A Night Reimagined at The Ridge
Black Grenade Entertainment
The music was postponed because of the snow, but the Ellensburg community still came together for the dinner portion of the event.
Music Review:
You Can’t Fight Mother Nature,
so Let’s Do a Dinner Review Instead
Hello, music lovers! Have you been missing our LTATM Music Review Blogs? I am sure you have. But there’s a good reason for the pause: I’ve been busy setting up the business side of LTATM, including working on getting my BA in Design & Marketing at CWU. Fortunately, things are settling down to where I can restart the music blogs. It helps to have my amazing editor Denise ready to go at a moment’s notice.
I was introduced to Black Grenade Entertainment by Mario of the Ridge Restaurant & Bar here in Ellensburg, WA. We all started to work together to promote a celebration over 50 years of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Super Ape with Subatomic Sound System + Screechy Dan. However, Mother Earth had other plans for Washington state, and a massive snowstorm rolled in and closed I-90 from Seattle to Ellensburg.
I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass webcams
Webcam screenshots taken at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. (WSDOT)
UPDATE (3:55 p.m.) The following roads will likely remain CLOSED OVERNIGHT in both directions due to worsening conditions:
- I-90 from North Bend to Ellensburg (MP 34-106)
- US 2 from west of the Summit to Coles Corner (MP 55-85)
- SR 410 from Enumclaw to Greenwater (MP 26-43)
The reggae party was postponed, as Subatomic Sound System + Screechy Dan were still on tour and had to keep moving. Their route was Seattle - Ellensburg - Portland, but Ellensburg will unfortunately have to wait for another (hopefully snowstorm-free) date. Regardless, we had a fantastic dinner party — but before I get into that, let's get to know Black Grenade Entertainment and the musicians we were planning to celebrate.
Who is Lee “Scratch” Perry and Subatomic Sound System + Screechy Dan?
Lee “Scratch” Perry (born Rainford Hugh Perry in 1936 in Jamaica) remains one of the most influential figures in dub and reggae history. Though he passed away in 2021, his creative legacy continues to shape generations of artists and producers. Known for pushing sonic boundaries and redefining studio experimentation, Perry helped build the foundation of modern dub music.
Subatomic Sound System and Screechy Dan have played an important role in carrying that legacy forward. The group performed and dubbed live alongside Scratch in his later years, including celebrations such as his 89th birthday at the Brooklyn Bowl. Their collaboration represents a bridge between dub’s roots and its evolving future.
Subatomic Sound System has long been a key force in the global dub scene, blending traditional reggae basslines with modern electronic production. Their album Rockin’ Like a Champion, featuring Mykal Rose and Screechy Dan, showcases that fusion of classic roots energy with contemporary sound design.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Perry’s seminal 1976 dub album Super Ape, Subatomic Sound System and Screechy Dan are presenting a special multimedia live performance experience. These performances feature never-before-heard audio and visual elements of Scratch, combined with live dub instrumentation and immersive visuals. Imagine our disappointment when Mother Nature put the shebang on our opportunity to witness this!
Branded as “Super Ape Returns to Conquer,” their limited run of anniversary performances honors Perry’s groundbreaking work while reimagining it for modern audiences. The live music and visual dub experience continues to tour select cities, continuing to introduce new listeners to one of dub’s most important albums.
Black Grenade Entertainment
Black Grenade Entertainment is an Ellensburg, Washington–based event production company registered as a limited liability company (LLC). Established in 2015, the organization focuses on curating live music experiences centered around reggae and hip-hop.
The company is known for hosting annual Reggae Nights in April and August, as well as an annual hip-hop event in November. Through these events, Black Grenade Entertainment provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents while creating culturally driven experiences for the community.
Their mission is to offer opportunities for self-expression through unique, quality entertainment experiences. In 2025, the company marked its 10-year anniversary, highlighting a decade of consistent engagement in Ellensburg’s live music scene.
Beyond genre-specific programming, Black Grenade Entertainment remains open to collaborative ideas that bring the community together through music and shared cultural experiences, such as our cancelled performance.
Black Grenade Entertainment
Independent Music Entertainment Business Reggae in the Heart of Washington
About The Ridge Restaurant & Bar, Our Outstanding Chefs
Established in 2023 by Mario and Jeremy, the Ridge Restaurant & Bar brings an elevated, globally inspired dining experience to downtown Ellensburg.
The menu blends Latin, Mediterranean, and American influences, layered with subtle Eurasian flavors. Dishes are seasonally driven and chef-curated, offering a rotating selection that reflects fresh ingredients and creative culinary direction. The focus is on refined comfort food with bold, balanced flavors.
The full-service bar features handcrafted signature cocktails, an extensive whiskey selection, and thoughtfully selected spirits designed to complement the menu. The cocktail program emphasizes both classic foundations and modern twists.
Beyond dining, The Ridge serves as a flexible event space, hosting private gatherings, community events, and live music experiences. Its downtown location places it in the heart of Ellensburg’s walkable historic district, surrounded by local shops and businesses, making it both a culinary destination and a community hub.
The Ridge has quickly positioned itself as a venue that merges elevated dining with cultural and entertainment programming — offering guests not just a meal, but an experience.
The Ridge Restaurant and Bar,
Ellensburg, WA
A global experience of Latin, Mediterranean, and American fusion with subtle flavors from Eurasia.
Now on to the Mind-Blowing Dinner
The Ridge provided a three-course dinner, with mouth-watering, Jamaican-inspired dishes honoring Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Appetizer:
Chicken Empanadillas — Pastry turnover (Jamaican Patty) filled with chicken jerk curry spice and Mozzarella cheese with Garlic Aioli.
Entree:
Jamaican Pepper Steak — 8 oz. Grilled Bistro steak, sauteed Rainbow peppers, served with Rice and peas.
Dessert:
Tommy Cheesecake — a traditional cheesecake topped with our homemade, fresh Tommy Atkins Mango Sauce and whipped cream.
(Sorry I didn't take a photo before I started—enjoy it.)
Each dish tasted absolutely delicious! I have never had “cuisine” dishes like this before. The chicken empanadillas had light, flaky crusts with a very tender chicken formed into a patty. Normally the curry is very spicy, but my taste buds found it just amazing. I wanted more... but I had to leave room for the main course.
The Jamaican pepper steak showcased PERFECTLY-cooked meat. It can be difficult to find a well-grilled steak, but this was the best I have ever eaten! Tender and juicy, it was nicely complemented by the accompanying rice and peas.
The dessert was cheesecake, and if anyone knows me… I LOVE cheesecake. Normally, this kind of cheese would upset my stomach after just a couple of bites, but this one gave me NO ISSUES and I relished every single crumb.
The staff at the Ridge were attentive, friendly, and incredibly accommodating. Their professionalism helped the evening feel smooth and inviting, turning what could have been a disappointing night into a memorable one.
The Community in Attendance
As I sat with Sarah and Lemuel at their table, I wondered what I could do to promote the event. I decided to go table to table and take everyone’s photo while introducing myself and Let’s Talk About The Music.
Everyone was so sweet — one of the guests even (jokingly) tried to set me up with another attendee. Everyone was warm and friendly with lots of smiles. It was my first time sitting around the table with new friends since my move, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of the local folks. Especially those that are on the same mission as I am: bringing the community together via our love of music.
Black Grenade Entertainment ended the evening with some great swag (like shot glasses and stickers) for everyone that attended the event. I thought that was a lovely touch. I am looking forward to seeing how Let's Talk About The Music can fit into Ellensburg and this wonderful and welcoming community.
Until next time:
Lets Talk About The Music, Music is Everywhere!
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