The Straits Sound System takes over Eklektikon, and the Dragon’s Kiln features at BlinkBL_NK

Last Saturday, the Straits Sound System mounted a friendly takeover of Eklektikon, the freshest show on Singapore’s newest radio station – SonarFM!

In what was a radical departure from Eklektikon’s usual electronic / future beats focus, JSJ and JC from the SSS showcased some of their favourite tunes, giving listeners a taste of what to expect this coming Saturday at the Dragon’s Jukebox. Starting with some easy rocksteady and a bit of cheeky calypso, moving into King Stitt’s most famous tune, and onto some deep roots with Norris Reid and Johnny Clarke, massive dancehall with Barrington Levy, rounding out with an all time classic from Sister Nancy, plus other stuff besides! If you like what you hear, come down on Saturday to the Dragon’s Jukebox, and hear it played out through some serious wattage.

But before you hit the Party, get down to this month’s BlinkBL_NK at BluJaz Cafe on Wednesday 22nd Feb to hear John Stewart talk about the history of the Dragon Kilns, the artists that currently work there and the government’s plans for their future. It’s very possible the Dragon Kilns will not be around for much longer.

Hit the link to head over to mixcloud to listen to the boys in action, or the link below to check out the tracklist, and we’ll see you on Saturday to nice up the dance!

The Dragon’s Jukebox

The Dragon Kiln Sessions continue with another night of sweet Island sounds. After a break from the action, the boys from the Straits Sound System are back to bring your favourite Jamaican tunes to the little red dot. With the sad passing of ‘The Ugly One’, King Stitt, we’ll be sure to lay down some tunes in homage to the greatest deejay of the 60s and 70s.

So join us on the 25th of February, 4pm till late, at the Dragon Kiln, Lorong Tawas.
Bring your own beer and BBQ food, fire will be provided.

To get to the Dragon Kiln:

Take Jalan Bahar off the Pan Island Expressway (or continue on from Jln Boon Lay). Turn left onto Lorong Tawas, continue to the VERY end, do not turn right until you have to!

View Larger Map

We still love reggae!

Hello people!

We are still here but just been busy with other things over the past couple of months. Seems like it’s time to plan another party! Hopefully we can find a date for y’all soon.

Until then here are a few things we’re enjoying…..

Burnin’ down the house!

Once again the crew from the Straits Sound System set the Dragon Kiln on fire!

With the boys’ beefed up sound, the beats could be heard far and wide, and Roots Lovers from all over the little red dot responded as plenty of new faces introduced themselves during the night.

It was great to see plenty of rockers making best use of the Brewerkz keg and the glowing coals to sate their various appetites, while the boys laid down some classic vinyl and pulled some new (and some left field) tunes from the vault to satisfy peoples’ urge to dance.

Sadly we also used this night to say ‘see ya later’ to some great friends of the Sound System, Chris, Asya and of course our favourite little pyro, Ali, who will surely be putting Sydney to the torch before too long! Big ups to Chef Chris for the irie grub too!

As always, keep it locked right here for news of upcoming events – and a quick word to the wise, swing by Rodyk St on the river this Sunday arvo, you never know what you might stumble across…
/Edit – no tunes this Sunday, last minute change of plans. Will keep you all posted though!

Till next time, make it reggae!

Peace,
the SSS

ps the photo is from our friend kostas – check out his other pics (‘n’ mixes) here!

Catch a Fire!

Apologies to all you Roots fans out there on the little red dot (and beyond!), but after an enforced absence (no, we weren’t in jail … just busy!), the Straits Sound System is back to Caress your Cares, Soothe your Souls and Maximize your Mojo with more classic Island riddims n beats!

Following the overwhelmingly good vibes from our last throwdown at the Dragon Kiln, we’re heading back out to the jungle to Catch a Fire!

Saturday 16th July, 4pm – LATE.

