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Get Ready For Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom Concert – USA

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 29, 2024: The last time Grammy-winning, Jamaican-born, reggae singer Buju Banton performed in the US was January 2011 in Miami. Weeks after his return to the US following his 2018 release from an American prison, the singer will thrill fans with his first “Long Walk To Freedom” US concert.

Buju Banton during his last performance at the Century Club in Century City, LA. (Photo by Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Banton is set to perform in the U.S. for the first time in over a decade on Saturday, July 13th at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The legendary singer will take the stage with his Shiloh Band, just two days before his 51st birthday on July 15th.

“I give thanks for life each day, but on this weekend, there is a special thanksgiving and I look forward to celebrating with all of my family, friends, and everyone who has prayed and supported me over the years,” said the Grammy Award winner in a statement.

Joseph Budafuco, Buju Banton’s manager, reflected on the journey since his last U.S. show in Miami in January 2011. “It’s a true honor to witness the return of a legend, as history unfolds before our eyes once again,” Budafuco expressed.

He added, “We look forward to presenting an exceptional concert in partnership with AG Consulting and Dahved Levy, whose experience in the market is profound.”

Caribbean American Sean Kingston Waives Extradition Hearing In Fraud Case

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News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Weds. May 29, 2024: Caribbean American rapper and singer Sean Kingston has waived his right to fight extradition in a California court and agreed to be turned over to authorities in Florida. Kingston, 34, and his mother, Janice Turner, are charged with committing over a million dollars worth of fraud.

Sean Kingston is now in a CA jail awaiting extradition to Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

Kingston did not make a public court appearance but signed papers agreeing to skip extradition hearings, as confirmed by representatives from San Bernardino courts and the sheriff’s office. He remained in a Southern California jail on Tuesday night as Kisean Paul Anderson, inmate 2405370702 of SBCSD – West Valley Detention Center at 9500 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA. But sheriff’s officials will coordinate with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to return him to Florida.

Kingston was arrested last Thursday, May 23rd, at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was performing. His mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, was arrested the same day when a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

They are charged with conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and related crimes. According to arrest warrants from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, they allegedly stole money, jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, and furniture. The warrants specify thefts amounting to nearly $500,000 in jewelry, over $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, over $100,000 from First Republic Bank, and $86,000 from a custom bed maker.

Kingston was already on two years’ probation for trafficking stolen property. His mother previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud in 2006, serving nearly 1.5 years in prison for stealing over $160,000.

Robert Rosenblatt, an attorney for Kingston and Turner, stated they planned to waive extradition and looked forward to addressing the charges in a Florida court, confident of a successful resolution.

Caribbean American Singer Sean Kingston Is Inmate 2405370702 In California Jail

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News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Mon. May 27, 2024:  Caribbean American singer, Sean Kingston, remains an inmate at a California jail after being busted following a show at Fort Irwin, CA, for grand theft and a scheme to defraud.

The singer, whose real name is Kisean Paul Anderson, is now inmate 2405370702 of SBCSD – West Valley Detention Center at 9500 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Sean Kingston, who performs live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)Sean Kingston, who performed live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida, is now in a CA jail. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old, singer, is set to face an extradition hearing tomorrow, before he’s sent back to Florida to answer charges. Kingston, whose mother is Jamaican, rose to fame after he was signed with American record producer J. R. Rotem’s label Beluga Heights Records and released the 2007 debut single, “Beautiful Girls,” which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100.

The singer has not had a hit since.

Cops allege that over a 6 month period, Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner,  stole almost $500K in jewelry, more than $200K from Bank of America, $160K from a car dealer, $100K from First Republic Bank and even $86K for a customized bed.

Turner was released after four days in jail on Sunday. Broward County Sheriff’s raided the singer’s rental property on Thursday, May 23rd, and arrested Turner.

According to court records, the 61-year-old is facing 8 charges, including conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and identity theft.

Caribbean Born Rapper Says Her Lawyer And God Will Handle Case, Following Arrest

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 27, 2024: Caribbean born, Grammy-winning rapper Nicki Minaj says God and her lawyers will deal with the case, following her arrest in Amsterdam on May 25th, allegedly for having pre-rolled weed.

