Raised on an island where Reggae & Dancehall rule the airwaves, Kat.Wil. the voice & face of Crimson Heart Replica has overcome many obstacles to become the indie artist she is today.She has always been mindful of what it takes to make it and what it means to be an artist. Since 2004, CHR has diligently built up a fanbase while representing the alternative rock genre locally and overseas performing at Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Calabash Literary Festival,Vagabond (Mia), the legendary Tobacco Road (Mia), New York’s Trash Bar & Kenny’s Castaway (NYC).CHR has shared the stage with international artists such as Kenny Rogers, Sean Paul, Shaggy,Diana King,& European artist Nemo.
To check out Crimson Heart Replica’s music at Reverbnation
If you’re not at the annual Jazz and Blues festival tonight (Friday Jan. 29), then chances are you’ll be a part of history at Chilitos Mexican Restaurant for “Hu$tlin’ for Haiti,” the first collaborative effort from Jamaica’s young musical fraternity to help our Haitian brothers and sisters.
“Hu$tlin’ for Haiti” organized by Katherine Williams of CHR Productions is a live music event, staged as a call to action for citizens of Jamaica and music fans at large to assist in Haiti’s recovery efforts. The event will facilitate the collection of in-kind and cash donations to be handed over to the Jamaica Red Cross to support their efforts in Haiti. The event will feature an open mic segment as well as live performances by recording artists, Denyque, Robert “Dubwize” Browne, Acmatic, Jason Worton, Mia Jae, Stephanie Wallace, Kariuki, Crimson Heart Replica, Donahue Jarret, Black Zebra, DJ Afifa, DJ Sawandi and many others. These artists have all committed to volunteering their services free of cost to support the mission of “Hu$tlin’ for Haiti.”
In a recent HYPE TV interview to promote the event, Katherine stated, “this cause means a lot to me and the artists who have agreed to be a part of it…the earthquake happened and it was really devastating and all we can do as a people in Jamaica is try and give back because every little makes a difference.” She took some time to thank all the artists, Djs, technical crew, Loraine Carby of Chilitos Mexican Restaurant, the Jamaica Red Cross and Andrea Dempster of Bookophilia who although playing host to her own fundraiser for Haiti (on the same day) agreed to direct her patrons to “Hu$tlin’ for Haiti” so they can show their support there as well.
The entry fee for the event is JA$500 with an in-kind donation or pass from Bookophilia, while persons without a pass or in-kind donation will be asked to pay an entry fee of JA$1000. It is hoped that the event will raise at least JA$100,000 along with a sizeable amount of in-kind donations for the Jamaica Red Cross.
As a plus for persons attending, Katherine has arranged for a CNN inspired Skype call to a friend, Christopher L. Mitchell who is currently in Haiti. The Skype call will be projected onto a screen and Mitchell will provide patrons with a live update of developments in Port-Au-Prince (Mitchell has been in Haiti since the earthquake).
For more information on how you can participate or donate to “Hu$tlin’ for Haiti” call the info line: 876-875-3677.
Photo courtesy of Monique MOGI Gilpin
