Multiple Grammy winning artist Ziggy Marley, and Tuff Gong Worldwide present “Dancehall Originators Vol 1,” the first in a new series of dancehall reggae albums designed to pay homage to the groundbreaking original artists that paved the way for dancehall artists today. The album, which will be released on February 2nd, features tracks by Chaka Demus, Yellow Man and Buju Banton, among others (track list below).

In 1992, producer/songwriter Phillip Smart, founder of Long Island’s HC&F Studios, created the scorching “Hot This Year” riddim, whose bouncy keyboard riffs and resounding bass were considered groundbreaking at the time.

From its initial release, “Hot This Year” inspired numerous other artists, including Shaggy, Yellow Man, Buju Banton, and Chaka Demus, to use it as a basis for their own songs. It also inspired the durable and popular song “Hot This Year” by the late DJ Dirtsman, which crossed over into other radio formats.

“There weren’t that many reggae records that crossed over to R&B radio at the time, and Dirtsman’s song went from reggae radio shows to getting airplay in regular rotation on New York stations,” recalls Phillip Smart. “So that put it in a different format and the song became a favorite in clubs that didn’t play a lot of reggae.”

Because it so deftly illustrates such an important era of dancehall reggae history, Dancehall Originators is a must-have for any knowledgeable dancehall devotee, as well as more recent reggae converts.

The Tuff Gong label was founded in 1965 by Bob Marley, with the vision of producing, distributing and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. In a time decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, the legendary Bob Marley’s vision was characteristically well ahead of its time. Now, nearly a half-century later, his dream is being realized.

HONOLULU, HI (Aug 6, 2009) -Thompson’s Productions, Waikiki Shell, Tr3ees and Styrophibia are joining forces to highlight the importance of preserving the environment by making ‘Ziggy Marley Live in Concert’ at the Waikiki Shell an eco-friendly event.

This commitment to environmental sustainability means all food and beverage service wares will be made from bio-compostable containers to reduce the impact of consumption on the island’s beautiful landscape. Styrophobia will provide cups, serving ware and utensils made from sustainable products. Tr3ees will also be working with the Waikiki Shell to set up recycling containers around the venue at each trashcan for water bottle collection. Plus, generators in use will be fueled with biodiesel instead of regular petroleum diesel.

“It is important to Thompson’s Productions to care for the communities where we host our events and one way we can do that is by partnering with organizations such as Styrophobia and TR3EES to help reduce waste and educate people about environmental responsibility,” says Kevin Thompson, president and CEO of Thompson’s Productions. “Going green is about changing habits and we can make a difference one-person at a time.”

Tr3ees specializes in custom designing and producing sustainable, green, zero waste events and businesses in Hawaii by reducing the environmental impact of their operations, while educating participants and the surrounding community. “Thompson’s Productions is showing true environmental leadership in Hawaii by being the first green event at the Waikiki Shell since the Kokua Festivals. We are committed to involving concert goers in being GREEN!,” says Jennifer Homcy, Co-Founder of TR3EES.

Ari Patz, co-owner and director of operations of Styrophobia, adds providing sustainable alternatives will make a difference to help preserve the earth. “Each time a plastic container is thrown away its lifespan is hundreds of years in our
environment, leaching toxins and choking marine life. Styrophobia is proud to partner with Thompson’s Productions to help reduce environmental degradation through education and community outreach.”

‘Ziggy Marley Live in Concert’ will be held at the Waikiki Shell on Saturday August 15th, and at the Maui War Memorial on Sunday August 16, 2009. Thompson’s Productions has partnered with The Waikiki Park Shore and The Hotel Wailea of The Aqua Hotels & Resorts chain, Hard Rock Café, Maui Brewing Company, Mana Foods, Land of Organica, Love Fatigues, High Country Kombucha, Coast Line Limousine, Govinda Restaurant, Watanabe Floral, Clearwire Hawaii, T&C Surf Hawaii and more to bring this special event to Hawaii.

The concert will start at 5:00 p.m and continue until 10:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $35, $45 and $55 and can be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including select Macy’s. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For more event information, please call Hawaii Pacific Entertainment at (808) 237-3675 or e-mail umma@hawaiipacificentertainment.com or log on to www.hawaiipacificentertainment.com.

For further information about the featured artists please visit these links:
www.ziggymarley.com,
www.myspace.com/mysteriousandthemysticbandm,
www.myspace.com/rovleta,
www.myspace.com/josephisrael,
www.myspace.com/blakdiamonuim ,
www.myspace.com/lionrootszion.

For more information on Thompson’s Productions please visit
http://www.thompsonsproductions.com.

About TR3EES

TR3EES is Hawaii’s only Green Event Solutions company focused on incorporating environmental and social responsibility into events, concerts, and festivals. Our mission is to use business and event leaders to raise awareness about island stewardship through outreach, education, waste reduction and management. Go to www.tr3ees.com for more information.

About Styrophobia

Our mission is to integrate environmentally friendly alternatives using sustainable resources and eventually grow to finance better biodegradable technology, fair trade and environmental programs. Our Eco Store includes sustainable products, including biodegradables for everyday consumption choices. Styrophobia is committed to contributing at least 5% of profits to sustainability programs. We believe contribution needs to be approached mindfully. As global consciousness grows we believe together we can reduce our environmental footprint. Please join us in this effort. Mahalo!