Caribbean born rapper Nicki Minaj at the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York City, days prior to her Amsterdam arrest. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Authorities at Amsterdam airport detained Minaj, whose legal name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, according to her Instagram Live video.

“After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didn’t take off for another 20 mins once I boarded,” Minaj said, after missing her Manchester, England, concert as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

Minaj shared her frustration, stating: “So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded in getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time. I have so much video evidence. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. I’ll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.”

The Manchester venue, Co-op Live, confirmed the cancellation and expressed disappointment.

In her Instagram Live, Minaj recorded her detainment, with a Dutch official stating she was being arrested for “carrying drugs.” The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee later released a statement, confirming the arrest of a 41-year-old American woman on suspicion of exporting soft drugs. After a fine, she was allowed to continue her journey.

Minaj initially refused to get into the police vehicle without a lawyer present, but eventually complied. She expressed concern about the delay affecting her show in Manchester. Minaj claimed the pre-rolls found belonged to her security and criticized the handling of her luggage.

*NewsAmericasNow.com

Morgan Heritage To Return To The Stage For Central Park Show

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 20, 2024: The surviving members of Morgan Heritage will return to the stage this August, six months after the sudden passing of their sibling and frontman, Peter ‘Peetah’ Morgan.

Morgan Heritage

The group will perform an evening of reggae music at Rumsey Playfield in historic Central Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024. This event is part of the summer concert series organized by CTBC Music Group, VP Records, and Central Park Summer Stage. The evening will be titled “Morgan Heritage Family & Friends – A Tribute to ‘Peetah’ Morgan.” The surviving members, their family, and friends will gather with New York music fans for an uplifting roots reggae music celebration, honoring the life and legacy of this talented artist.

The year 2024 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Grammy-winning group’s formation. Peetah Morgan passed away suddenly in February.

Morgan Heritage has been associated with VP Records for nearly 20 years, from 1995 to 2013, releasing nine studio albums and a ‘best of’ compilation in 2009. During these years, the group became a cornerstone of the ‘new roots’ reggae movement and a mainstay of the VP Records roster. The group has toured internationally for decades, spreading roots reggae music far and wide. Morgan Heritage holds a unique place in the reggae genre, having performed at the 1999 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies alongside Shirley Caesar, Sugar Ray, Kirk Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. They also participated in the Vans® Warped Tour (2001 and 2002) and headlined festivals in the US, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and Africa.

Born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the members of Morgan Heritage have a special connection with the New York music scene, making Central Park Summer Stage a fitting location for this memorable occasion.

Nadine Sutherland Releases Stirring Acoustic Version Of “Queen” For Mother’s Day

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Nadine Sutherland has unveiled a heartfelt acoustic rendition of her hit single “Queen” in time for Mother’s Day. The stripped-down version of the emotionally charged track aims to resonate with women worldwide, offering a raw and intimate perspective on the journeys they undertake throughout their lives.

Nadine Sutherland salutes Mothers this ‘Mother’s Day.’

Sutherland took to her Instagram page to introduce the acoustic version, emphasizing its importance for women to hear themselves in the song and connect with the narrative she shares. “Queen” in its acoustic form sees Sutherland unplugged and unfiltered, delving into the untold stories behind the crowns women wear.

“It’s a song I’ve poured my heart into,” Sutherland expressed. “It’s about women who have endured hardships on their path to success, who have faced setbacks but always risen again. Through it all, women are Queens. She is you, because we’ve shared so many similar journeys.”

Recorded and filmed at Anchor Studios, the acoustic rendition features Neil-Prince Halliburton on guitar and was engineered by Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger. Accompanying the release is an official music video, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of the acoustic performance.

With a career spanning over three decades, Nadine Sutherland has solidified her place in the music industry with her powerful vocals and empowering messages. Her collaborations with renowned artists and her unwavering commitment to spreading positivity through music continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

For fans of Sutherland and enthusiasts of authentic, soul-stirring music, the acoustic version of “Queen” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in every woman’s story. Listen HERE

Burna Boy And Jamaican Stars Ignite Guyana With Intense Performances

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By Anthony Turner

Special To News Americas

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sat. May 4, 2024: Event promoters had promised patrons an unforgettable experience at Burna Boy’s first live performance in Georgetown, Guyana on May 1st, the Labour Day holiday there. When the curtain fell at 2:20 a.m. the next day, most felt they delivered a lot more.

