The Flow Band has provided entertainment at many festivals and special events around Pittsburgh. Their performances add an island flair that truly completes any special event.
Rock Reggae and Relief music festival returns this year with reggae tunes and unity in downtown Pittsburgh, while raising money for Catapult Greater Pittsburgh – this year, proceeds will support Catapult.
The Flow Band
The Flow Band is one of the most acclaimed reggae bands in Pittsburgh, PA. Their talented group combines sophisticated composition and arrangements with dynamic performances that test your coordination. Drawing inspiration from blues, jazz and R&B of the 1970s through today as well as reggae music from Zambia which Mathew Tembo discovered while studying at Copenhagen’s Rhythmic Conservatory – they deliver unforgettable shows!
Even though reggae has taken a backseat to hip hop in terms of global popularity, its influence still extends across musical scenes globally. Reggae’s signature bass lines and syncopated guitar rhythm have made the genre ubiquitous around the world; its diverse influences make reggae truly global in scope.
Jamaican producers began experimenting with a new style of reggae in the late 1960s. Focusing on DJs and their “sound systems” (entourages of emcees who host and rap between DJ sets), as well as newly invented synthesizers, these producers created what has come to be known as reggae music: dancehall-based reggae that eventually gave way to hip-hop culture.
At the close of the 1970s, reggae had spread across numerous nations around the globe, remaining distinctive with its rhythms and lyrics which often addressed socially relevant subjects. Reggae became particularly prevalent during South Africa’s liberation struggles – particularly as a source of moral support to liberation fighters like Bob Marley’s “Africa Unite”. One notable example of reggae’s impact upon African culture can be found through Bob Marley’s song of this title: Bob Marley was perhaps best regarded for his lyrics which expressed such concerns over social and political subjects that mattered – his anthem “Africa Unite” stands as proof.
Reggae had an impactful influence in America as well, informing many hip-hop and punk artists. One notable artist influenced by reggae was DJ Kool Herc who traveled around New York clubs with a sound system and entourage of emcees in the early ’70s to perform. Both his sound system and chanting style were heavily influenced by reggae music.
Sublime, 311 and No Doubt all employed reggae as an inspiration for their sound. Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald founded Slightly Stoopid in 1991 to combine reggae music with California culture like skateboarding, surfing and cannabis use in order to produce an exciting style of reggae rock that could fill outdoor amphitheaters.
Delroy Stewart
Reggae music has long been an integral part of Jamaican culture and global music scene alike. Reggae is an inseparable part of Caribbean culture that has permeated English culture with numerous subgenres and fusions emerging since. Common themes in reggae songs are love, peace and unity as well as political messages or opinions being voiced within its lyrics.
Reggae music first became widespread in the UK as a result of Jamaicans migrating here, giving rise to new musical forms like ska and rocksteady; these subgenres of reggae are known for romantic lyrics and slower tempos.
The UK reggae scene has long been at the core of Europe’s reggae music scene. Festivals like Summerjam and Rototom Sunsplash draw thousands of people every year to Europe for festivals that foster reggae’s development as an artform and provide inspiration for new genres like drum and bass music.
Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure are American bands heavily influenced by Jamaican artists. Many of these American acts are rooted in reggae but incorporate other genres as well; for example Matisyahu blends reggae with traditional Jewish music and lyrics into his sound.
Pittsburgh is home to an exciting community of reggae musicians. This city boasts a longstanding jazz tradition, which has had an enormously positive effect on reggae music as it evolved. Many notable musicians such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis hail from Pittsburgh as do hip-hop and electronic dance music genres that were inspired by them.
This summer, Pittsburgh is hosting a multi-event series culminating in the Rock Reggae and Relief festival at Stage AE on August 10. This celebration of rhythm and goodwill for a good cause will raise money for Pittsburgh Scholar House which provides single parents with higher education to build better futures for themselves and their families. Featuring top reggae musicians as well as local community members for an enjoyable evening filled with charity!
The Island Gold Band
The Island Gold Band, based out of Pittsburgh and featuring Caribbean/Reggae music for over 30 years, has been providing locals with live entertainment since 1988. Their performances span Reggae, Caribbean, R&B and Jazz music styles. Available to perform weddings, concerts and private parties. Their vocalist Greg Ward is an acclaimed musician with an undying passion for Reggae tunes.
Reggae music’s roots may lie in Jamaica, yet its influence can be felt globally. Over time it has evolved into various subgenres and fusions before spreading to various other countries and regions–including the US. Reggae’s distinctive hallmark is social commentary; however many reggae bands also explore lighter topics like love and socializing; some use religious references – for instance they may promote marijuana (known as herb or ganja in Rastafarianism) use.
Reggae music has quickly become an immensely popular genre in the US, inspiring numerous bands that draw their inspiration from Jamaican sounds to produce popular versions like those by Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Stick Figure and SOJA (among many other notable artists such as Matisyahu). Reggae bands that influence this style include Slightly Stoopid (Slightly Stoopid), Rebelution (Rebelution), Stick Figure and SOJA; while Matisyahu blends Jewish themes into reggae music through Reggae beats (Rebelution + Stick Figure = SOJA). Matisyahu also blends Jewish themes into reggae; another notable artist includes Matisyahu who mixes Jewish themes into his reggae performances – making him standout among American musicians!).
The Rock, Reggae & Relief Festival is an annual event hosted in downtown Pittsburgh that brings together local and national artists to raise money for charity. Sponsored by the Piatt Family Foundation, this festival is free and open to the public.
Food and drink vendors as well as a kid’s zone will also be on hand. This year’s lineup features Slightly Stoopid, Sublime with Rome, Tropidelic and Roots of Creation; guests will also enjoy dancehall vibes, specialty craft cocktails and Caribbean cuisine at Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh on August 19.
Organisers expect more than 20,000 attendees at this year’s festival, sponsored by Highlander Waterproofing, PNC Bank, Pitt Ohio Hospitals, St Clair Health Systems, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and Mascaro Construction among others – with further support coming from Allegheny County Sports Commission and Pittsburgh. More details may be found by visiting its website.
Steel Drum
Steel Drum is an iconic Caribbean instrument. Created by Ellie Mannette, this musical creation can also be known as a calypso or pan drum and used often during carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago. The unique sound of its steel drum has a soothing quality which brings serenity and calm to its listeners; furthermore it has had an influence in various genres including reggae, dancehall and calypso music styles.
The Steel Drum’s origins can be traced to West African culture, yet it has become an integral part of Caribbean culture. Along with its soothing sounds, this instrument serves as a symbol of community spirit and togetherness among pan players who transcend race, religion and gender barriers – enjoying both making music together as well as socializing and eating together!
Reggae stands apart from other musical forms as it transcends style into lifestyle. Reggae music’s influence can be felt globally from Jamaica to the US and Europe; during the late 70s reggae even made the Billboard Hot 100 chart as Three Dog Night’s cover of Maytones Black and White was No. 1. Johnny Nash then followed up with I Can See Clearly Now as No. 2, sparking further releases by other artists such as Three Dog Night, Bob Marley & Wailers, Paul Simon among others.
Steel drums have become increasingly popular across non-Caribbean nations in recent years, from Sweden and Switzerland to Japan and being featured at concerts, parties, and special events. Furthermore, this phenomenon has even inspired new bands and genres.
Rock, Reggae & Relief is a free summer event in Downtown Pittsburgh featuring both local and international acts, family-friendly activities, over 70 food trucks and proceeds going toward Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Band Together Pittsburgh – so grab your ticket and come out!