THE Jamaica Cultural Development Commission is in the final stages of preparation for the inaugural music festival — Heart of Ska — to be staged this Saturday, August 2, as part of this year’s Independence celebrations.

The festival will be staged at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew starting at 12:00 noon with a daytime programme which will feature film presentations, exhibitions showcasing photos and artifacts of renowned exponent of this music form, The Skatalites, and the ska era, panel discussions, and interactive competitions.

The highlight for the festival will be the main show at 8:00 pm. It will focus on ‘Ska Rebirth’ which will be led by master drummer Sparrow Martin and will include Ska la Reg, Eric Monty Morris — the original lead singer of The Skatalites, Derrick Morgan, who was crowned “the King of Ska” by the people of Jamaica and the most prolific hit-maker of the ska era, Strangejah Cole and Bunny & Skully. There will be a special guest performance by American jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. The performers will all be backed by Fab 5.

The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre has been transformed into the Jamaica Festival Village, and will be home to many of the events for the holiday period.

The village will feature daily and nightly events and activities for the entire family, including concerts, exhibitions and expositions, kiddies village, rides and attractions.