Many people are calling Highlanda.net and The Honorary Citizen’s monthly roots reggae event, Rocksteady ATL, the most anticipated monthly underground music nightlife option. This dance party takes place on first Friday of each month and has been running consistently for over 1 year.
The current location is Studio No. 7, a beautiful lounge/gallery nestled into the heart of downtown Atlanta at 393 Marietta Street. Each month, DJ Passport and Highlanda Sound are bolstered by different guest DJs, artists, hosts, and live musicians to take part in a retro reggae celebration that aims to keep roots and culture music in the dancehall.
If you have not ventured downtown on a 1st Friday for Rocksteady ATL, here is merely a short-list of what you have missed.

Dreggae is very excited about the global reggae phenomena taking hold in his city [#RocksteadyATL]. Catch him live on the First Friday in March at Studio No. 7.
1. You missed Dreggae’s up close and personal show.

Dreggae in on stage at #RocksteadyATL, 2015
Dreggae has blessed Rocksteady ATL with intimate performances inna Rub-a-Dub style. He highlighted his more traditional reggae, dub and lovers rock catalog to the delight of his fans and rode some of dancehall’s iconic riddims skillfully. Don’t miss your next chance to see Dreggae live at Rocksteady ATL with his DJ, Shane Talon on Friday, March 4th, 2016.
2. Your Love Affair with 1990’s Reggae.

VP Records Reggae Gold 1996 cover art
You're in love with 1990s reggae - admit it! You have fond memories of being at parties and hearing Buju, Shabba, Supercat, and Beres played out at length which necessitated a proper slow wine segment, dance partner or not. The soundtrack of the night at Rocksteady ATL typically includes 1990's Reggae Music, Top Songs and Riddims from the Dancehall, especially the one drop anthems.
3. Truths and rights from the dancehall veteran, Ken Serious!

Ken Serious chanting conscious lyrics at #RocksteadyATL
Based in Atlanta, there is an original dancehall DJ along the lines of Supercat, Josey Wales, Nicodemus, and Charlie Chaplin that first recorded during the 1980’s dancehall golden era and performed on one of the most technologically advanced and star studded sound systems of the day in Kingston, the mighty Stur Mars. In addition to a powerful showing in November 2015 at Glory Inna Rub-a-Dub Style with King Stur Gav in Decatur, GA., Ken Serious has endorsed #RocksteadyATL and has there performed on Highlanda Sound.
4. DJ’s using real turntables and spinning real vinyl.

World-class roots master Aba Shaka
This is a real classic event so it would only be fitting to employ a pair of the classic Technics 1200 turntables that were the DJ industry standard for 50 years. If you missed the crucial selection of international vinyl roots master selector Aba Shaka (Cosmic Love Beat) when he passed through the area, definitely make sure to catch him live in effect again on Friday, April 1, 2016 spinning all vinyl 45’s, dubplates and LP’s alongside former Metro Media star selector Webba!
5. The Bob Marley Tribute and Aquarius Birthday Bash

2016 BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE and birthday celebration for Mr & Mrs Kahlil Wonda and ĀGARD
Celebrating reggae culture and the positive messages that it spreads are at the heart of #RocksteadyATL and their annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash presents a culmination of elements to stimulate the senses. From the top notch DJ lineup to the live reggae musicians and performers, patrons are treated to a hand-picked assortment of sights, sounds, and flavors that make it a memorable and authentic experience.
6. Isis Swaby, daughter of Horace “AUGUSTUS PABLO” Swaby.

Isis Swaby being interviewed in ATL by Morets TV
Also featured at #RocksteadyATL, our special guest DJ, Rockers International and Radio Kangol representative out of NYC, Isis Swaby, visual artist, DJ/producer and daughter of famed reggae icon Horace “Augustus Pablo” Swaby.
7. Selections from Studio One, King Jammys, Volcano, Treasure Isle…

Pictured: Coxsone Dodd, founder and producer at Studio One
#RocksteadyATL promotes styles of music once played at Skateland, Rae Town, and The Biltmore Ballroom. This is the nightlife option for supporters of events such as Dubwise Jamaica, Rebel Salute, Downtown Top Ranking, Reggae Retro, 1996, and Sattama Reggae Sundays. Looking for happenings where hits from foundation labels like Studio One, Techniques, Tuff Gong, Penthouse, Witty’s, or Wackies can be heard? How about some of Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt, Chronixx, Morgan Heritage or Sister Nancy’s music? Well this is your event and you’ve been missing out.
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