Czar’s offers Marley birthday bash

Published 10:57 pm Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Hydro Afro Reggae band from Ghana, West Africa, will play at the celebration at Czar's 505.

For one night only, Czar’s 505, 505 Pleasant St. in St. Joseph, will celebrate the legend of reggae music Bob Marley’s 67th birthday on Feb. 3.

The evening will feature the Hydro Afro Reggae band from Ghana, West Africa.
From humble beginnings, with his music and religious beliefs his only weapons, Marley applied himself tirelessly to spreading his musical message of peace, love and unity.

The evening of music and dance pays tribute to the king of reggae music, who was born Feb. 6, 1945. While he did not invent this timeless music form, he became reggae’s seminal figure around the world.

One of the 20th century’s most iconic cultural figures, Marley was responsible for popularizing reggae music throughout the world. His concerts set attendance records that still stand today, and his 1977 “Exodus” album was hailed by Time magazine as the greatest album of the 20th century. His unique blend of politically conscious lyrics and unforgettable melodies won him legions of fans far beyond the Caribbean.

But Marley was no mere pop star: His strong attachment to Rasta beliefs and his fierce hostility to the injustice of “Babylon” made him an important spokesperson for the dispossessed all over the globe.

“You’d probably find it hard to go for 24 hours anywhere in the world without seeing his image or hearing one of his songs,” said Chris Blackwell, the former Island Records boss who launched Marley’s international career and produced many of his finest records.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Show time is 10 p.m. Tickets are $7.