What compels an internationally successful music group to set out on a tribute tour? Why would a constantly in-demand touring band with a diverse and growing fan base spend what little time they have available playing someone else’s music? Well, Groundation is no ordinary band and the music of Robert Nesta Marley is not just any other collection of music.
Groundation began their annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour in 2000 as a means of celebrating the life and material of a true musical prophet. Now, in 2010, Groundation’s tribute continues because Marley’s music and its message is more relative now than ever. Marley’s impact is hard to overstate. No other musician of the 20th Century is more well known across all parts of the globe than Robert Nesta Marley.
Marley’s music united people of all classes and creeds through its easily relatable parables of overcoming social injustices by ways of unity and love. And though his music is often associated with the downtrodden and dispossessed, mainstream media outlets served notice too; Time magazine famously listed Marley’s Legend as the best album of the last 100 years.
But Groundation does not simply rest on the well known hits from Marley’s hugely successful “best of” albums. Their tribute tour differs from others by exposing those people familiar with Marley’s music and message to the lesser known material of his catalog. While true that the inescapable sing-alongs do occur at these tribute shows, more often than not even the most seasoned Marley aficionado will hear songs they have yet to see performed live.
Groundation has drawn international recognition through their musicianship. A nine-piece band featuring swirling horns and keyboards, multiple percussionists, thundering B3 organ, bass, and a full range trio of lead and harmony vocalists, Groundation covers all bases with their wide ranging sound. Their live shows are renowned for over the top improvisational energy and positivity and their progressive sound is catching on, having played in 35+ countries on four continents in just the last few years, including headlining slots at major multi-genre festivals the world over.
Tour Dates
02/02/10 Tue Flamingo Cantina Austin, TX
02/04/10 Thu Howlin’ Wolf New Orleans, LA
02/06/10 Sat The Plaza Theatre Orlando, FL
02/07/10 Sun Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach, FL
02/10/10 Wed The Pour House Charleston, SC
02/11/10 Thu Grey Eagle Asheville, NC
02/12/10 Fri Recher Theatre Towson, MD
02/13/10 Sat Sullivan Hall New York, NY
02/14/10 Sun Harpers Ferry Allston, MA
02/17/10 Wed Kinetic Playground Chicago, IL
02/19/10 Fri Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO
02/20/10 Sat Boulder Theater Boulder, CO
02/21/10 Sun Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO
02/23/10 Tue The Independent San Francisco, CA
