THE 809 BAND TO REUNITE FOR “GROOVIN’ IN THE PARK” IN NEW YORK CITY, JUNE 29!

By Shereita Grizzle—

Popular reggae backing band, The 809 Band will reunite this summer at Roy Wilkins Park in New York City for the 50th anniversary musical tribute to Marcia Griffiths.

According to online sources, the reunion is being planned for Groovin’ In the Park 2014 set for June 29.

CEO of Groovin Inc, promoters of the event, said he was thrilled his team was able to put the reunion together.

“The 809 band is one of the most accomplished bands out of Jamaica that boasts some of reggae’s leading players of instruments. I am thrilled that tour manager Copeland Forbes was able to pull together this special reunion,” he said.

Forbes confirmed that band members Mikey Fletcher, Christopher Birch, Leebert ‘Gibby’ Morrison, Winston ‘Boo Pee’ Bowen, Dean Fraser and Ronald ‘Nambo’ Robinson will perform as part of the reunion set.

Copeland Forbes

Paul Kastick tour

Desi Jones will fill in for drummer Paul Kastick who is currently on tour with Ky-Mani Marley.

Having spoken to the band about the performance, Forbes said they decided to make themselves available for the “once-in-a-lifetime occasion”.

During its heyday, the band did backing vocals for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Bunny Wailer, Maxi Priest, the I-Three, Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers and Gregory Isaacs.

They were reunited earlier this year for the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival held at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

Other acts billed to perform at Groovin’ In The Park are Beres Hammond, Air Supply, John Holt, Bob Andy, Judy Mowatt and Chronixx.