Burna Boy performing in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

To enhance the overall vibe, patrons were offered not just US$250 front row VIP access, but a premium hassle-free vantage point experience where VVIP guests like Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, enjoyed complimentary food and top shelf drinks for the duration of the concert.

Guyana Veep Bharat Jagdeo, l, with rising Jamaican born dancehall star, Nigy Boy. (Anthony Turner image)

Jamaican born rising dancehall sensation, visually impaired, Nigy Boy, who accepted his first invitation to perform at Mashramani in Guyana in February, delivered the first spark of the concert with a scintillating rendition of ‘Goodness of God,’ that brought out the lighters and a harmonic singalong from the 18,000 plus fans who were jammed inside the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara. More fireworks were to come as the visually impaired singer continued the musical onslaught, delivering hits songs ‘Judgement,’ ‘Nomad,’ and ‘Continent,’ that featured two scantily clad dancers, who thrilled fans with their onstage antics.

Jamaica’s reggae star Tanya Stephens was also on the bill and delivered a barrage of unending hits including  ‘It’s A Pity,’ ‘These Streets,’ ‘Yu Nuh Ready Fi Dis,’ ‘Handle The Ride,’ ‘Boom Wuk’ and ‘Goggle’ while Busy Signal entertained with ‘Bad Up Who,’ ‘Full Clip,’ ‘Unknown Number,’ ‘Nah Go a Jail Again,’ ‘Bedroom Bully,’ ‘Stamma,’ ‘Hustling,’ ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Stay So.’

The only blemish to his 20-minute performance came early in his set when he fell off the stage. Was it an accidental fall or part of the theatrics? Without missing a beat, he got back on his feet and on stage where he continued the hit parade.

After a brief intermission, the final act, Grammy-winning Nigerian star, Burna Boy, waltzed onto the stage. 

“Guyana…If you ready, say Guyana,” were his first words to the crowd which had swelled to over 20,000.

Burna Boy has been creating unforgettable moments wherever he performs. He brought Afrobeat to the 2024 Grammy awards, starting his performance with “On Form,” before inviting 12-time Grammy nominee Brandy and Savage 21 down to the main stage for a medley performance of “Sittin’ on Top of the World.” At the Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) last year, the Nigerian sensation was named Afrobeat artist of the Year. Earlier this month he etched his name in the history books again, this time becoming the African artiste with the highest-grossing US arena concert ticket sales, surpassing his numbers at Madison Square Garden in 2022. He created memories in Guyana (Gal-ana) with ‘Last Last,’ ‘City Boys,’ ‘For My Hand,’ ‘On the Low,’ ‘Gbona,’ ‘Alone’ and ‘It’s Plenty.

“I had to be here for this performance,” declared 26 year old Jennifer Singh, who made the 5-hour trek from New York to see the African Giant. “I know I will remember this moment for many years to come.”

Tamika Marshall (Anthony Turner image)

 Sholunge ‘Shelly’ Grenada had a fantastic time as well. “It was a great performance from Burna Boy although some of the songs I really did not know,” she confessed.

L – r.: Skeng, Chronic Law, Nigy Boy, Jiggy D and DJ Skipp backstage in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

Not all ‘Unforgettable’ concert goers however felt Burna Boy’s heat. Nesta, a local Georgetown artist, was enthralled by Jamaican stars Busy Signal, Nigy Boy and Tanya Stephens. Burna Boy she felt did not deliver as expected.

“Yuh burn me out then make me feel sleepy,” Nesta said of the Nigerian superstar.

“When you come to the south and the Caribbean, you have to bring a whole lot of vibes and energy. Guyana is an English speaking country. We are familiar with English, patois and even French but not with Yoruba or Igbo so that may have been where the gap came in,” she added.

“God Is Good” Says Buju As He Re-Enters The US

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News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Fri. May 3, 2024: “God is good” declared veteran dancehall deejay, Buju Banton, who is now back in the United States after more than 15 years.

