AGES: All Ages 
DOORS: 5 p.m.
SHOW: 6 p.m.
TICKETS: Free Show! No tickets required. 

Grammy-award winning reggae group known for roots reggae with strong rhythms and socially conscious lyrics 

Nonprofit Beneficiary - Timberline Learning Center

Grammy Award winning Black Uhuru. Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, known as the “Gong Gong Gullie,” is the founder and enduring leader of reggae legends Black Uhuru. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Black Uhuru has remained one of the most recognized and influential reggae bands in the world for over 50 years.

The roots of Black Uhuru trace back to the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica—often referred to as “Firehouse”—in the early 1960s. Though considered one of Jamaica’s toughest neighborhoods, Waterhouse produced some of reggae’s greatest talents. It was here that Duckie Simpson grew up alongside boyhood friends Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald of the Wailing Souls, as well as Bob Marley. Simpson first recorded with the Wailing Souls before forming his own group.

The original Black Uhuru lineup featured Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, Euvin “Don Carlos” Spencer, and Rudolph “Garth” Dennis. After releasing early singles including “Folk Songs,”

“Time Is On Our Side,” and “Slow Coach,” the group disbanded, with members pursuing other projects. Simpson later reformed the band, bringing in Michael Rose and Errol “Tarzan” Nelson. Their debut album Love Crisis (1977), recorded at Prince Jammy’s studio, was later reissued as Black Sounds of Freedom. Following Nelson’s departure, American vocalist Sandra “Puma” Jones joined the group, helping to shape Black Uhuru’s signature sound alongside legendary rhythm duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Their innovative style—defined by deep basslines, sharp drum patterns, atmospheric effects, and powerful harmonies—produced classic tracks such as “Shine Eye Gal,” “General Penitentiary,” “What Is Life,” and “I Love King Selassie.”

During this era, Black Uhuru released landmark albums including Red, Chill Out, Sinsemilla, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, gaining international acclaim and touring worldwide. They shared stages with acts like The Rolling Stones and The Police, and collaborated with notable artists including Keith Richards and Dennis Brown. In 1984, Black Uhuru made history by winning the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for Anthem.

Shortly after, Michael Rose departed for a solo career. Delroy “Junior” Reid later joined as lead singer, contributing to the albums Brutal and Positive. Brutal earned a Grammy nomination, and tracks like “Great Train Robbery” gained wider recognition through film and video game placements. In 1990, the group suffered a major loss with the passing of

Sandra “Puma” Jones after a battle with cancer. The original trio reunited in the early 1990s, releasing albums including Now, Iron Storm, Mystical Truth, and Strong, each earning Grammy nominations. During this period, they also produced the acclaimed video “Tip of the Iceberg” featuring Ice-T. A subsequent legal battle over the band’s name and rights was ultimately won by Derrick Simpson in Los Angeles County Court.

As the new millennium approached, Simpson introduced a new lead vocalist, Andrew “Bee’s” Beckford. Together, they released Unification (produced by King Jammy) and Dynasty, followed by extensive international touring alongside Sly & amp; Robbie and renowned dub producer Scientist.

In 2007, Simpson reunited with Michael Rose for select performances and the release of the single “Dollars.” In 2011, Simpson and Andrew Bee’s reunited, adding vocalist Kaye Star and continuing global touring across the Americas.

Black Uhuru has also appeared on major stages beyond the reggae world, including the Broadway-style production Loving the Silent Tears, which premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The group was later honored in Las Vegas, where August 31st was officially declared “Black Uhuru Day.” With a catalog that includes 14 studio albums, multiple dub releases, and live recordings, Black Uhuru stands among reggae’s most commercially successful acts, second only to Bob Marley in global impact. Their album Red was ranked #23 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s.” In addition to their historic Grammy win, they have received multiple Grammy nominations and were honored with the Diamond Award of Excellence in 1994.

Through decades of evolution, one constant has remained: the vision and leadership of Derrick “Duckie” Simpson. His dedication has solidified Black Uhuru’s legacy as true ambassadors of reggae music worldwide.

In 2018, the group released As The World Turns, featuring Simpson on lead vocals, earning a nomination for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. During the global pandemic in 2020, Black Uhuru continued recording and later released the album New Day in 2022 on LAW Records.

About High Five 

Hailing from Montezuma, CO, High Five have spent the last 21 years exploring the aural space between the notes and creating a truly improvisational experience for their friends, fans and family. Inspired and driven by the exploratory styles of the acts such as The Grateful Dead and the String Cheese Incident, as well as bluegrass influences such as David Grisman, High Five’s brand of mountain jam-grass will be sure to take you on a journey while keeping you dancing.