12th annual festival to honor philosophy, music of Marley

    Often recognized as one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians, Bob Marley, his music and his philosophy will be celebrated later this month.

   “My music will live forever,” Marley told his fans in 1975.

   The Bob Marley Festival, which has been touring the world over the past 12 years, will make its ninth annual stop in Dallas.

   The performance will be Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21–22.

   According to officials, the festival was organized to spread Marley’s views on peace, harmony and “one love.”

   Host for this year’s festival is the Endangered Species Media Project (ESMP).

   The ESMP, a nonprofit organization, encourages the preservation of wildlife, in an effort to augment the value of human existence.

   A nucleus of 20-25 of some of the nation’s reggae and world-beat performers, including Sonbeam and Dion Knibb with Dub Station and Higher Heights, will take the stage at the Festival.

   These performers will be joined by the sounds of local acts, including Fort Worth’s Pablo and the Hemphill 7.

   In addition to music, the festival will feature an array of offstage entertainment.

   Included will be poets, jugglers and dancers, games and rides for children and arts, crafts and foods from the Caribbean, Africa and Third-World regions for children and adults.

   Outside food and drinks will not be allowed into the festival.

   The festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. at Annette Strauss Artist Square.

   Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 or $15 for two-day passes.

   Tickets are also available on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet or by phone at 214-373-8000.

   For driving directions, visit the festival Web site at www.bobmarleyfestival.us.