The bands are booked! Here are the 2009 Ya Maka My Weekend bands!
Taj Weekes & Adowa
Hollow Display
Taj Weekes & Adowa present a brand new experience in classic roots reggae. With wry trenchant lyrics, a haunting dusky quiver in his voice and the knock-down sound of his band Adowa, Taj Weekes has managed to weave a rare social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove.
Taj Weekes is on the one hand deeply serious and intensely passionate about his worldviews and on the other hand a gentle and humble man with a quick and easy smile. The moment he steps on stage, locks flowing, he reveals the regal bearing of a mighty lion, his voice rising from a hoarse whisper to a throaty growl. Born and raised on the island of St. Lucia, Weekes grew up the youngest of ten children in a family where music was ever present.
Dub Dis
“Our effort is to ensure that our music reflects our belief in love and more love, tolerance in unity, appreciation in understanding, and in everyone taking responsibility for their own fun. ” What makes Dub Dis unique is their rich tapestry of creative expression that draws its inspiration from Jamaica’s diverse ethnic influences. Featuring a blend of reggae, ska, calypso, mento, and soca, Dub Dis encompasses a fresh sound that is artistically entertaining.
Indika
The members of Indika developed their talents on the island of Jamaica, giving them an authentic sound. They perform old reggae favorites with new life, and add to the reggae world with new original songs.
Zion Lion
Zion Lion is a roots reggae band whose members have many years experience in diverse genres of music including steel drums, reggae, gospel, jazz, salsa, and Latin and African rhythms.
Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band
Irresistible
Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band combine the tropical sounds of Caribbean rock, reggae, and calypso by pouring great original music along with songs by Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Sublime, Jimmy Cliff, Paul Simon, Jerry Jeff Walker, and many more into a musical blender to create a strong concoction direct from the lower latitudes. From steel pans to strong percussion, driving bass to skanking guitars, the Beach Bum Band has a fun and danceable sound that appeals to all ages. The Beach Bum Band has performed for the Jimmy Buffett tour as the pre-show entertainment and as his backup band and is a favorite of the local Parrotheads.
Gizzae
Roots Like A Lion
Hailing from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica, the Ancient and Holy Lands of Ethiopia, and the South Side of Chicago, comes the award winning reggae music of Gizzae. Rocket, Ruphael, Clem, Evans and Ralph have over 100 years of musical experience collectively and 4 Grammy® awards playing reggae music professionally. Gizzae’s brand of reggae is always backed with strong guitar riffing, pads and ambient vibes from the dual keyboardists. Some songs are heavily influenced by Soca and Calypso and other genres such as jazz and even rock. Just when you think you’ve heard everything Gizzae has to offer, the band instinctively and seamlessly transitions into blues reggae finale to satisfy the organ and guitar solo fans.
Ifficial
The Ifficial Reggae Movement is a stand out musical group. With their explosive style and mesmerizing “riddims” it’s no wonder the band members always sport a smile on stage. Ifficial has taken the Chicago Reggae scene by storm. They have already been rocking shows all over the Midwest for years now while creating new and original music. Each of the band’s members brings years of experience to create this extremely energetic and uplifting sound.
Roots Rock Society
Roots Rock Society strongly believes in keeping their heritage and culture alive with their energetic live show and innovative blend of reggae, calypso, soul, zouk and other rhythms of the African Diaspora. Timeless tracks, smooth vocals, vibrant instrumentals matched with exotic rhythms and delightful lyrics make their one of a kind sound, sometimes being described as tropical soul or “root soul.”
Dred I Dread
Closer to Me
Dred I Dread is a Minneapolis based reggae and hip hop band. The name Dred I Dread means “fear my dreadlocks.” The musicians that form Dred I Dread infuse traditional reggae and roots music with hip hop, dancehall, jazz, blues, rock, and even Turkish music for an original mix.
Nite Flight
Formed in 1989 with members from St. Kitts and Trinidad. This world class band brings its sweet Caribbean rhythms of reggae, soca, and calypso to the Midwest. Their primary influence has been the steel drum, calypso and soca music which was invented and developed in Trinidad and Tobago.
Jumbies
Jumbies roots dig deep in several different musical styles, with caribbean and funk leading the way. The band glides from traditional soca, calypso, and reggae to bluesy and hard-driving American funk with a little taste of cha-cha-cha.
