Reggae Music in St. Louis: What to Expect

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Reggae music is a popular genre of music that originated in Jamaica. The music is characterized by its slow, relaxed tempo and its focus on the rhythm. Reggae music is often used to tell stories and to convey messages of peace, love, and unity.

Reggae Music in St. Louis

Reggae music has its roots in the island of Jamaica. The music is a blend of African and Caribbean influences. Reggae music is typically characterized by a strong beat and a lot of energy. Reggae music is often political and often has a message of peace and love.

The History of Reggae in St. Louis

Reggae music originated in the 1960s in Jamaica, and it is a genre that is deeply rooted in the country’s Rastafarian culture. The music is a blend of African and Caribbean rhythms, and it often has a spiritual or political message. Reggae became popular in the United States in the 1970s, and it has been a part of the St. Louis music scene since then.

The first reggae band in St. Louis was called I-Three, and they formed in the early 1970s. The band was made up of three Jamaican immigrants, and they played a mix of reggae, ska, and rocksteady music. I-Three was very popular in the St. Louis area, and they often played at local clubs and colleges.

In the 1980s, reggae bands started to spring up all over St. Louis. Some of these bands were: Jah unity, front line, African Knights, Positive Option Reggae Band, Mighty Myton & The Rootz Reggae Band, Ras Michael & The Sons Of Negus, MOZEBRAES, Triumphant Soundz ,Wailing Souls ,and more .Reggae music was becoming more popular in the United States during this time, and this led to more opportunities for St. Louis reggae bands to tour nationally and internationally.

The 1990s were a big decade for reggae music in St. Louis. In 1992, the first ever Riverport ReggaeFest was held at Riverport Amphitheatre (now Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre). This festival featured some of the biggest names in reggae music at the time, including Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Lee “Scratch” Perry ,and many more .The Riverport ReggaeFest was an annual event until 2006 ,and it helped put St. Louis on the map as a reggae music destination .

In recent years ,the local reggae scene has continued to grow .There are now multiple reggae festivals held every year in St .Louis ,including The Unity Reggae Festival ,The Gateway City Reggae Fest ,and more .These festivals showcase both local and national acts ,and they are a great way to experience the vibrant reggae scene that exists in St .Louis .

The Different Types of Reggae in St. Louis

Reggae music has many different forms, and each one has its own unique sound. The three most popular styles of reggae are roots reggae, dub reggae, and ska.

Roots reggae is the original form of reggae music, and it is characterized by its conscious lyrics and spiritual messages. Dub reggae is a more modern form of the genre that incorporates elements of electronic music. Ska is a fast-paced form of reggae that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.

Reggae music is enjoyed by people of all ages in St. Louis, and there are plenty of live shows and events to enjoy throughout the year. If you’re looking to experience authentic Jamaican culture, be sure to check out one of the city’s many reggae festivals!

The Different Venues in St. Louis

Reggae music has been growing in popularity in recent years, and St. Louis is no exception. There are a number of different venues that offer reggae music in St. Louis, each with their own unique atmosphere. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular reggae venues in St. Louis.

The clubs

There are several different types of clubs in St. Louis that feature reggae music. The most common type is the dance club, which features reggae music as well as other genres of dance music. These clubs are typically open late and have a cover charge. Some of the larger clubs even have multiple floors, with each floor featuring a different type of music.

Other types of clubs that feature reggae music include bars and lounges. These venues are typically smaller than dance clubs and do not have a cover charge. They may also feature other genres of music, but reggae music is usually the focus.

Finally, there are also some outdoor venues in St. Louis that feature reggae concerts and festivals. These events are usually free to attend and are held during the warmer months of the year.

The concerts

Music lovers in St. Louis have a lot to celebrate – the city is home to a vibrant and diverse music scene, with something to suit every taste. From classical and jazz to rock and roll, there’s a concert or live performance happening somewhere in the city every night of the week.

One genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years is reggae music. If you’re thinking of checking out a reggae show in St. Louis, here’s what you can expect:

Most reggae concerts in St. Louis take place at club venues such as The Gramophone, Atomic Cowboy, and Blueberry Hill. These intimate spaces provide the perfect setting for enjoying live reggae music, with plenty of room to dance and mingle with other fans.

