The University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) presents the 2nd Annual Blue Horizon Concert on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, featuring four-time Grammy-nominated reggae band UB40. The outdoor concert will take place on the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas at 6 p.m.
The concert, which is the final show on UB40’s official U.S. tour, “Red Red Wine Tour”, coincides with the recent release of the legendary band’s 45th Anniversary album, UB45, bringing fans special live performances of their worldwide hit singles to the stage with “Red Red Wine,” “Food For Thought,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You,” and more, in addition to new songs from UB45. Opening acts will include Virgin Islands bands, RVP Band, Reggae Dynasty and Dub Lab.
“We are thrilled to be part of the UB40’s U.S. tour and to bring one of the world’s most loved reggae bands to the U.S. Virgin Islands for an unforgettable night of music under the stars,” said RCA Director Denise Humphrey. “While the Reichhold Center for the Arts facility is under reconstruction, we remain committed to enriching the cultural and social life of the VI community with world-class performances from across the globe and to showcasing our local talent.”
The Blue Horizon Concert is a fundraiser to support the restoration efforts of the Reichhold Center for the Arts and the Addie Ottley Community Service Scholarship Fund which supports UVI students pursuing studies in communication. Now in its third year, the musical series was launched in 2022 in tribute to local legend, Addie Ottley.
The world’s biggest-selling reggae group, with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, UB40 members James Brown (drums), Robin Campbell (guitar/vocals), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), Norman Hassan (percussion/vocals), Martin Meredith (keyboards/WX7/saxophone), Jahred Gordon (keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet/flugel/trombone), Ian Thompson (saxophone), Gilly G (MC vocals), Matt Campbell (backing vocals) – and lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Doyle – are an English reggae and pop multi-cultural band originally formed in Birmingham, England. With more than 50 UK Top 40 singles and 10 UK Top 10 albums, the group has been recording and touring since 1978.
Originating as a group of young friends with working-class origins, to creating the world’s most successful reggae band, UB40 has gone on to become four-time Grammy nominees for “Best Reggae Album,” spending a combined 11 plus years on the UK album charts with hit singles.
“We’re excited to get back to the States again for our third year in a row, as we love coming to America,” said Robin Campbell. “We can’t wait to play songs from our new album that we’re so very proud of, showcasing Matt Doyle’s vocals on the tracks. He’s brought a new lease of life to our music, as has the addition of our 'permanent guest’ MC Gilly G and my son on backing vocals, Matt Campbell, carrying on the legacy. When you play songs over so many years, the arrangements and vocals evolve and change. These updated versions of our hits are still close to the originals, but now reflect how we perform them today and they sound better than ever.” Tickets are on sale now at https://www.uvi.edu/reichhold/blue-horizons-concert.html. General admission tickets are $75 per person and VIP tickets are available for $175 including designated parking and seating, special VIP entrance, two complimentary drinks, complimentary tapas, and a VIP cash bar. For more information, visit https://www.uvi.edu/reichhold/blue-horizons-concert.html and https://ub40.global/.
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.