While tomorrow's forecast predicts thunderstorms, Island Heat Caribbean Music Festival co-organizer Alico Marks said he isn't concerned.
If there's some rain
it'll be just like the islands anyway Marks, who is the CEO of LP Records and Entertainment, said.
The new festival features performances by 20 different artists for 10 hours straight, with the musical genres ranging from R&B, reggae and calypso to hip-hop and jazz.
Alumni Zachary Kiesch and Landon Cohen have organized this new festival in conjunction with Marks to bring a different musical flavor to Athens.
This will be a good opportunity to expose people to a different style of music Kiesch said.The island culture and music is really strong
and Athens is a great arena for this type of music.
The lineup also includes local favorite Jesty Beatz.
We know that students will want music provided from people that they know
Kiesch said.
In addition to the artists, there will also be several NFL stars present, facilitated by Cohen, a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. He said that many of his friends love reggae music, so he asked them to attend.
Festival guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol and drink on the property as long as they are over 21. There is also a free round-trip bus that has pick-up locations at Peden Stadium, McCracken Park and Rollerbowl Lanes, 28 Palmer St.
Kiesch said the date was chosen because the St. Thomas Carnival series ended the week before, not because Palmerfest is the same day.
It's not a competition with Palmerfest
Marks said.
Kiesch said that Island Heat is not trying to steal from Palmerfest's attendance, and that students can do both safely by using the provided buses.
The festival is sponsored through various OU organizations such as Hip Hop Congress, the OU women's water polo team, OU football team and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
We expect a big turnout and hope that people come out and have a great time
Kiesch said.
For a full line-up and ticket sale locations, check www.myspace.com/islandheatmusicfestival.
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Culture
Gina Edwards
