Chicago is well known for its blues, soul, and jazz scene; however, music of all genres such as reggae has found an audience here too. One such band is Skanking Lizard; their new archival LP captures their musical legacy perfectly.
Wrigleyville’s Wild Hare may appear cheesy with its Marley posters and thatched roof bars, but its roots run deep. Meanwhile, across Clark Street lies Exodus II for more reggae music.
Skanking Lizard
Chicago may be best-known for its blues, jazz and house music scenes; however, many other genres such as reggae and ska have made Chicago their home too. Local group Skanking Lizard were active from 1978 till 1996 – they recently released an archival LP that documents their musical legacy for posterity’s sake.
Jump Up Records has unreleased recordings by Blood that were part of their ongoing series honoring ska and reggae pioneers from local areas, along with an interview with original singer Alan “Blood” Lery himself.
Skanking Lizard formed in 1978 by a collective of friends with an appreciation of reggae music. Over time they became one of Chicago’s premier festival bands during the 1980’s, opening for acts such as Toots & the Maytals, Mighty Diamonds, Steel Pulse, Neville Brothers, B-52’s and many more. Over time their sound evolved by merging American roots with reggae rhythms.
One of the defining characteristics of reggae music is its driving four-beat rhythm, created by drums, bass guitar, and plain stick against corrugated sheet of metal. This chunking effect known as skengay recalls gunshots ringing out across Kingston’s ghettos; and was often used with emotionally charged lyrics that rejected established “white man” culture.
Reggae began to gain popularity among American audiences in the ’80s after artists such as Toots and the Maytals and Wailers achieved international renown, reflecting Jamaican political realities at that time through songs that spoke directly to oppressed communities. Reggae also inspired dancehall deejays of the 1990s who refined toasting (rapping over instrumental tracks) techniques while helping bring the genre closer to African American youth audiences.
The Lizard’s signature tune “Shake Your Groove Thing” and their take on Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” appear on this album, alongside a bonus track featuring legendary Jamaican organist Carlton “Santa” Davis playing a dub version.
The Wild Hare
Wild Hare in Wrigleyville was established by Zeleke Gessesse, former bassist in Gypsi Fari and touring band member of Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, as a cornerstone of Chicago’s reggae scene. Boasting two levels, with cabaret-style seating upstairs and intimate performance space downstairs; booking local acts such as Indika and Gizzae along with touring acts such as Capleton, Toots & the Maytals and Burning Spear as well as hosting weekly DJ sets plus open mic hip hop sessions as well as hosting weekly nightly DJ sets as well as hosting weekly nightly DJ sets plus weekly nightly DJ sets plus their weekly dancehall show Solid Gold Reggae show on Thursday nights!
Politicized reggae music by dancehall deejays during the 80s led to its politicization, leading to hip-hop’s development. Hip-hop artists could relate directly to their experiences through lyrics that spoke directly to African Americans’ cultural experience – gaining respect while expanding reggae’s market reach among African American communities and altering how music was produced and consumed. They are widely credited with altering how we make and consume music today.
Curtis Mayfield of Chicago soul great fame was heavily influenced by reggae and funk music. You can hear their influence in his guitar work, Impressions vocal harmonies and drumming. Additionally, Mayfield used his songs as an activist platform, using them to fight for social justice causes through music he produced himself and one of the first artists ever to present a conscious message to their audiences.
Chicago offers some excellent reggae clubs, including The Rhythm Room, Hideaway and Warehouse. Of these options, The Rhythm Room stands out for its amazing sound system; this venue provides the best venue to see a live reggae band perform live! Additionally, The Rhythm Room features an amazing bar with delicious food as an added perk – making it the ideal place to unwind while listening to quality music!
The Rhythm Room can be found at 1428 Milwaukee Avenue in Lake Bluff, Illinois 60442 and offers an incredible selection of reggae music as well as drinks to complement it. They host events and shows of all kinds for everyone’s entertainment! Come by today!
Due to economic realities, specialty record stores have closed across the board; however, some shops still stock an extensive selection of vinyl records. Reckless Records on Milwaukee boasts an excellent stockpile while Dusty Groove also carries an impressive variety.
The Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle is Chicago’s answer to New York City venues such as CBGB or Knitting Factory, hosting bands embraced by indie rock fans and the underground music scene alike.
Venue located in Ukrainian Village that hosts alternative music acts and up-and-coming artists, arcade games, pinball machines, bar services, lounge seating areas. Small yet elevated stage allows audience members to view bands from multiple angles.
Reggae first emerged from its folk roots during the late 1960s to embrace modern sounds with faster beats and politically charged lyrics, popular performers being Toots & the Maytals, Bunny Wailer, and Bob Marley. By the 1980s however, reggae had evolved further towards lovers rock, celebrating romantic love while conveying positive messages.
Reggae became an outlet for artists to express their political beliefs and advocate for social change; many even used it to protest apartheid and colonialism. Reggae gained considerable attention during the 1990s thanks to bands such as U.S. Maple, 90 Day Men and Dianogah who took up this genre.
Chicago boasts an active music scene despite its cold Midwestern climate, with an extensive variety of venues and performers who exude positive energy. Reggae bands in Chicago draw crowds of all ages; these musicians use their skills to perform at festivals, clubs, and private events.
Though the economic crisis has forced many specialty record shops to close, a handful still offer reggae records and accessories – such as Reckless Records on Milwaukee Avenue or Dusty Groove in West Loop – with quality Jamaican selections.
Chicago may boast many Caribbean restaurants, but it also hosts an incredible collection of reggae bands who can be heard in some of its bars and venues. Groups like MC Zulu have created unique sounds by incorporating elements from other musical genres; their music encompasses dancehall, dub, electronica and electronic. Plus they work with producers like Ghislain Poirier to craft forward thinking club burners.
The Cubby Bear
Cubby Bear, an iconic Wrigleyville sports bar and music venue, plays host to live rock bands on most nights of the week. Crowded with Cubs fans on game days but perfect for non-fans looking for music too, its main stage takes up most of Clark Street wall space for local and cover band performances on Tuesdays; then on Wednesdays rock band karaoke; with cover bands playing most weekends as well.
Gus G. Loukas is a legendary figure on Chicago’s reggae scene, having collaborated with some of its premier performers and bands over many years. Additionally, he is known as an award-winning producer of many albums such as Mind Control and Revelation Part I: The Root of Life.
He has produced hit singles for artists such as Damian Marley, Steel Pulse, Third World and Burning Spear – and has even gone on tour with Bob Marley & the Wailers, Steel Pulse, as well as various Jamaican acts.
2Krunk stands apart from traditional Hip Hop Artists by leading an organic life void of drugs and being heavily influenced by Funk and Classic R&B music. He was raised musically; his father led Gypsi Fari’s band while his mother sang backing vocals with numerous artists during the 70’s and 80’s.
Chicago has created its own style of reggae music despite the cold climate and frosty streets, thanks to bands and performers like Toots and the Maytals, Bunny Wailer, the Eternals, Jimmy Cliff and The Cubby Bear. Additionally, Chicago boasts vibrant dancehalls such as The Cubby Bear that help spread this music throughout its vibrant dancehall scene.
This club takes its name from a popular stuffed bear that once resided there and was destroyed in a fire in 1977. Following this event, its owners quickly rebuilt it and it quickly became popular among Cub fans after games as well as music enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable nightlife scene near Clark and Addison streets – opposite Wrigley Field.