After Jamaica received her independence from England in the early 60's, the Twinkle Brothers started to sing in real competitions. At that time the government of Jamaica started National Competitions called "Pop and Mento" festivals. In these competitions you would start at Parish level, then go the regional level. If successful there, you move on to the National finals. For years the Twinkle Brothers were Parish champions, then went onto the Regional finals where (according to the crowds and the Twinkle Brothers) they were cheated out of the winning crown for two consecutive years. However, the third time being the charm, they broke the barriers at the Regional finals in Montego Bay, and then went on to the Nationals in Kingston. This time they were victorious, winning first place in the "group" category! Norman won first place in the "solo" category. They reigned supreme for years in that competition coming away with several medals.

In the early sixties they joined a band in their hometown, Falmouth. The band was called The Cardinals. All the members were Falmouthians, some from middle-class society-teachers, bankers, and accountants. Norman and Ralston were the only "ghetto boys." The Cardinals started playing in hotels and nightclubs throughout the island.

By the late sixties the Twinkle Brothers decided to do some recording and went to Kingston to try to get an audition with labels like Coxson, Prince Buster, Beverly's and Treasure Isle, to name a few. They were fortunate enough to get their first recording, a solo by Norman called "Somebody Please Help Me", recorded by Leslie Kong on the Beverly's label. A year later the got their first group single, "Matthew and Mark", recorded by Duke Ried on the Treasure Isle label.

In 1970, the entered the Jamaica Festival Song competition and placed third behind Hopeton Lewis and the Jamaicans - both groups on the Treasure Isle label. During that time, the Twinkle Brothers were on the Jack Pot label, produced by Bunny Lee. From there they moved to bigger and better things - recording for Dynamic Sounds, Federal Records, Sun Shot and Upsetter labels. In 1970 they formed their own Twinkle label. They currently have 60+ albums (and counting) and numerous singles to their credit (this could change before you read this!) a live Sunsplash album and video, one live album in Poland and three albums on the Virgin label. They have toured the United States many times and several times in Europe, Africa and Scandinavia. They've performed at festivals nationally and internationally; a few of them are the Essential Festival in Brighton, England, Bob Marley Days, Reggae on the River, Sunsplash, Reggae in the Park, the Hemp Festival, Roots Mountain Festival, Monterey Bay Reggae Fest, Helsinki Reggae Festival, Holland's Reggae Eruption, Festivals in Canada, Spain, Germany, Poland and many more. They are now preparing for another Family Reunion Tour this summer. Aptly titled, this tour will feature Ralston's wife, Della Grant, along with other family members and friends.

A seasoned veteran in the reggae community, she has released seven albums to date, with her eighth, Precious Memories, poised for release. Her original song "Black Rose" garnered a spot on the Jamaican charts for weeks; her "Dawta of the Dust" has done the same in Europe. These hits have enjoyed critical acclaim in the United States, Canada, Jamaica and Europe. She has gained both national and international recognition for her music while touring with the "Twinkle Brothers".

 Los Hooligans

Recordings of Los Hooligans can be found on six compilations compiled by the following recording labels: Steady Beat Recordings (Los Angeles), Kingpin Records (Minneapolis), Atzlan Records (San Francisco), and the Moon Records (New York). Also, Los Hooligans has two full-length CD's titled “Traditions," and their latest release "Mafioso Ska" on co-labels Shantytown Recordings (Los Angeles) and Jump Up Records (Chicago)!

Los Hooligans is lead by founding member Tony Luna on trumpet and vocals, Randy Young on Vocals, Eric Cymanski on Trumpet, Robert Ruffner on Trombone, Carlos Romero on Alto Saxophone, Todd Doucet on Tenor Saxophone, and Frank Zamora on Baritone Saxophone. Our rhythm section consists of Max Bennett-Parker on Piano, Tony Montanez on drums, Raymond Gonzalez on percussion, Adam on Acoustic and Electric Bass, and Jim Fox on guitar and vocals.

(Pictured here with the Twinkle Brothers and Della Grant)

Long time Fresno Reggae Promoter and DJ MC Lady Irie aka Wendy Russell will be the MC for our 10th Annual Celebration!