Amy Winehouse, Sly & Robbie, Cat Stevens/Yusuf, for Island Records fest

Amy Winehouse, Sly & Robbie, The Fratellis, and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), are amongst the acts confirmed for this year's Island 50 Festival which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of Island Records.

Other confirmed acts include Paul Weller, Keane, Bombay Bicycle Club, Baaba Maal, Ernest Ranglin, Spooky Tooth, Tom Tom Club, Ladyhawke, Toots and the Maytals, and I Blame Coco.

The festival which collaborates with Island founder Chris Blackwell will feature special anniversary gigs happening at The Shepherds Bush Empire, London, in May 2009 and will feature performances from Island artists past and present.

The confirmed line-up is as follows:
Tue 26th May – Sly & Robbie & The Compass Point Allstars feat special guests.
Wed 27th May – The Fratellis; with special guest; Bombay Bicycle Club.
Thu 28th May – Cat Stevens/Yusuf And Friends, Baaba Maal.
Fri 29th May – Paul Weller; Ernest Ranglin; Spooky Tooth.
Sat 30th May – Keane; Tom Tom Club; Ladyhawke.
Sun 31st May – Amy Winehouse; Toots & The Maytals; I Blame Coco.

Tickets will go on general sale from 9am on Friday 13th March, and eFestivals will have links to buy them then.

Chris Blackwell founded the Island label in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 before relocating to London in the early 60s. From the independent label's early Jamaican roots in ska and rock-steady, through the label's expansion into progressive rock in the late 60s, and the signings of superstars Bob Marley and U2, Blackwell created one of the most prestigious record labels in the history of British music.

The festival will also include cinema, TV and radio documentaries, music re-issues, and an exhibition of photography, artwork, and memorabilia which will travel around the country through the year.

All proceeds from the shows will be donated to Amnesty International and The Oracabessa Foundation in Jamaica.

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