Buju Banton, l. with DJ Khalid in Miami. (IG Live screen grab/DJ Khalid)

The singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie,declared “God is amazing. I want to send nuff love to all the people out there … nuff love to my fans…. The Gargamel is back.”

He was introduced by an excited DJ Khaled from his residence in Miami on an Instagram Live. Khaled said he “could not keep this [news] to myself.”

“I’m in Miami … Buju Banton is back in America,” Khaled said, as Buju entered the frame. “Buju Banton has not been in the United States of America for more than 15 years.”

An enthusiastic Buju added: “Greetings my people, it’s a long time I haven’t seen you. It’s a long time these feet have not walked these shores. Let’s get music going.”

“This is a celebration. We are having lunch and we are celebrating with the Banton,” DJ Khaled stated. “Shoutout to Jamaica and to everybody in Jamaica. Buju Banton is officially in Miami.”

Banton was deported to Jamaica on December 7, 2018, following his release from McRae Correctional Institute Telfair County, Georgia, USA. Sentenced in 2011, he had served close to 10 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. It is unclear how Banton secured a US visa to return to the US. Under US rules, a non-citizen who was removed because of an aggravated felony likely has to stay out of the U.S. for 20 years. However, a deportee can apply for a waiver to re-enter the US if they spent at least ten years of a 20-year ban outside of the US.

Grammy-Nominated Jazz Maestro Dr. Monty Alexander To Bring “Spirit Of Jamaica” Music To Honolulu Following Release Of New Album – ‘D-Day’

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Friday May 3, 2024: Esteemed Jamaican-born jazz legend, Grammy-nominated, Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., is set to bring the vibrant spirit of Jamaica’s music to the island of Honolulu just weeks before his 80th birthday, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, known as D-Day.

Following the release of his latest musical masterpiece, the album ‘D-Day,’ on March 29th under the prestigious French record label PeeWee, Alexander will grace the stage at prestigious Blue Note Hawaii. The venue, located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort at 2335 Kalakaua Ave., is renowned as Hawaii’s premier 326-seat live music destination.

The performance, scheduled for May 4th, promises an electrifying celebration of the album’s release ahead of Alexander’s milestone birthday. Joined by bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown, two shows are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“I am very happy to celebrate my upcoming 80th in Hawaii at the Blue Note, where I will not only play selections from my brand new release, D-Day, but also play selections that reflect my beloved Jamaica where I was born, and where I have fond memories of participating in many recording sessions at Studio 1, as a music pioneer at the dawn of Ska when I was still a teenager,” commented Alexander. “Hope to see as many of my fans as possible – and of course, especially those who love the music of Jamaica.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $35-45, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Alexander’s legendary jazz expertise.

Fans can get tickets here by logging on now to https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/?eid=13603273

MONTY’S OTHER UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOWS

The release of ‘D-Day,’ will be accompanied by other tour dates to also mark Alexander’s birthday worldwide. They will include:

The Puerto Rico Jazz Festival in San Juan on May 17th.

The Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland from May 21st to May 26th.

Birdland, New York City from May 28th to June 1st for his D-Day and 80th birthday celebration.

Jazz Alley, Seattle from June 6-9th.

The San Francisco Jazz Festival on June 11th.

Blue’s Alley, Washington, D.C. from June 14-16th.

Ronnie Scott’s London from June 24-28th.

New Morning, Domaine de Fontblanche in France on July 3rd and July 6th, respectively; and.

Victoria Hall, Switzerland on Nov. 25th.

See all performances and book advance tickets now at https://bnds.us/b8c6pc.