BYO booze and bbq food. Brewerkz is also donating a keg, so turn up early before the well runs dry! The coals will be stoked all night to let you cook up, and we have an extra special guest on hand preparing some of the finest nosh north of Sydney Harbour.

Details on how to get to the Kiln are below, and if you know any fellow Roots fans who want to get off the merry-go-round for a night, bring them along for a taste of Singapore’s B-side.

Much love

StraitsSoundSystem

To get to the Dragon Kiln:

Take Jalan Bahar off the Pan Island Expressway or continued from Jln Boon Lay. Turn left onto Lorong Tawas, continue to the VERY end, do not turn right until you have to!

View Larger Map

RIP Lloyd Knibb

Lloyd Knibb, who died this week of liver cancer, was the drummer for the Skatalites.

More info and a brief eulogy are here.

RIP Lloyd.

The Straits Sound System lends a hand

Thanks to the efforts and hardwork of Brewerkz and many other sponsors and organisers, over $10,000 was raised on Saturday 9th April to contribute to World Vision’s ongoing relief work in Japan.

After a day consisting of tea ceremonies and origami sessions, calligraphy and bracelet making, the boys from the Straits Sounds System bought the evening to a fine close with some sweet Ska and Rocksteady, Island Soul, Rootical tunes and even some Funky Reggae to lift everybody’s spirits and project those healing vibes. More pics from the evening can be seen after the fold below.

Thanks to all those who came down in support of such a great cause, and please keep the people of Japan in your hearts and minds as they continue to grapple with the awful consequences of the earthquake and tsunami.

Peace!

The SSS

Japan Relief Fundraiser – Sat 9th April, Brewerkz

Brewerkz have organized a fundraising event to help the people of Japan after the earthquake on the 11th March. One month on, and Japan is still getting to grips with a serious humanitarian operation to help the people most affected around the epicentre of the quake.

There are many ways to help the people of Japan and we’re sure you have already done your bit, but if you are free on Saturday 9th April, come and show your support for this event. Bring the flyer along to Brewerkz Riverside Point and 25% of your bill that evening will be donated to the relief effort.

The Straits Sound System will be doing our part by playing reggae for your enjoyment and ours, from 9pm till the close. We hope to see you there to finish off the evening.

Table reservations are advised and can me made online or at this number – 6438 7438

Japan Relief Fundraiser

BlickBl_nk Session – 16th March 2011

The Straits Sound System will be pumping the riddim to keep the mood swingin’ at the latest BlinkBl-nk night at Brewerkz, Riverside Point. The night runs from 7-10 and you can expect the sweetest reggae in town interspersed with interesting talks to stimulate the cortex!

Come down and join us for a beer!

What is BlinkBl-nk?
blinkBL-NK is an event where regular people share their expertise about fascinating subjects in a laid back environment. Part brain food and part social event, blinkBL-NK is about sharing intriguing and off-beat ideas while mingling with an unexpected cross section of artists, academics, designers, entrepreneurs, geeks, hackers and media practitioners.

Stranger Cole returns Down Under

If you’re lucky enough to be travelling down to old Melbourne town during early March, make sure you check out the Melbourne Rocksteady Ska & Reggae Revue!

Saturday 5 March 2011

After a show-stealing cameo in support of Dawn Penn last year, Stranger Cole returns to Australia with his own show of an hour and a half of his foundation hits, backed by Melbourne Rocksteady stalwarts, The Moonhops.

Kicking off at 7pm, THE MELBOURNE ROCKSTEADY SKA AND REGGAE REVUE will be a feast of the finest Jamaican music played by famed local exponents including The Ska Vendors, Judge Pino & The Ruling Motions, Johnny Longshot and Skazz. Between the bands, PBS DJs Mohair Slim and Jesse I will maintain the vibe with vintage vinyl sounds. After the bands, Canadian DJ, producer and historian Mossman will transform the Corner Hotel into a Kingston dancehall with a killer two hour set of Jamaican oldies.

More info over at the PBS FM website

Wish we could be there!