Voice Out, a popular live event promoted by Jamaican brothers Damion and Andre Hawthorne, returns to The Bronx on October 13. First held in 2018, it has featured a number of ‘name’ acts including Dre Island, Junior Reid, Chi Ching Ching and Carlene Davis.

Damion Hawthorne told OBSERVER ONLINE that organisers took a six-month break to re-structure for a new season. Thursday’s comeback gig features Royal Khaoz, a band that includes Andre (known as Dretegs) on keyboards.

“The return of Voice Out means a platform for the talented, underground artistes, poets, musicians, and black entrepreneurs. It also allows for great networking and great listening sessions to even established artistes who travel to the tri-state area in tours, etc,” said Hawthorne.

Since its inception, Voice Out has attracted young and mature patrons who have a preference for live music. They have seen members of the so-called roots-reggae revival from Jamaica such as Dre Island and Jesse Royal as well as the highly-touted singer/songwriter Lila Ike.

Hawthorne, who plays drums and keyboards, believes its spontaneous nature is the most appealing aspect of Voice Out.

“The Jam sessions are completely different. All kinds of musicians from everywhere join together without any rehearsals and absolutely make magic. It’s amazing. Music is the only one language we all speak,” he said.

The Hawthorne siblings are members of a family that operates Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, a flourishing entity started in 1989 by their uncle, Lowell Hawthorne. In addition to performing with Royal Khaoz, Dretegs has produced songs by Jesse Royal, Chi Ching Ching and Indie Allen.