Positively Pato: Reggae star brings upbeat message to Ethnic Fest

International reggae star and Grammy nominee Pato Banton has often been called "Mr. Positivity."

"I've
always had a positive message in my music," the 47-year-old Los Angeles
musician said during a phone interview before a performance in Salt
Lake City.

"We're
basically on a 50-state tour. I was just sitting down last year and
thinking there are 50 states in America and 52 weeks in a year and it
would be nice to get around to all 50 states in a year and bring a
positive message to the people."

Banton
and his seven-piece band, The Now Generation — as well as the
Tamburitzans and Omo-Ana, Children of the Spirit Drum — will entertain
at the 18th annual Ethnic Fest, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Sept. 19 in downtown Two Rivers.

The
celebration of dozens of cultures will feature music, dance,
entertainment, 65 craft vendors and 20 food vendors offering ethnic
food and drinks.

Here's a look at the entertainers:

Pato Banton and The Now Generation

Banton continues to remain positive, despite tragedy that has touched his life.

"In
the year 2000, I took a break from my music and started community
projects after two of my sons were shot in a drive-by shooting," he
said. "I decided I wanted to go back to my city and see what I could do
to change the situation. They managed to survive but they were left
with scars."

Banton
used music as a tool to bring young people together, taught school and
worked with police to reduce crime. About three years ago, he returned
to his music.

"My
motive was more to have a musical ministry. It's about motivation,
education, elevation and, more importantly, revelation," he said. "It
goes beyond just being on the road giving concerts. When we get a
chance we also play at prisons, community centers, foster care centers
and also I speak at Unity churches occasionally and sometimes spiritual
gatherings."

Banton often invites fans to join him in a prayer circle after his shows.

Music has helped the performer transform his own life, which began as a disadvantaged youth.

Banton
was born Patrick Murray in London and moved to Birmingham when he was
8. His stepfather, a DJ from Jamaica, turned their home into a weekend
nightspot and helped introduce Banton to music. Soon the young musician
was entertaining. The name Pato is derived from patoo, the Jamaican
term for a wise night owl. In DJ circles, Banton means heavyweight
lyricist.

While
in his late teens, Banton became the No. 1 emcee in Birmingham. He then
joined a local roots reggae band. Within a year, he became bandleader,
emcee, singer/songwriter and manager.

Banton's life has since blended touring, recording and public service.

His
Discography includes everything from his 1987 release, "Never Give In"
to his 2007 CD, "Positive Vibrations." In 2008, eight years after
receiving a Grammy nomination for "Life is a Miracle," Banton released
"Destination Paradise," featuring 12 original compositions.

His
live concerts provide a dancing beat and dialog on current-day events
and spiritual freedom. There is typically no fixed set list. Feedback
from his audiences sets the direction of his concerts.

Banton
has been recognized for his community work and his music. He was
awarded the BBC's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He also
received the Black Music Award for Lifetime Achievement and was honored
by the Birmingham Reggae Hall of Fame.

What can fest-goers expect from his performance in Two Rivers?

"We
have a very, very fun, high-energy, positive show," he said. "People
will enjoy it. We play reggae music, but my music also has been defined
as positive reggae music. People can expect to have their hearts, minds
and bodies moved.

"We
will be playing some songs from the new album and some of our classic
songs. I've been up to Two Rivers before and met a lot of really great
people, and me and the band are really looking forward to coming back."

For more about Banton, visit www.patobanton.com.