Whenever I go to a festival one of the first things I look for is if there is a reggae or ska band on the lineup; and if there is, I mark it in my schedule immediately. No other style encompasses the feel of a summer music experience quite like it, and when you add horns and drive the tempo up a few BPMs, its the perfect soundtrack for the sweltering and sweaty masses to dance and party away their stress. Those reggae roots are the driving force behind the work of Baltimores The Upstarters; a collage of influences that blend the former with some R&B, punk and hip hop that manifests in a primal and rhythmic celebration on stage that gives respect to those original seeds while sprouting up a variety of flower all their own. The ladies and gents in the groupKANIKA (vocals), RYAN (music, guitar), NIKO (wind & brass), EMERSON (tenor sax), KENDRA (vocal harmony), EMILY (trombone) and GRIFF (drums)water that flower until it bears fruit, both on their own compositions, or with a new take on a familiar classic or modern radio hit. Youd be crazy for missing out on their INtensity and high level of energy; and after two days of what seems like an endless run of talent, you can finally start wrapping up your night by sweating off another few pounds with The Upstarters.
Performing:Friday, July 21st from 10:30pm-12am at Ernest & Scott Taproom
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No Doubt, Dance Hall Crashers, Tip the Van, Sublime, Reel Big Fish, Rita Marley
INterested? Check out more on The Upstarters at the links below!
Dyer Maker (Led Zeppelin Reggae Ska Cover)