BANKIE BANX Featuring: + sp. guest Bearin Peace

August 24, 2010, 8pm
BB King-New York

http://www.bbkingblues.com/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=4589

With the release of his first Album Roots and Herbs in 1977, Bankie Banx pioneered reggae music in the Eastern Caribbean.

Bankie’s first number one hit in 1977 was “Prince of Darkeness” and followed that with several chart topping songs over the next few years, Bankie joined an elite fraternity. Bankie performed at Reggae Sunsplash in 1983 and again in 1992. He was featured during a live Sunsplash performance in the ground breaking reggae documentary “Cool Runnings.” Following his success has Reggae Sunsplash 1983, Bankie and his band The Roots & Herbs toured extensively in the Caribbean before heading to Europe.

Bankie continued his career in New York and worked with musicians including Junior Jazz, Robert Manos, Robert Mansfield. Bankie Banx and The New York Connection were regulars on the East Coast music scene and had strong followings in Boston, New York and New Hampshire. Bankie continued to return to Anguilla for annual performances and started the Moonsplash Music Festival in 1991.

Bankie has made several international television appearances including a recurring role on the Fox sitcom “Key West.” Bankie has recorded with music legend Bob Dylan and has been featured on the soundtrack for the award winning independent film “Southie.” During his career, Bankie has toured Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Bankie’s sound has been described as a cross between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, and his music a blend of folk, reggae, R&B and Jazz. Along the way he has opened for, hosted, headlined, or performed alongside just about every reggae act worth noting, and several other rock and country stars.

In 1991 Bankie launched the first annual Moonsplash Music Festival. Moonsplash has become one of the premier music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and has featured internationally revered artists. Bankie also owns and runs his legendary beach bar and performance venue on Anguilla called The Dune Preserve.