The National Gallery of Jamaica’s Last Sundays programme for June 25, 2017, will feature a special exhibition of Selections from the National Collection and music by EarthKry.
The EarthKry band was born and nurtured within the halls of the Edna Manley College of The Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston Jamaica. Their journey began in 2012 with a twist of fate which brought together lead singer and guitarist Aldayne Haughton, keyboard player Phillip McFarlane, drummer Kieron Cunningham and bass guitarist Kamardo Blake, to play a series of small gigs. Drawing inspiration from Bob Marley and The Wailers, The Beatles, John Holt, Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse, the group soon cemented a wholesome fusion of Roots Reggae, Souls and Rock genres for a fresh but universal sound. The band chose its name, EarthKry, to signify its mission to voice the grievances of the downtrodden through the vibrations of their music. Befittingly, their debut single 9 to 5 echoes the daily tribulations of the working class who are barely able to make ends meet from their menial wages.
In April 2015 EarthKry entered The Ostroda Festival’s World Reggae Contest with their 9 to 5 single where they became the only Jamaican band to make it to the top ten, placing 7th out of 102 entries from across the globe. With a series of live performances at local hot spots they have already begun making their mark on the local scene, impressing their audience most notably at Merritone’s 25th Anniversary Show, Chronixx’ Capture Land Tour, and Rebel Salute 2016. Through the guidance of musicians Nambo Robinson and Maurice Gordon, the band released their first E.P Hard Road in October 2015 during their island Hard Road Tour, followed by their US tour of 10 states. Their debut album SURVIVAL will be released on June 30.
EarthKry
Visitors will also be able to view the Edna Manley Galleries, the Historical Galleries, and as well as a temporary exhibition consisting of selections from the Gallery’s modern Jamaican collection, featuring major works by Edna Manley, Barrington Watson, Albert Huie, Marlon James, Eugene Hyde, Ebony G. Patterson, Everald Brown, Colin Garland, David Pottinger, Gloria Escoffery, Prudence Lovell, Renee Cox, Cosmo Whyte, and others.
The National Gallery of Jamaica’s doors will be open from 11 am and close at 4 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2017 and the programme will start at 1:30 pm. As is customary, admission will be free and there will also be free tours of the Permanent Collection. Contributions to the National Gallery’s donations box are as always appreciated. The National Gallery gift and coffee shops will be open for business and proceeds from these ventures help to fund programmes such as Last Sundays as well as our exhibitions.
