Chronixx brings fresh vibe to SummerStage
KINGSTON, Jamaica — On a high following an outstanding set at Reggae Sumfest and appearance on Tonight With Jimmy Fallon, reggae singer Chronixx takes his act to SummerStage in New York Saturday.
The free concert has been held at Central Park since 1986 and has featured top reggae acts such as the Marleys, Israel Vibration, Inner Circle and Steel Pulse.
This year, Chronixx shares the bill with veteran singer Junior Reid who previously appeared at SummerStage in 2007.
After years of showcasing acts from the 1980s and 1990s, promoters decided on a change of pace for 2014.
“As presenters, we all wanted to use the event to help bring mainstream light to what is happening in reggae right now,” said Jesse Serwer, editor of LargeUp.com, one of the co-promoters.
He added: “It’s been about a decade since there has been any real, sustained mainstream exposure in the US for a new or current reggae artiste. When we started planning this event last year, Chronixx was emerging as the artiste set to make that breakthrough.”
The Okayplayer website (founded by Questlove, drummer of The Roots) and the Federation Sound (sound system) are the other promoters of SummerStage 2014.
The Roots are the official band for ‘Tonight’ which Chronixx played on Tuesday.
SummerStage takes place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.