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Introducing REGGAEGENCY FRIDAYS – elevating the live reggae community in Toronto! The Reggaegency and The BEAT Network Present
Reggagency Fridays Vol. 1:
THE HUMAN RIGHTS
with PROGRESS & DJ Black Heart Iniversal
FRIDAY MAY 3
@ 3030 DUNDAS WEST
8pm doors 9pm show | $20 + SC advance $25 door
Happy Hour from 8-9pm!
About The Human Rights:
The Human Rights first came together in 2007, around the talents and vision of lead singer and Toronto Reggae lion Friendlyness (Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, The Hooded Fang), versatile bassman Tyler Wagler and the band’s original keyboardist Bernie Pitters (Toots & The Maytals, Hit Squad), who passed away in 2023 and in whose loving memory the band continues forward. The band quickly gained a reputation as Toronto’s house Reggae band of sorts, sharing the stage and often backing the likes of The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, and other top international Reggae artists. In 2014, much-loved Toronto vocalist Tréson (who has recorded with the likes of Black Uhuru spearhead Mykal Rose) joined the band, giving The Human Rights a distinctively powerful two-man front line that seamlessly moves between modern roots reggae, lovers rock, soul, R&B and dancehall vibes. After Bernie Pitters’ health began preventing him from touring, Canadian keys legend Dave Jackson stepped in on bubble and skank. The “Declaration of Human Rights” horn section is now led by acclaimed trombonist Tom Richards, who is best known from his genre-bending work with The Heavyweights Brass Band and Riverrun.
By the end of 2024, The Human Rights will have played over 250 festival and club shows across Canada and the United States. Their live highlights include: The New Orleans Reggae Festival, Austin Reggae Festival, Hillside Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, The Phoenix Concert Theatre and many other top venues across North America. They have released three full-length albums, including their 2016 self-titled record which was produced by Canadian music icon and Big Sugar founder Gordie Johnson and their most recent LP Reggae Strong (2021) which is dedicated to Bernie Pitters. Their fourth album is expected to be released in late 2024.
About Progress:
Progress’ music is a reflection of his life experiences and faith. Born in Barbados, Progress was influenced by the Reggae that surrounded him. The positive messages and the driving, pulsating bass hypnotized him from an early age. Progress moved to Canada in his late teens where he began performing Reggae, incorporating the many different influences that surrounded him. He quickly flourished in Canada, becoming a finalist in the nationally televised Canadian Reggae Star competition. After this, progress dropped his debut LP “Making Progress” with the lead song and video “Sunshine”. The lead single caught on, getting in rotation on MuchMusic, Tempo and MTV Africa.
Progress’ breakout album had four songs which were ranked on the CHRY 105.5 Rebel Vibez Top 10 Canadian Reggae chart. Since then, he has unleashed a steady stream of singles with consistent chart presence. He has been the focus of two documentaries, “Soldiers of The Street” and “Over Stand Kings” and made an appearance in “Rastamentary”. Progress’s music has also been featured in the “Kink In My Hair” TV series. He has toured in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and Ghana. He has made songs with Grammy winner Peter Morgan and reggae legend Triston Palmer as well as sharing the stage with artists like Erykah Badu, Beres Hammond, Common, Frankie Paul and Maxi Priest. In 2024, he will be releasing Mood & Vibe, a double album consisting of 14 tracks (seven per album), which will feature an appearance by Reggae legend Peter Morgan of Morgan Heritage.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3030, 3030 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z3, Canada,Toronto, Ontario
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