Catch A Fire: A Tribute to The Wailers

Catch A Fire: A Tribute to The Wailers

Sun 9/21

5pm doors/6pm show

All Ages | $12 adv./$15 day of

Catch A Fire was released on April 13 th in 1973, The Wailer’s fifth studio album and their first with Chris Blackwell’s Island Records. Recorded in three different studios in Kingston, Jamaica, it launched reggae onto the world stage. The challenge for Blackwell and the executives at Island Records was trying to sell an entirely foreign way of approaching rhythm to a largely rock audience. With accents on the upbeats and the mysterious “one drop,” the back beat was turned upside down.

Influenced by American Rhythm and Blues, Reggae emerged from Calypso and Mento, wending its way through Ska and Rocksteady. Driven by its unique rhythmic bounce and an attention to gospel-like vocal harmonies, a new genre was hatched. Catch a Fire is notthe first reggae album, and yet its international reach helped situate the relatively small island of Jamaica at the center of a musical revolution. Come join us in celebrating a formative moment in the history of popular music…

Stu Dias—Guitar, Vocals

Jon McCormack—Guitar, Vocals

Nick Phaneuf—Bass, Vocals

Marc McElroy—Keys, Vocals

Jim Rioux—Drums

Host or Publisher The Press Room