Reggae: Past, Present and Future

A note of explanation: This press release was sent to various local papers today, from Tom Dimmick.
That's Tom on the right in the photo, in the press booth at Reggae 2006. Soundman Sam Safier is on the left, sitting next to John Bruno; Carol Bruno is in the center. Can someone tell me who the other (blurry) woman is? Sorry the photo isn't better, it was one of just two I took at the brief press conference. (The other one was worse.)

[Update: I'm told that the woman next to Carol is Helen Murish, back stage coordinator, and a close friend of Carol's.]

Press Release

Cooks Valley, CA January 25, 2007:

On January 19, 2007, the Dimmick Ranch notified the Mateel Community Center that due to a material breach of the lease contract, the Dimmick Ranch was terminating the lease of the property for the purposes of Reggae on the River. The Dimmick Ranch had been contractually assured by the Mateel Community Center that People Productions would be the producer of the event for the term of the lease. The Mateel Community Center improperly purported to terminate its contract with People Productions and materially breached the lease agreement by doing so. While we firmly believe in the principles forming the foundation of the Mateel Community Center, Dimmick Ranch is concerned that the festival will not achieve its goals under Mateel's continuing management.

Despite these recent events, the Dimmick Ranch maintains its belief that Reggae on the River has been a world-class community fundraiser that the people of Southern Humboldt County have come to rely upon to help fund our public schools, fire departments, martial arts schools, and environmental and social organizations. We believe, however, that Reggae on the River needs and deserves long-term stability and that we, along with People Productions, which has a 23 year track record of success with county agencies, Cal-Trans, the CHP and CDF, can work together and continue to produce a festival that will make this community proud.

It is our and People Productions' plan to host a world-class reggae music festival and community fundraiser on the first weekend of August 2007 at the Dimmick Ranch and French’s Camp. Please stay tuned, there will be a detailed announcement very soon.