The Peninsula-based reggae band Lions Bridge will play with a legend at this year’s Supernova Ska Festival on Fort Monroe when they take the stage as the back-up band for the highly regarded Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician, Johnny Osbourne.
For Lions Bridge founder and keyboard player, Jahvin Purnell, playing back-up for Osbourne is a big opportunity for the five-year-old band.
Known for his powerful voice, Osbourne gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. He is often referred to as the Godfather of Dancehall.
For this performance, Lions Bridge had to learn Osbourne’s music, style and how other bands of that time played.
“We listened to his older recording(s) first and then moved up,” Purnell said.
Lions Bridge will perform with Johnny Osbourne Friday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Supernova Ska Festival at Fort Monroe. It’s considered the largest ska festival in the country and features musicians from all over the world, with dozens of acts throughout the weekend. This is the third year it’s been held at Fort Monroe, and the 10th year overall organizers and Hampton residents Tim and April Receveur have put it on.
Purnell started Lions Bridge in a Buckroe garage soon after he graduated from Newport News’ Menchville High School in 2019. The eight-member band is named for Lions Bridge in Newport News and is known for its dynamic live performances, playing a mix of reggae and dub, drawing influence from roots music.
They’ve performed alongside other notable reggae bands at various music events including the Virginia Reggae Music and Food Festival.
Jahvin Purnell was introduced to the music genre by his father, Kevin Purnell, who is the band’s manager.
“They started messing around and having fun,” Kevin Purnell said.
The senior Parnell said some of the band’s sets contain rarely heard and even somewhat obscured songs.
In addition to his band performances, the younger Purnell works at Newport News Shipyard. He would like to make it in the music business full-time, but as his father noted, “the music business is tough.”
“If something organic happens that would be great. But the first thing to do is make it fun and enjoy playing at the festivals,” Kevin Parnell said.
For reggae and ska music fans, the draw to ska and reggae music is more than the actual songs.
“It doesn’t matter your color, where you are from, everyone can be a part of this and enjoy the unity. It’s a healthy lifestyle and natural. It’s a cool way to connect with people on the message of peace, love and kindness,” Kevin Purnell said.
Lions Bridge will perform with Johnny Osbourne Friday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Supernova Ska Festival at Fort Monroe. The festival continues through Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday Sept. 15. Tickets and more information are online.
