[First note. In 1990 Sunsplash USA was slated to play in Salt Lake City,
Utah. At that time, for reasons best left unsaid, I found I could not
support the local promoter. Thus I drove some nine hours to Hopiland,
Arizona. If there is a nicer drive than through Southern Utah and Northern
Arizona I've not found it. Checking Sunsplash USA was the added bonus. I
do not recall if this article was ever published but, if it was, I suspect
it saw the light of printer's ink in Reggae Report.]

Sunsplash Inna Hopiland

     On June 9th Sunsplash USA '90 came rolling into Hopiland, Arizona in
a semi-truck, three busses, a self-contained motor home and several rental
cars. Arriving much later than expected, they unloaded, set up, did a
sound check and, keeping true to the tour record thus far, MC Tommy Cowan
stepped to the mike and his familiar call of "Yes Indeed" started the show
precisely on time. Thus began Sunsplash Inna Hopiland.

     This year's road show, the third Sunsplash appearance in Hopiland was
held as usual at the Kykotsmovi Civic Center some 9 1/2 hours south of
Salt Lake City. Surprises abounded and began as soon as I entered the
Center. About one-third of the spectator area was filled with chairs.
Seating at a reggae concert? Yes. Shortly after the doors opened a fair
number of chairs were filled with tribal elders and others, there not to
dance and play, but to listen and absorb both the reggae and the message
of Rastafari. In fact, throughout the concert most of the dancers were
non-Native Americans from surrounding cities and states.

     Following Tommy Cowan's introduction the 809 Band began with
percussionist Desi Roots vocalizing "What A Shame," the lead cut from
their newest release entitled simply "The Album." 809 continued with
several more old and new selections with Dean Frazer, Nambo and Chico (The
Ras Brass) trading off lead and back-up vocals. With the crowd now
sufficiently into the groove Daddy U Roy came forward with classics such
as "Chalice Haf Fe Burn," "Soul Rebel" and "Wear You To The Ball" all
chanted over melodies harmonized by 809. Newer material included "Reggae
Party" and the brand new "Keep On Learning" released on the U.S. based
Balance Records as a 12" single. Afterwards U Roy was observed socializing
with youthful fans outside the Civic Center. (As an aside, most performers
were seen at various times interacting with the fans. Even the usually
reserved Burning Spear was bouncing a balloon with playful youth).

     Shelly Thunder led in with "Small Horsewoman" followed by "Teenager
In Love." Most of her tunes were from her hit Mango album "Fresh Out The
Pack" and while some seemed to have difficulty understanding the words of
her rapid delivery they had no problem understanding her exuberance. Her
infectious smile and upful style assured her a following in Hopiland long
after the busses departed.

     Resplendent in a two-piece yellow outfit, Shinehead took the stage
barefoot, his left foot bandaged and supporting himself with a single
crutch. A few days earlier he sustained an obviously painful injury during
the Las Vegas performance and in Hopiland he sang, rapped and hobbled his
way across stage. Featuring songs from his "Unity" album and introducing
new music from his soon to be released Elektra album "The Real Rock,"
Shinehead turned in a high-energy, highly entertaining performance. With
him, and augmenting 809, were two members from his new band No Offense:
Donovan McKitty on a killer lead guitar and Kevin Jones (formerly known as
Kevin Fahrenheit of the Killer Bees) providing vocal harmonies while
jammin' with a strap-on keyboard.

     Keeping the fast-paced show moving Marcia Griffiths was bouncy and
bubbly showcasing earlier works such as "Dreamland" while highlighting her
versatility with material from her Mango release "Carousel." And of
course, in these times, a Marcia must, "Electric Boogie" with Tommy Cowan
and Marcia steppin' out with the Electric Slide.

     Obvious Hopiland favorite Freddie McGregor took the stage to a loud
and happy ovation. McGregor, making his fifth reservation appearance, was
the first Jamaican reggae performer to appear in Hopiland. The affinity he
feels for Native Americans is a shared affinity and Hopiland fans paid
close attention to both his spoken and musical words. Between songs such
as "Don't Hurt My Feelings" and "Push Come To Shove," where many were
noted singing along, Freddie acknowledged that Hopis, Navajos, Havasupais
and Jamaicans were "All In The Same Boat" and that he would never "Stop
Loving You." Later Frankie discussed his new album Road Block slated for
an early release in Jamaica on his and Dalton Browne's Big Ship label.
Assisted, in part by Ibo Cooper an Willie Stewart of Third World, Mc
Gregor and Browne are presently shopping for an American label for release
in this country.

     Backed by the Burning Band, Burning Spear delivered a superb,
spiritually uplifting performance.  While his classics abounded, singing
high praise to Rastafari and Marcus Garvey, Spear also treated Hopiland to
his "newer" style found on his Mistress Music album. Highlighting "Mek We
Dweet" the title cut from his latest Mango release, Spear showed that he
well deserves the respect he commands. As one fan noted, "Reggae is fun
but Burning Spear is for the soul."

     Four and one half hours after Tommy Cowan's "Yes Indeed," satiated
and smiling fans left through one set of doors and tired yet well-pleased
singers and players left through other doors. The fans, feeling their time
and money was well-spent and the performers knowing they were
well-appreciated both spoke of looking forward to Sunsplash USA-1991!

(The author extends an ispecial, heartfelt thank you to Hopiland's Culture
Connection for the invitation and hospitality and to the Night Nurse, Amy
Wachtel of Mango Records for her insight and gracious company.)

[Last note. With the show set to appear in Salt Lake the following day and
Amy Wachtel, feeling a need to get off the bus for a while, accompanied me
on my return home. Can you imagine seeing Utah canyon's and red rocks
through the eyes of a New Yorker? Well, Amy's not a sightseer so.... I
guess I could tell about the ashtray stolen from the "mom and pop"
restaurant in Central Utah while the County Sheriff kept his eyes on us,
but I won't].