Dancing to Their Own Riddim

I hadn’t been to a show in a long time (DoS can be real back-breaker sometimes), so when I found out that local reggae bands were playing at the 9:30 club, I jumped at the chance. Now, as a large fan of ska, I was a little skeptical as to how the show would go, especially after walking into an almost empty room forty minutes after the show had started. There were, however, a few people at the bar upstairs, so that’s where I stayed hoping it wouldn’t be too long before the music started. As the first band got on stage, I noticed a couple people started to make their way closer. Still skeptical, I remained upstairs.

Can't Hang - Crappy photo taken by Darren's cell phone.

The opening band, Can’t Hang came on like professionals, not even phased by the absence of a crowd. These Baltimore locals played their first song and already I was bobbing my head. I think the best thing about this band is that every song they played was different. Some had punk influences, some more ska, some very traditional, yet all kept with the ‘reggae roots’style.

Despite the lack of people, there was no lack of energy from the members, especially the main singer. They ended their set with a fast-paced, high-energy song that left me wanting more (which can be hard to do). Can’t Hang is definitely a band to see if you want see something that makes you want to get up and move. Check them out at www.myspace.com/canthang. You can also buy any one of their 4 albums on iTunes.

The Players Band - Another crappy photo taken with Darren's cell phone.

At this point, I was on the floor anticipating what the next band has to bring. The crowd was still small, but growing. Then The Players Band, also hailing from Baltimore, got on stage—all 9 of them. My boyfriend and concert companion said it best, “At first I thought it was weird that when the first band got off the stage, the rest of the crowd decided to get up and play, but it turns out their all pretty good musicians. Plus if one falls off the stage there are 3 more to cover for him.”

Even with all the different band members, they work incredibly well together, and have surprisingly good harmony. Their songs sounded less like the typical music meets lyrics, and more like musical compositions. However, I did become a little discouraged after their 4th cover song, especially after finding out they had 4 albums out already. All in all, it was still a great show and they pulled it off well. The Players Band is a good ska-influenced reggae “orchestra” and definitely a spectacle to see live. Find out where they are playing next by visiting www.myspace.com/theplayersband.

Lionize - Not too bad of a picture taken with Darren's cell phone.

Now I’m really antsy and waiting for the headliner to take the stage. When Silver Spring locals, Lionize, finally came on they started their set with a few soulful, pure reggae-style songs with solos galore, I was surprised once more when H.R. from Bad Brains took the stage. That’s right, current lead singer of Bad Brains (dressed in a suit and some towels that looked like they had been taken from a hotel),came out to sing “I & I Survive”. It was a surprising, yet delightful twist to the evening.

Lionize then continued with more mellow sounds, reggae beats, distortion, and jam sessions. They are certainly a talented group of people. So if you’re looking for some pure, modern, soulful reggae, you must see Lionize. See a full listing of tour dates at www.myspace.com/lionize.