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Midnite, The Expanders and Rian Basillio & The Roosters

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Performing Artists (Click on Artist for Reviews and Previews)
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  • When: Thursday 08/30/12 9:00 PM (Doors open at 05:00 PM)
  • Show Type:
  • 21 & over

Midnite : Lead singer Vaughn Benjamin's electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices in reggae-soulful, chanting, edgy. Vaughn's potent lyrical style and his brother Ron Benjamin's exquisite production, vocals, dub, arrangements, keyboard/bass musical directorship form the nucleus of this musical - rootsy sound, which includes: Christian Molina (drums), Edmund Fieulleteau (guitar), Edwin Byron (guitar) and Ras L (keyboards). Midnite weaves the cultural lyrics of "old school" roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening encounter. Roots Reggae - naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite's musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements. "Unpolished" is the title of their debut album which includes such classics as "Don't Move", "Mama Africa", and "Love the Life You Live". Originally released in 1997, while the band was located in Washington, DC. In 1999, Midnite linked up with Wildchild! Records for their second release "Ras Mek Peace". Incredibly, this album was recorded using only two channels and was mastered without any reverb, filtering, compression or equalization. Songs like "Hieroglyphics", in which graffiti is likened to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, showcase the intelligent songwriting that pervades all of Midnite's works. Following the release of Ras Mek Peace, Midnite returned to live in St. Croix so that they could work with the local musicians and make recordings at their African Roots Lab without any outside interference. The fruits of these labours can be found on their third album "Jubilees of Zion", which was released on their independent Afrikan Roots Lab record label. The expansive, hypnotic rhythms continue, alongside the messages of peace, universal brotherhood, and cultural resistance to Babylon. In June 2002, Midnite made their Northern California debut at the 9th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. That same month saw the release of Midnite's fourth album "Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance". Released on their Afrikan Roots Lab record label, this album raises the bar of cultural roots reggae, as we know it today. Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed 3 hours. Their vigorous, weighty sound, driven by the punchy bass lines creates a vibe that penetrates straight to the heart. These epic musical communions have earned Midnite an enormous following throughout the roots community. By breaking all the rules, Midnite is setting a new standard. Armed with a firm foundation in Jah Rastafari, their natural talents, and a strong and uncompromising musical vision, Midnite champions a unique sound that is on the cutting edge of modern roots music.

The Expanders: The Expanders began playing reggae music together in the summer of 2003, and today are one of the most respected and hardest working reggae bands in Southern California. They have come to be known for their vintage “rockers” style of reggae, played in the tradition of classic 1970s Jamaican groups like The Ethiopians, Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, etc. Their music emphasizes three-part vocal harmonies and strong song writing. In addition to performing their own original material and rare Jamaican scorchers, since 2006 The Expanders have been the backing band of choice for legendary Jamaican singers when they come to California to perform, having backed such classic artists as Alton Ellis, The Maytones, The Ethiopians, The Wailing Souls, and many more.

Rian Basilio & The Roosters: In a culture where image and material value weigh heavier on a musician’s success than actual talent or creed, a young man from a small town on the island of hawaii, has set out to resurrect the conscious music and harmonious spirit of an era not so long ago, yet long forgotten. With their self titled debut album "Rian Basilio and The Roosters" have created a sound that will transport listeners back to the golden age of reggae. They have combined the elements of roots, rockers and dub reggae with blues, soul, rock, hip-hop, r&b; and hawaiian music. Rian’s unique voice only intensifies the already poetic and deeply personal lyrics, which touch upon subjects from world and political turmoil to equally important issues of the heart and soul. The narrative and messages that exist within his songs are delivered to the listener through haunting melodies and hooks that will linger in the sub-conscious long after the song has ended. In order to record the album, Rian assembled a group of reggae music veterans to help him re-create the sound and feel of classic roots. From the wailing organs, scratchy chank guitar and bubbly keys, to the classic three part female background vocals and one drop drums; The Roosters have created an album that stays true to the tenets of classic reggae while still being relevant both musically and lyrically in today’s world. The much anticipated album is slated to be released in the summer of 2011. With nothing but open road ahead of them, The Roosters are looking forward to spreading their music throughout the world. Their live show is an event not to be missed. Comprised of members who have shared the stage with countless reggae legends, The Roosters are no amateurs when it comes to live performance. From start to finish they come full force with a powerful sound and an energy that can ignite the masses. Be a part of the revolution...

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