The music at these shows is usually provided by local reggae bands who have developed a following in the city. Because of this, the shows tend to have a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of opportunity to talk to other fans and get to know the musicians.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back way to enjoy reggae music in St. Louis, there are also several bars and restaurants that offer regular live music nights featuring local reggae bands. These venues includeHandleBar in Soulard, Llywelyn’s Pub in Webster Groves, and Truth BBQ in south city.

The festivals

Reggae music is usually played outdoors in festivals. The most famous reggae festival in St. Louis is the Saint Louis Reggae Fest. It is held every year on the first weekend of August. The two-day event features local and national acts, food vendors, and craft booths.

The Different Artists in St. Louis

Reggae music in St. Louis is not very popular, but there are a few different artists that play this type of music. The most popular artist is probably Rebelution, but there are also a few other artists that play this style of music. One thing that you can expect from the music scene in St. Louis is that it is very relaxed and laid back.

The local artists

Reggae music has been a part of St. Louis’s musical scene since the mid-’70s, when it was introduced by immigrants from Jamaica. The genre has since evolved and taken on many different forms, but the Jamaican influence can still be heard in the music of local reggae artists.

Some of the most popular reggae artists in St. Louis include I-Octane, busy signal, Christopher Martin, and Barrington Levy. These artists often play at local clubs and venues, and their music can also be heard on radio stations that specialize in reggae and dancehall.

If you’re looking to experience the best of St. Louis’s reggae scene, be sure to check out some of the local artists mentioned above. You’re sure to enjoy their unique take on this classic genre of music!

The touring artists

There are several reggae artists that visit and tour in St. Louis. The most popular ones are Matisyahu, SOJA, and Rebelution. All three of these artists have headlined at The Pageant, which is the main concert venue for reggae music in St. Louis. They usually play once a year, and their concerts are always packed.

Rebelution is from Santa Barbara, California and their music has a very chilled out vibe. They write songs about peace, love, and happiness. Their concerts are always a good time, and they always bring openers that are also worth seeing. SOJA is from Washington D.C., and they have a similar sound to Rebelution. They write songs about social injustice and being grateful for what you have in life. Both of these bands have been touring for many years and have built up a large fan base in St. Louis.

Matisyahu is a solo artist who is originally from New York City. He is Jewish, and he often incorporates Jewish themes into his music. He has been touring for over fifteen years, and his live shows are very high energy. He often paints his face like a warrior before going onstage, and he really gets the crowd going with his performance style.

All three of these artists regularly sell out shows in St., so if you’re interested in seeing any of them, it’s best to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale

What to Expect at a Reggae Show in St. Louis

Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The music is a mix of African and Caribbean influences. Reggae is a popular genre of music in St. Louis. If you’re planning on attending a reggae show in St. Louis, here’s what you can expect.

The music

The music of St. Louis reggae shows is heavily influenced by the sounds coming out of Jamaica in the 1960s and 70s. You can expect to hear a mix of reggae, ska, and dub, with a healthy dose of R&B, rocksteady, and even hip-hop thrown into the mix. The MCs will often chat (or “toasting”) over the instrumental tracks, adding another layer of sound to the music. St. Louis reggae bands often have a horns section, which gives the music an extra level of complexity and energy.

The crowd

If you’ve never been to a reggae show before, you might not know what to expect. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for your first show.

First and foremost, expect the crowd to be diverse. Reggae shows attract people of all ages and cultures. You’ll see dreadlocks and Rastafarian clothing, but you’ll also see people who are simply there to enjoy the music.

Expect the music to be loud and the bass to be thumping. Reggae is meant to be danced to, so don’t be afraid to get up and move. The lyrics often deal with social and political issues, but they’re also about love, life, and having a good time.

And finally, expect to have a great time. Reggae shows are known for their positive vibes and good times. So relax, enjoy the music, and let yourself go with the flow.

The atmosphere

Reggae music is known for its easy, relaxing vibes. Reggae shows in St. Louis are no different – expect a laid-back atmosphere where people are there to have a good time. The music will be matched by the crowd’s positive energy, making for a fun and enjoyable experience.

While reggae originated in Jamaica, the genre has become popular all over the world. As such, you can expect to find people of all backgrounds at a reggae show in St. Louis. There will likely be a mix of locals and tourists, all coming together to enjoy the music.

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