It’s the first week of February, which means it’s time to celebrate the birth of global music icon Bob Marley.
Although Marley didn’t invent reggae, he did more to further the genre than anybody else ever has. So on the day of his birth, February 6th, reggae fans around the world tend to celebrate.
If you’re into reggae, I highly recommend checking out Reggae Consciousness, a two-day event happening this weekend at King Cat Theater.
Unfortunately, the scheduled headliners of the event, Rootz Underground— an amazing roots-rock-reggae band out of Kingston, Jamaica—had visa issues and were unable to enter the country (deep sigh). But there’s still a bunch of good reggae talent on the bill. Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band—the undisputed kings of Seattle reggae—are headlining Saturday night. Fearon is still a legend in Jamaica, thanks to his work with the Gladiators and Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Seattle is lucky to have him. On the international tip, Belize’s top reggae star, Ras Indio, is coming into town to perform, as areBambu Station, who hail from St. Croix.
Sunday night features lovers rock champ Lloyd Brown, plus a few bands that I’m not familiar with but are probably worth your time. I do know that despite their gamer name, Publish the Quest, who perform on Sunday, are supposed to be good. Plus Scientist, dub pioneer King Tubby’s main associate, is doing sound and effects for both nights.
The folks behind Culture Yard are the only reggae promoters in Seattle doing anything on a consistent basis, and they deserve some credit for making this show happen. For tickets ($25) and more information, check out their web site. Tickets are $25 a day; tickets and info available at Culture Yard’s web site.
