Reggae Party brings ‘positive vibrations’ to Greenfield

ReBelle’s Emmanuel Manou performs at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield

Original article published in Greenfield Recorder By JULIAN MENDOZA

In lieu of the Charlemont Reggae Festival, Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center welcomed good vibrations to Greenfield last weekend for its Reggae Party.

Festivities began at 2 p.m. Saturday outdoors at Court Square, with art, food, vendors and music from DJ-I-ganic. The party then moved indoors at 6:30 p.m., with the live music lineup of The Equalites, Simon White and ReBelle beginning at 7 p.m.

“When I think of reggae, I think of a couple things,” Hawks & Reed manager Ben Goldsher said, listing “positive vibrations” and “spreading love” as specifics. “This is just kind of a way to start to bring some of those positive vibrations back.”

Aside from being equipped to handle concerts of this scale safely amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Goldsher said the ambiance created by Hawks & Reed is ideal for hosting feel-good, danceable music like reggae.

“It’s very homey and cozy in here,” Goldsher said. “You’re in this room where there’s no separation. There’s no backstage.”

While the venue in some ways filled in for the Charlemont Fairgrounds, where the Charlemont Reggae Festival is typically held, Goldsher noted Hawks & Reed is far from a stranger to the genre. In the past, it has hosted big-name acts such as The Wailers, Julian Marley and Yellowman.

“We’ve built a reputation of bringing some of the legends of reggae to Greenfield,” Goldsher said. “We’re getting the train rolling again.”

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com