Real Reggae from Jamaica
By Jenna Croyle
Though many bands of all genres and styles take the stage of countless Erie venues each week, rare is it to find Reggae being played anywhere in our area.
This Tuesday November 26th at 9pm, the sweet sounds and laidback grooves of Jamaica flood the Docksider Tavern with a special one night appearance of the touring band “Mystic Vibrations.”
Offering that true Jamaican sound, Mystic Vibrations has been performing in the US since 1992 and has captivated capacity audiences, and etched out their place as one of America’s premier Reggae traditionalists.
As a leader in their genre and a driving force in that propels the Reggae sound, Mystic Vibrations has shared the stage with many international giants of Reggae such as Yellow Man, Israel Vibrations, Inner Circle, Third World, Burning Spear, Skatalites, Sizzla, and of course, Bob Marley’s renowned band, the Wailers.
Made up of Andrew Whitaker on Drums, Frank Mitchell on Bass Guitar, Trescott James on keyboards and backing vocals, and originally from Jamaica, Ric Williams on guitar and lead vocals, Mystic Vibrations brings the roots of real Jamaican Reggae blended with the soul and passion of Jazz, Funk, Blues, and R&B to the stage with every show they perform.
The group’s front man Ric Williams takes his Jamaican culture along with his wealth of emotion and talent that comes from the heart, blended with decades of experience performing with such Reggae legends as Freddy McGregor, Yellowman, and Big Youth to mention only a few, and creates an absolute one of a kind authentic island experience.
Among what seems to be a endless set list of timeless Reggae, Mystic Vibrations covers hits like Caution, Concrete Jungle, Could You Be Loved, I Shot The Sheriff, and Kinky Reggae, all by Bob Marley, in addition to hits by Peter Tosh such as Exodus, Is This Love, Natural Mystic, and Satisfy My Soul to mention only a few.
Among Mystic Vibrations’ collection of devastating originals are Busy Street Babylon System, Still On My Mind, Fire Flies, Baby Not In Sight, Tell Me, Now that You’ve Grown, Rasta Nuh Play Gamz, Mi Woman, Burning Flames, Irie Feeling, Stop Dis War, and Good To Be Back In Town, along with countless others.
Though songs like “Johnny B. Goode” originally by Chuck Berry, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” originally by the Temptations, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers are all songs that you may not first think of as Reggae, Mystic Vibrations adds their own special style and island flavor to the music for a truly fresh and unique feel and sound.
Offering the highest of energy and enthusiasm, along with the pure red hot Reggae power, Mystic Vibrations delivers amazing shows that bring everything Jamaica to the stage, offering the best Island experience one could hope for without jumping on a plane.
Without any doubt, Tuesday’s show will perhaps be a once in a lifetime experience for many, and a chance to feel the hot island breeze blow through the cold Erie night for all.
Please join E R I Jams for the most exciting Tuesday night Erie has seen in years, and the best chance you may ever have to get your island groove on right here in your own back yard.
Docksider Tavern is located at 1015 State Street, and among others, drink specials that night will be $3.00 pints of Sam Adams and Blue Moon.
For more information on this show, Docksider Tavern and their other events and shows, please visit their Facebook page. For more information on the band check out their Facebook page.
