- All the makings of a funky reggae party
No telling if the weather will be Jamaica-balmy by next weekend, but the tropical vibe will be in full effect when Kent Reggae Meltdown offers two nights of music on April 9 and 10.
On Friday, more than a dozen venues — all within easy walking distance in downtown Kent — will feature local reggae and reggae-influenced bands and DJs playing reggae.
Among the higher profile acts are Jah Messengers at Ray’s Place, Outlaws I & I at Dominick’s, reggae/funk/Afrobeat fusionists the Terry Barrett Band at Mugs and former Michael Stanley Band singer/guitarist Jonah Koslen, playing his island-style acoustic music at Venice Café.
The Robin Hood hosts a Vans Warped-style bill of pop/punk/reggae-ska-influenced acts: Tropidelic, Cleveland Zoo and Columbus’ Stretch Lefty.
And for a little side jaunt to from Jamaica to Trinidad, the Ken Green Steel Drum Band will be at Pufferbelly’s.
Admission is free to all clubs.
On Saturday night, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band will headline at show at the Kent Stage at 1 p.m. Admission is $10. —Anastasia Pantsios
