The Bottleneck enjoyed a hefty crowd on Tuesday night when SOJA rolled into town with multiple opener acts, promising a full night of reggae jams. The D.C. based group is nationally reknowned for their classic, yet original reggae. Capable openers, Cas Haley, 77 Jefferson and Chris Boomer warmed up the crowd to a glowing orange heat.
Folks from every walk of life came together early in the night to enjoy the opening acts. Cas Haley drove the crowd to a climactic frenzy with their set, leading fans to sing along to their biggest hits, and jamming out for a full-length set. Aside from the professional take on reggae jams, the band tended to play a great deal of romantic songs, that couples swayed to. The audience roared with approval after every song and finished with a final cheer before heading outside for a breathe of fresh air.
The crowd was patient through a long set-break, while SOJA set up all their equipment. A standard drum kit, bongos, a keyboardist, saxophonist, trumpet, bass and the lead singer and guitarist all took the stage just before midnight. To start their set, they played through a breif melody of each of their biggest hits, before launching into full songs. The show lasted until after 1 a.m., including their hit single "I don't wanna wait". The crowd jammed the dance floor and lined the rails, bleachers and bar throughout the show, enthralled with SOJA's distinctive, but familiar jamaican reggae.
All reggae fans should have SOJA on their list of must-see bands. It was a rewarding experience for fans of the band to finally catch them live. The band has some soulful tunes, that speak to every listener, and hits that preach the wisdom of loving your fellow man and respecting the earth. Completing the set with two songs in their encore, the band thanked Lawrence for a fantastic evening. With any luck the band will stop by Lawrence again soon.
Now for Previews:
Tonight, do not miss the FREE show at the Granada, where the EZ Brothers, Dumptruck Butterlips and Brent Tactic will be promoting Festy Fest, which starts tomorrow night outside of town.
Festy Fest will be raging all weekend, so don't miss all the fun, with funky, bluegrass and jam bands playing simultaneously or staggered between the two stages.
If for whatever reason, you can't make it out to the festival, the Jackpot and the Replay Lounge will be holding their "Spring Into Summer" concert, with multiple bands playing on the patio of the Replay, inside the bar, and across the street in the Jackpot. The indie, punk rock spread includes local favorites like The Spook Lights, The Dactyls, and Fourth of July.
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