July 6, 2005 – Reggae fans will be in for a special treat on Friday when Grammy nominated singer Freddie McGregor and local artist Pressure will sign autographs and pose for pictures. Big Ship Promotions and the University of the Virgin Islands Reichhold Center for the Arts are co-hosting an autograph signing session with McGregor and Pressure from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 8, at Modern Music in Nisky Center on St. Thomas. All fans are invited to attend and receive free autographed paraphernalia.
"This is the opportunity to meet and greet the stars up close and personal," said Reichhold's Pamela Sanes, co-interim director.
The autograph session comes a few days before the July 19 release of McGregor's latest album "Comin' in Tough," which features the singles "Lock Dem Down" and "Bangarang."
The session also comes a few days after the local release of Pressure's debut solo album "The Pressure is On". The album features 13 tracks, including the popular "No Limitation" and "When Dem Come" featuring the acclaimed Glen Washington.
McGregor, an internationally celebrated classic reggae entertainer, songwriter and producer, is considered Jamaica's most consistent recording artist. In March 2005, McGregor, backed by the Millennium Band, awed a sold-out audience at the Reichhold Center with his smooth and remarkable sound. McGregor has over 40 successful years in the music business and in 1989 launched his own record label, Big Ship.
Pressure, born Delyno Brown, rose to popularity in the Virgin Islands and regional and national reggae circles as a member of the Star Lion Family reggae group. As a member of the group he performed at concerts for many reggae greats. More recently Pressure performed at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California where he was well received. The highly anticipated "The Pressure is On" is creating a buzz among reggae lovers everywhere.
The autograph signing session is a precursor to the upcoming "Rock Steady Meets Reggae" concerts where McGregor and Pressure will perform. The concerts will be held on Friday, July 22, at the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix and on Saturday, July 23, at the Lionel Roberts Stadium on St. Thomas. Both performances begin at 8 p.m. Other artists scheduled to perform include Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, George Nooks, Iley Dread and Richie Stephens, all backed by the Millennium Band.
For more information about the autograph signing session or the Rock Steady Meets Reggae concerts call the Reichhold Center at 693-1559.
