  

Lots of memories in this place.... ***flashback***

DJ Silky used to spin Wednesday nights during "Dancehall 101."  

I saw some of my favorite Chicago shows at the Wild Hare over the years, including the last time legendary Gregory Isaacs performed there.

Tarrus Riley at Wild Hare

Chino & Laden

Freddie McGregor

Rootz Underground at Wild Hare

Anthony B

Chuck Fenda

Fanton Mojah

 With Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley at the Wild Hare

Friday night the Flex Crew was on-stage and gave a solid performance- between sets the DJs played some classic music and a few new hits.  The rum punch was flowing and it was a lovely night to say goodbye to the Wild Hare... hoping we'll see a grand re-opening someday soon.

Ky-Mani Marley and Sister Nancy at The Shrine

Friday night I made my first visit to The Shrine to check out the Sister Nancy & Ky-Mani Marley show. There was a nice-sized crowd at the venue-- interesting setup with the stage behind the bar. Being out this weekend reminded me that festival season is on the way... get ready Chicago!

LOR in Brazil- March 2011

I was fortunate to take a trip to Brazil at the end of March 2011. My husband & I went to Rio de Janiero and Salvador da Bahia-- the home of Afro-Brazilian culture. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Igreja de São Francisco (Church of San Francisco), the richest church in Brazil. Built in 1708 by the sugar barons (slaves) of Salvador. The church has more than 100 Kilograms of gold inside.

Cobblestone streets of Salvador da Bahia

You know I would find the REGGAE!

The blue building is Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Pretos, a church built by and for slaves

Me in Pelourinho, Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

A view of Salvador da Bahia

Salvador da Bahia is the home of capoeria

Porto da Barra beach in Salvador

Sandcastle on the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janiero

Delicious caipirinha-- fresh lime, sugar and sugarcane rum

View of Rio de Janiero from Sugarloaf Mountain

Me at the world wonder- Cristo Redentor statue in Rio De Janiero

Ladies of Reggae ft. DJ LENKY playlist- 2 April 2011

Kirk Davis- Ladies of Reggae Special
Busy Signal- Jamaica Love
Tubulence- Name and Number
Turbulence- I'm Still Loving You
Martina- I'm Queen & You the King
Turbulence ft Sasha- We Got the Love
Jah Cure- Unconditional Love
Mavado- I know You Want Me
Mr. G- Shoulder to Cry On
T'nez- Me She Love
Tarrus Riley- She's Royal
Lutan Fyah- African Queen
Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill- Turn Your Lights Down Low
Pressure- Let Me Give You Love
I-Wayne- In I Arms
Beres Hammond- Feel Good
Lust- Just as I Am
Serani- No Games
Assassin- Jah No Mek Me Suffer
Buju- Waterworks
Drake- Find Your Love REMIX
Wayne Wonder- See Tomorrow
Mr. Vegas- I am Blessed
Assassin- Guinep Stain
Vybz Kartel- Clarkes
Gyptian- Hold Yu
Agent Sasco- Jacket
Vybz Kartel- Turn & Wine
Vybz Kartel-Go Go Club
Vybz Kartel- Me Love Yu
Aidonia- She Mek Me Say
Mavado- Starbwoy
I-Octane- My Life
I-Octane- Bloodstain
I-Octane Mine Who Yu A Dis
Khago- Blood a Boil
Kartel- More than Neo
Aidonia- Wine Yu Body
Mavado-Peppa
Lexus- Laugh Afta Dem
Assassin- Dem Fear We
Beenie Man & Busta Rhymes- Drinking Rum
Nah Sell Out Mi Friend
I-Octane- No Love Inna Dem
Tifa- Good Up
Vybz Kartel- Yu Mi Need
Mavado- All Dem A Talk
Kahgo- Nah Sell Out

Ladies of Reggae Playlist- March 12, 2011

Ladies of Reggae Special-        KirkDavis                   

Heartbroken-   Etana

Intimate Reservation- Tarrus Riley

Bring it Back- Alaine   

Love You Anyway- Jah Cure                          

True Love- Etana                    

Share My Lovin- Gyptian                                

My Hands-       Jah Cure                      

Touch You-      Pressure                                  

Heaven-           J Soul  

Dream Riddim- Baby G                                                                                               

Lutan fyah        Ladies of Reggae drop                                                                         

Cryin’ Out- Lutan Fyan & Gardian      

The Government- Wasp                      

Realest Song- Konshens                      

Life We Livin- Vybz Kartel      

Ladies of Reggae Drop- Matterhorn    

Do it Back- Konshens                                                             

Only Jah- Bugle                                                                       

Ring Di Alarm- Chris Martin                                                    

Good girl gone bad- Tarrus Riley ft. Konshens             

Hold Yu- Gyptianft.NickiMinaj                                 

Me & You-Chinoand Alaine

Ladies of Reggae Drop- Chino

Yeah Yeah-Chino                   

Nothing At All- Agent Sasco   

Go Deh Mi Gyal- Laden                                  

Bounce A Gyal- Di Genius                   

Pepper- Mavado                     

Ladies of Reggae drop- Busy Signal     

Girls Dem- Assassin                

You are the One- Nicky B                               

Nah Sell Out-   Khago 

Ladies of Reggae Drop- Assassin        

Nah Sell Out- Assassin                        

Pree Dem A Pree Wi- Laden

Nuh Fear Nobody- Bramma    

Who God Bless-  Chino                                  

Ladies of Reggae Drop- Flippa Mafia

Nah Beg Nuttun- Dejavu                                                                                             

Money Ova War -Liquid         

Loving My Flow- Kris Kelli                 

Baheba- Voicemail                              

Party Night- Vybz Kartel                                                                     

Slow Motion - Sting Mix         

Clarkes- Vybz Kartel Ft Popcaan &Gaza       

Starlight - Mavado                                           

Million Dollar Check- Mojo Morgan ft.Stephen& Damian Marley      

Jah Army- Stephen Marley Ft. Damian Marley                                     

Nah Let Go- Gyptian   

Now She's Gone- Collie Buddz                                   

Can You Feel Me- Michael Bolton & Tami Chynn

Love You Girl- Buju

King Selassie H.I.M.-   Tarrus Riley