Berkeley, CA — Berkeley’s UC Theatre Taub Family Music Hall Scheduled Six Top-Notch Reggae and World Music Live Concerts This Spring. The beautiful UC Theatre, Taub Family Music Hall in Berkeley, CA has an eclectic line-up of the most amazing musicians. Upcoming in the reggae and world music genres are: SOJA, J BOOG (2 nights), MATISYAHU, COLLIE BUDDZ, MAOLI, & STEEL PULSE!
SOJA
Friday, February 3, 2024 — SOJA with Special Guests HIRIE and Likkle Jordee
For more than two decades, SOJA have elated audiences across the globe with their fresh yet timeless take on roots reggae. Their sound was born from their shared passion for making music that transports and inspires. On Beauty in the Silence—their first new album in four years—The Grammy Award-Winning band deepens that communal spirit by collaborating with artists from all corners of the reggae world. This includes the likes of UB40, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and Rebelution. Fueled by the sheer force of their connection and chemistry, Beauty in the Silence ultimately makes for a much-needed antidote to fractured times. The release infuses so much warmth and wisdom and unstoppable joy into each-and-every track.
J BOOG
Thursday, February 15, 2024
J BOOG with Special Guest: Fiji
also Friday, February 16, 2024 with Special Guest: The Green and Mike Love
J Boog was raised on the West Coast and influenced heavily by his Polynesian upbringing. He is undoubtedly one of the top reggae singers in recent years. Mentored by “Island Reggae” icon Fiji, he fine-tuned his sound and style creating a unique blend that transcends across continents. The two-time Grammy nominee has toured all over the world. He’s performed at numerous festivals. J Boog gains fans both on-and-off stage with his humble demeanor, universal catalog, and passion for music.
MATISYAHU
Thursday, February 22, 2024 — Matisyahu – Hold The Fire Tour 2024
For two decades, Matisyahu has kept his creative spirit aflame by evolving his sound and melding genres. He has tested the limits of the musical traditions that have inspired him. His latest release, Hold The Fire, and its leadoff single “Fireproof” take inspiration from a fire dream. The dream was inspired by Matisyahu’s Old Testament religion. This has meant so much to his spiritual and creative life since his recording career began in 2004. His breakout track “King Without a Crown” blasted into the Billboard charts in 2005.
In a roundabout way, those same Old Testament roots springboarded Matisyahu’s music career. Growing up outside New York City, the young Matthew Miller followed jam bands like Phish and the Grateful Dead. In Bob Marley and reggae, he found that the messaging of Rastafarianism was sourced in part from that same Old Testament.
The sound that emerged on his first albums embraced both the spirit of reggae and his spirituality and roots in Judaism. The new EP, Hold The Fire (out February 2024), also finds him reflecting on celebrity and artistic success. “The unbelievable and miraculous feeling of being connected to our people” is what keeps the creative fire alight. $1 of every ticket sale will be donated to the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform.
February 29, 2024 — Collie Buddz Also Kash’d Out, DMP
Bermudian, Collie Buddz was born on August 21, 1984 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from high school in FL., where he decided to study studio engineering. Upon graduating from the top in his class, he began looking for work in the recording industry as a performer or producer.
One of his first major gigs was working with recording star Shaggy on the single “Mad Mad World.” It was from Shaggy’s new album at the time entitled Intoxication, which was released in 2007. That was the same year Collie released his self-titled debut album with Sony Music with tracks such as ‘Come Around’ and ‘Blind To You’. The album was a success and well-received by critics.
WWE (World Wrestling Enterprises) fans would immediately recognize Buddz’s voice from the entrance theme (“SOS”) for WWE superstar wrestler Kofi Kingston. This was included on the 2008 compilation WWE The Music, Vol. 8. Over the next year, he would continue making guest appearances on the works of many other artists. Buddz finds himself playing at some of the biggest reggae music festivals all across the world such as, Reggae Rise Up, One Love New Zealand, and California Roots Music Festival.
Friday, March 1, 2024—Maoli with Special Guest: Mishka
Referred to as Hawaii and Polynesia’s # 1 independent commercial recording artist, Maoli has transcended borders with their extraordinary talent. They have captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. The band, which is fronted by Glenn Awong, formed in 2007 and has since performed across the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.
In 2020 Maoli won group of the year and album of the year for their record Sense Of Purpose at iHeart’s Island Awards. That was followed by album of the year and song of the year in 2021. In 2023 the band embarked on the Maoli Music Overload (MMO) tour. They sold more than 45,000 tickets across four cities in Hawaii, in addition to selling 11,500 tickets on the MMO US tour. Additionally they performed at several Festival appearances including Cali Roots and Holo Holo Fest Sacramento. Fresh off their sold-out Maoli Music Overload tour, Maoli is looking forward to bringing country reggae back.
Second night of Maoli just added! Saturday, March 2, 2024!
Friday, April 18, 2024 — Steel Pulse
Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The band’s 12th studio production, Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering humananity through music.
Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanity’s unification. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment. They are armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.
All shows are all ages. Doors open at 7:00pm and the music starts 8:00pm.
(General Admission is Standing Room w/ Limited Seating).
Ticket prices vary and can be purchased at www.theuctheatre.org.
Berkeley’s UC Theatre Taub Family Music Hall Scheduled Six Top-Notch Reggae and World Music Live Concerts This Spring. The UC Theatre, Taub Family Music Hall is located at 2036 University Avenue in downtown Berkeley, CA. It is easily accessible by all modes of transportation inc. BART, bus, bikes, and car. Parking is available at the Center Street Garage – Golden Bear Parking Lot.
For more info visit: www.theuctheatre.org/ or call 510-356-4000
