Fresh from his recent headlining stint on Japanese sound system Mighty Crown’s Far East Reggae Cruise, singer Gramps Morgan will later this week embark on his first headlining solo tour of the United States (US).
The “No Water in My Whiskey Tour” which kicks off on September 25, will make stops in Harford — Connecticut, Brooklyn — New York, Virginia Beach — Virginia, Bethesda — Maryland, Minneapolis — Minnesota, Plano — Texas, and Tarrytown — New York.
There are currently 21 dates on the tour.
Speaking with Observer Online on the weekend, Morgan said he is hoping to further build his name and share his music catalogue with fans.
“I’m looking to establish myself as a touring artist in this market. For many years I’ve never focused on touring the United States as a solo artist or with Morgan Heritage. We’ve done a tour here and a tour there. Most recently I was out with Buju Banton as an opening act but only performing one song and people were demanding to see my full show, so I hope they show up, especially in major Caribbean cities. But I’m really focused on building my name and the Jamaican brand amongst country music lovers and introducing them to reggae music,” said Morgan.
Asked which of the shows he is most excited about, Morgan said, “Well, I’m excited about them all especially the new markets that I’ve never been to before like Bay St Louis, Mississippi, San Antonio, Texas, but Brooklyn the place of my birth will probably be my favourite if I had to pick one in particular because I was born in this city and it is one of the biggest Caribbean communities in the world.”
Morgan’s sons Priel and Jermere are the opening acts on the tour, however, in some of the cities, local acts will be a part of the proceedings.
Speaking of the recent Far East Reggae Cruise in Japan, Gramps said, “Outside of the Caribbean, the appreciation for reggae music is just as big in Japan for many years since the late 80s to this day. Reggae music and dancehall music is loved. The experience is like no other. The appreciation that the people show you, the respect, the manners and how they carry themselves, especially with their young families, it’s truly amazing to be amongst them.”
Morgan, who is a part of the Guitar For Kids Foundation, will be giving away 15 guitars on his tour.
Sharing why he decided to give away the instruments, he said: “There is no specific reason. This is something me and my team have always discussed, especially in Jamaica with Contractor Music and my team here in Nashville, Tennessee about doing some amazing things for mankind, using my impact and influence to inspire kids to pick up an instrument. Nowadays, most kids are on social media and playing video games. I would love to see the day when instruments were in school as a necessity. Music helps with so many parts of our everyday lives as human beings and I’ve seen firsthand what learning an instrument can do so a guitar is much easier to carry around. So, I’m looking forward to giving away these guitars and seeing the outcome of young children picking up this instrument so I’m very grateful for the charity called Free Guitars 4 Kids.”