D’DAY’S FULL TRACK

The full track of the new album is as follows:

01 – Intro [0:16]

02 – I’ll Never Smile Again (R. Lowe) [04:18] 

03 – Aggression (M. Alexander) [06:03]

04 – Oh Why (M. Alexander) [06:37]

05 – Restoration (M. Alexander) [06:34] 

06 – June 6 (M. Alexander) [06:14]  

07 – River of Peace (M. Alexander) [05:49]

08 – Smile (C. Chaplin) [06:30]

09 – V.E. Swing (M. Alexander) [04:22]

10 – You Can See (M. Alexander) [05:33] 

11 – D-Day Voices (M. Alexander/L. Alexander) [04:28]

12 – Day-O (Trad.) [02:52

ABOUT ALEXANDER

Renowned for his extensive discography and hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander’s contributions to music have earned him prestigious honors, including the Commander in the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica. His unwavering passion for music, coupled with his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 6, 1944, Alexander’s musical journey began at an early age. By 16, he was already proficient in various musical genres, including cha-cha, merengue, calypso, reggae, and ska. Moving to the United States at 17, he quickly gained recognition, accompanying jazz legends like Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. Today, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, blues, and gospel, infusing his music with the vibrant rhythms of his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

Luke Forbes Of Amazon Prime’s ‘Harlem’ And Denise Hunt Of ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ To Head The Cast Of This Caribbean Drama

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NEWS AMERICAS, NY, NY, Thurs. May 2, 2024: Luke Forbes, known for his role in Amazon Prime’s hit comedy series ‘Harlem’, and Denise Hunt, acclaimed for her performance in the iconic film ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back,’ are set to lead the cast of the American Premiere Presentation of Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama, ‘McBee.’

From left- David Heron as Tony Welsh, Tony Award nominee John Andrew Morrison as Claude Massop and Luke Forbes as Tek Life in the world premiere production of Marley The Musical. (Photo courtesy of David Heron)

The premiere will take place during Caribbean American Heritage Month, (CAHM), in the US, on Sunday, June 23rd, at The Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica Queens, starting at 7 p.m. The event will commence with a Caribbean Cuisine reception at 5:30 p.m.

This one-night-only staged reading production pays tribute to Alwin Bully, the late Dominica-born playwright, and is part of New York’s annual CAHM festivities.

Jamaican-born David Heron, a Broadway World Award winner, serves as the producer and director of the project.

Set on an unnamed Caribbean island in the recent past, ‘McBee’ follows the story of respected politicians Allan and Alice McBee. Upon encountering three mysterious Rastafarians who predict his rise to Prime Minister, Allan and his ambitious wife, Alice, embark on a path of power and deception, with consequences for themselves and their nation.

Forbes and Hunt will portray the pivotal roles of Allan and Alice McBee, bringing their extensive experience from stage, film, television, and Broadway to the production.

LUKE FORBES (Photo credit- Evan Kafka)

DENISE HUNT (Photo credit- David Mikesell)

Forbes, with Jamaican roots, currently stars as Michael in ‘Harlem’ and has appeared in various television series and the hit feature film ‘Dog’. On stage, he made his Broadway debut in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ alongside Al Pacino.

Hunt, born in Jamaica, gained recognition for her role in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ and has an extensive stage career, including performances in award-winning productions like ‘Against His Will’ and ‘Dirty Diana.’

Producer-director Heron expressed his excitement about working with Forbes and Hunt again, citing their long-standing professional relationships and shared theatrical history.

“Luke and I met as actors in the world premiere production of  Kwame Kwei Armah’s Marley- The Musical at Baltimore Centerstage several years ago,” he says, “And we have been interested in collaborating on something else for awhile now. So I relish this opportunity to welcome him to McBee and to see him add yet another terrific performance to his resume,” he said. “Denise and I go back over twenty years since she appeared in my play Against His Will, and we toured together afterwards in Cheaters in the USA and in the UK touring production of  Love and Marriage and New York City. She had stepped away from acting for awhile but I’ve been trying to get her to come back. This titanic role is yet another step in that direction and will be a reminder to audiences of why we have all missed her so much.”

In a remarkable full circle moment, upon contacting Hunt regarding the role of Alice McBee, Heron learnt that she had in fact played Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth- to excellent reviews-  as a teenager in a high school production of Macbeth for Jamaica’s National Schools Drama Festival in Kingston.

“I shook my head when I heard that, because I approached her for McBee without knowing that she had played the Lady M role in Shakespeare’s original play at her alma mater, Queens High School in Jamaica. This to me is a case of something that’s simply meant to be,” said Heron.

Additional casting for ‘McBee’ will be announced soon, with tickets available starting tomorrow, Friday, May 3, at mcbeetheplay.eventbrite.com.