The University of the Virgin Islands' Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) is set to host an electrifying evening of music with “RCA Sessions on the Floor: Passport Edition”, a special event featuring Grammy-nominated reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley alongside local favorites Dublab Reggae Band and Lourdes & the Switch.

The concert will take place on Friday, March 14 at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas.

According to the release, the "RCA Sessions" series is a signature initiative by the Reichhold Center for the Arts, bringing world-class musical performances to the community while the historic venue undergoes reconstruction. The "Passport Edition" of the series will spotlight international talent while celebrating the musical artistry of the Virgin Islands. Proceeds from the event will directly support the rebuilding of the Reichhold Center, which was destroyed in 2017 by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

UVI President Dr. Safiya George expressed excitement about the upcoming event, noting its significance in bringing the community together.

“We are excited to showcase the exceptional talent of two Virgin Islands bands and to welcome one of my favorite international reggae artists, Ky-Mani Marley, to the University of the Virgin Islands. ‘RCA Sessions: Passport Edition’ is a perfect way to unite our community in music, creativity, and support for the Reichhold Center for the Arts,” said Dr. George.

RCA Director Denise Humphrey echoed this sentiment, encouraging the public to attend.

“We invite the public to join us for an evening of top-notch performances for a great cause,” she said. “The Reichhold Center for the Arts remains committed to enriching the community through the arts and showcasing the very best the world has to offer right here at UVI.”

 

The evening’s headliner, Ky-Mani Marley, brings a unique musical style that blends reggae, hip-hop, and international influences. The son of reggae icon Bob Marley and champion table tennis player Anita Belnavis, Ky-Mani has built a strong legacy of his own. His discography includes albums such as:

• Like Father Like Son (1996)
• The Journey (2000)
• Many More Roads (2001)
• Milestone (2004)
• Radio (2007)
• Maestro (2015)
• Conversations (2016)

His latest single, "New Creature," from the upcoming album Love & Energy, has topped charts. Beyond music, Ky-Mani is also an accomplished actor and author, known for his roles in films such as "Shottas" and "One Love" and for his memoir "Dear Dad: Where’s the Family in Our Family Today?", which provides an intimate look at his life and the Marley legacy.

Tickets for “RCA Sessions on the Floor: Passport Edition” are available through the Reichhold Center for the Arts official website, the Reichhold Center Facebook page, the UVI Bookstore, and at the door on the day of the event.

• General Admission: $65 per person
• VIP Admission: $125 per person (includes VIP entrance, court seating, complimentary tapas, one complimentary drink, and access to the VIP cash bar)
• Discounted General Admission: Available for UVI students, faculty, and staff with valid identification

 

The event is made possible through funding from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, A&R Transportation Corporation, Transportation Services of St. John, Inc., and the St. Thomas Federal Credit Union.

For those interested in contributing to the Reichhold Center rebuilding fund, donations can be made at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ZwWmuw?vid=1i1mkc

The concert is part of a series of celebrations marking UVI’s 63rd anniversary and the inauguration of the university’s sixth president.