Monday, April 19, 2010

This Art 2-Tone After Party Events in New York City A Go Despite Volcanic Ash

Despite the cancellation of tonight's show in Toronto, I have heard it from good sources close to the band that all systems are go for The Specials two shows in New York at Terminal 5 tomorrow and Wednesday. Tickets are still available for Tuesday's show.

We are still hosting 'This ART 2-Tone' after parties at Dusk Lounge in Chelsea following the shows each night in New York. Though the art work has been delayed at Heathrow Airport in London since last week because of ash from the Icelandic volcano, it could arrive in time for Wednesday night's after party if U.K. airspace opens. If it arrives in time, the art exhibit will showcase iconic album covers, newspaper and magazine ads, posters and other media that were designed by Chrysalis Records graphic artist John "Teflon" Sims when he worked with 2 Tone Records. Full-size prints of several of his original work for the label will be displayed and postcard-size versions of the more popular ones will be offered for sale--with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to ongoing Haitian Earthquake relief efforts. If the art does not make it in time, we will be exhibiting samples of the art on a video screen at the bar and we will try again in August when the band is slated to return for a North American tour.

Since Lynval Golding and Horace Panter are both prominently featured on the new Pama International album, the events will serve as listening parties for 'Pama Outernational' (arranged through Jason Lawless of the Lawless Street blog and Gabe Pressure of Dancing Mood and Musical Occupation). Pama Outernational is being released by Dancing Mood Media in the U.S. this April.

While there is a chance that members of The Specials and their entourage may stop by each night, the real reason for the parties is to give fans of the band and 2-Tone music a place to meet up after the shows to enjoy a drink, talk shop with other fans, hear a great mix of ska and reggae and take in the amazing diversity of John Sims 2-Tone design work that remains as vibrant and exciting today as it was 30 years ago. There is a Facebook page for the event if you want more information or want to interact with other fans who may be attending.

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