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Behind the Scenes at National Geographic for Distant Relatives

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Though the weather was wet and cold back in December 2009 in Washington DC, the crowds came early and patiently waited in long serpentine lines throughout the lobby of the National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium for “Distant Relatives,” a special panel discussion. Some had come to hear Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, others for Nas, several came for Kool Herc and Rakim, and one person in particular came for Jeff Chang with book in hand hoping for an autograph. But no matter who they came for, the purpose of the evening was to learn about the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

This amazing panel which includes guests such as Stephen Marley, DJ Red Alert, Pat McKay, Waterflow, Big Youth, etc., was brought to the global stage by VTech  and was truly a melding of the minds.

They touched on the generational gap of learning and understanding music, the evolution of their industries, their personal experiences, beliefs, and interpretations of what music meant to them and expressed their joys and frustrations.

For those of you who weren’t there, this video gives a look at the magic behind the scenes as well as what happened on stage that night.  Listen, learn, and grow.

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The Sounds of VTech / Distant Relatives at National Geographic

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Giving Back: Public Enemy In D.C.

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

2009 VIRGIN-PUBLIC ENEMY

On November 18th, Virgin Mobile brought Public Enemy to D.C. for a good cause. To celebrate the three year anniversary of National Homeless Awareness Month designated by Congress through the efforts of the RE*Generation, Virgin Mobile’s charity arm. Proceeds from the event went to benefiting homeless youth, helping them keep warm, and giving back to the Sasha Bruce House, where a young person who needs a place to stay- for any reason- can find a home here.    

Virgin Mobile sponsored an early Thanksgiving dinner at the Sasha Bruce House with Public Enemy, with a tour of the shelter and participated in a Q&A session with the kids and press. 

Once they finished, they proceeded to George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium in true Public Enemy style, on the back of a flat bed truck! Livening up the mood by giving a small performance on the streets of D.C. before taking the stage for one unforgettable night. 

“Don’t believe the hype. Just because everyone says the economy’s coming back doesn’t mean that homeless kids don’t need a place to sleep and keep warm.”  Flavor Flav of Public Enemy

Check out the video below presented by VTech in partnership with Virgin Mobile and The RE*Generation from that memorable evening. 

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The Sounds of VTech / Public Enemy in D.C.

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VTech Brings Distant Relatives To National Geographic

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

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On Saturday, December 12th, in Washington, D.C., National Geographic with Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, presented “Distant Relatives,” an amazing panel discussion brought to the global stage, by VTech.  The “Distant Relatives” conversation traced the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning from the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

The panel guests, Stephen Marley, Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, Jeff Chang, Rakim, Pat McKay, Waterflow and Big Youth, were moderated by Sway, in what could only be described as a melding of the minds. From the old to the new, from grassroots to high tech, the generational gap in the understanding of these musical genres and all its aspects were addressed and better understood as the guests spoke about their personal experiences, beliefs and various interpretations of what Hip-Hop and music in general, meant to them.

The evening answered many questions, but also left us eager for more!

Afterwards, at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, where the afterparty was held, the panel guests took their place on stage. With DJ Red Alert on the wheels of steel, and Rakim on the mic, the place exploded. Not long afterwards, Stephen and Damian Marley took their place and were soon joined by Nas, keeping the party going well past its curfew.

*Nas and Damian have officially announced the March 2010, release date of their forthcoming CD “Distant Relatives.” With the possibility of more conversations to come, be sure to stay tuned….

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Damian Marley, Nas, and VTech Headline National Geographic Live This Saturday

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

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This Saturday, December 12th, VTech and Distant Relatives,Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas,  head toNational Geographic Live in D.C. for a very memorable event.

National Geographics Live and VTech will present Hip-Hop and Reggae legends in conversation for a special program moderated by Sway.

National Geographic Live is closing in on the end. They will conclude their fall event series, with an extraordinary one-of-a-kind evening. ”Distant Relatives,” sponsored byVTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy award winning artist, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, son of Bob, in a rare discussion about the evolution of deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop. Joining them in their conversation will be Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert, all key players in the development of both musical genres.

The event will take place at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 12th, at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at National Geographic, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

If you can’t make it, check back on The Sounds of VTech for exclusive photos and videos, coming soon.

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VTech Heads to D.C. With Damian Marley and Nas For National Geographic Live

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

distantrelatives_flyer4x6

On December 12th, VTech and Distant Relatives, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas, head to National Geographic Live in D.C. for a very memorable event.

National Geographics Live will present Hip-Hop and Reggae legends in conversation for a special program moderated by Sway.

National Geographic Live is closing in on the end. They will conclude their fall event series, with an extraordinary one-of-a-kind evening. “Distant Relatives,” sponsored by VTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy award winning artist, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, son of Bob, in a rare discussion about the evolution of deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop. Joining them in their conversation will be Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert, all key players in the development of both musical genres.

The event will take place at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 12th, at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at National Geographic, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

About National Geographic Live

National Geographic Live is the performing arts division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics, including exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; world cultures and ancient history; and relevant issues such as climate change and sustainability. Proceeds from speaker series help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education.

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