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California reggae stars Rebelution return to Maui

Rebelution will perform on Feb. 7 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center with Tribal Seeds opening the show. Courtesy photo

Often topping the Billboard Reggae Chart, the Grammy nominated band Rebelution is tied with UB40 for the third-most No. 1s on the chart, following Bob Marley and Matisyahu.

“We are in a position where we can make a positive impact on people,” lead vocalist and guitarist Eric Rachmany reported in a previous interview with The Maui News. “In our music there is an underlying message of positivity and encouragement and motivation.”

Reviewing their latest album, Daily Reggae praised: “The California reggae rockers have released the gorgeous new acoustic album, ‘Reflections’ and it immediately brings you into the magic and healing power of Rebelution’s music.”

The popular group returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s A&B Amphitheater on Feb. 7. Special guests at the show, San Diego’s Tribal Seeds, are known for their spiritually driven, refreshing rock vibe infused with reggae roots.

Rebelution has a special fondness for Hawaii. Reggae fans in the state were some of the first in the nation to pick up the Californian band’s infectious music, calling radio stations to play “Safe and Sound” from their 2007 breakthrough album “Courage to Grow.”

“When we went to Hawaii for the first time, we couldn’t believe how many people knew our music, and ‘Safe and Sound’ was like a big summer hit,” Rachmany recalled. “It was an incredible experience.”

Formed in 2004, while its members were attending Santa Barbara College, the band includes Rory Carey on keyboards, drummer Wesley Finley and bassist Marley Williams.

With each successive album from “Courage to Grow” to “Bright Side of Life,” their popularity increased, leading to major festival dates at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury in the U.K.

And despite giving away half of the album to their fans during the six weeks leading up to its release, the band’s third album, “Peace of Mind,” became their most popular. A triple CD priced as a single album, “Peace of Mind” featured a standard studio album, a stripped down acoustic version of the same songs and a dub remix of the 12 tracks.

“We’re all inspired by different genres of music,” Rachmany said. “We all listen to a wide variety of music. My parents are Persian and I grew up with this listening to a lot of Middle Eastern music as a kid.”

In 2014, they released “Count Me In,” an infectious recording that highlighted the band’s desire to inspire their fans to have a positive impact in their lives. The album featured a couple of special guest appearances, dancehall singer Collie Buddz on the track “Hate To Be the One” and legendary reggae vocalist Don Carlos on “Roots Reggae Music.”

Reviewing the band’s 2018 album, “Free Rein,” The Pier Magazine noted: “Rebelution is at the pinnacle of reggae-rock.” The album’s first single, “Celebrate,” captured their wide appeal with righteous, positive lyrics buoyed by a chilled reggae groove. They followed up with “In the Moment,” collaborating with Jamaican musicians, featuring Keznamdi on “Places Unknown,” Kabaka Pyramid on “2020 Vision” and dancehall veteran Busy Signal on “All of Nothing.”

“Rebelution has always been a band I’ve taken notice of,” Kabaka Pyramid told the Jamaica Observer. “They worked their way to the top of the US/California reggae scene by being very consistent sonically.”

Rebelution performs at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 in the MACC’s A&B Amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tribal Seeds will open. This is a general admission concert with no seats provided. Tickets are $49 with a limited number of $99 VIP tickets. Prices will increase the day of the show. VIP tickets offer exclusive access to a standing section in front of the stage, the Yokouchi Pavilion restrooms and VIP bars for those in the 21-plus section.

Only $99/year

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