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Reggae dancehall performer Capleton, known as the Fire Man, has canceled his entire US tour after an outcry by gay rights organizations over his homophobic lyric content. As reported by the Long Beach Press Telegram, Capleton's high profile show scheduled for February 21 at the Ragga Muffin Festival in Long Beach  was canceled by promoter Moss Jacobs after pressure from various organizations.

Sicilian-born Jamaican-based reggae singer and producer Alborosie continues his West Coast tour this week and his new album Escape From Babylon To the Kingdom of Zion is released. 
Upcoming shows include:
February 18 Berkeley Shattuck Down Low
February 19 Petaluma Mystic Theatre
February 20 Santa Cruz Catalyst
February 21 Long Beach The Ragga Muffin Music Festival

ForwardEver will be speaking to Alborosie today before his SF show, for an interview to be published this spring by San Francisco's Big Up Magazine.

San Francisco reggae institution Club Dread will present its 6th Annual Sound Clash event Saturday April 17 at the Rockit Room, 406 Clement Street at 6th Ave in the San Francisco's Richmond District. The event features four sound system teams competing for a trophy and $1000 cash prize based on audience reactions to their music sets. In addition to Northern California selectas Smoke One Sound (King of Kings/Berkeley, CA), One Wise (Humboldt, CA) and Ashanti Hi-Fi (Oakland, Trinidad), the clash will feature the first appearance of established Seattle, WA crew Zions Gate. The Club Dread Sound Clash will be hosted by sound clash veterans DJ JFX and Doogie. Doors 9:00 PM, Clash at 11:30.

New Yorkers will again get to see great '80-90s dancehall legends perform at a legendary Jamaica, Queens venue when "World Clash" promoters Irish & Chin productions bring Shabba Ranks and a recently rehabilitated Tiger to the Amazura ballroom on March 27.

Since his major label success in the mid 1990s, Shabba Ranks has recorded and performed infrequently but seems to be building momentum and "elder status" with a new dancehall generation. And of course, he still retains his deft skills at riding a riddim and that booming baritone voice.

Tiger was the victim of an unfortunate motorcycle crash in 1994 that had many wondering if he would walk, much less perform again. But recent successful stage show performances in Jamaica may have lured the eccentric deejay back to the fold.  Also on the Amazura bill are distinctive yodeling singer Barrington Levy and high-energy King Jammy's dancehall veteran Admiral Bailey.