The Wailers Coming to Ridgefield Playhouse, 5/18

By: Apr. 17, 2014
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

There is no more legendary band in Jamaican music history than Bob Marley and The Wailers. Formed in 1969, the group has created an extraordinary body of work whose echoes are heard in every corner of the world today. Original members included Bob Marley who was hailed as "The Artist of the 20th Century", along with his vocal partners Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, alongside the ground-breaking rhythm section of the Barrett brothers with Carlton on drums and Aston "Family Man" on bass. Today, Aston leads The Wailers as it continues its worldwide campaign of promoting peace, love and equality through the message of reggae and Rastafari.

On the 30th anniversary of its 1984 release, The Wailers will be in concert at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. performing the iconic album Legend in its entirety, which features the bands biggest hits of all time including "I Shot The Sheriff", "Redemption Song", "Jamming" and many, many more. Special guest is Makua, the ambassador of Aloha, who is an accomplished ukulele player, singer and surfer. This event is underwritten by The Mango Tree and is part of the Xfinity Rock Series.

Named by Time Magazine as the "Best Album of the 20th Century" and #46 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Legend is also the best-selling reggae album ever released, with more than 30 million copies sold worldwide. The Wailers is the iconic group that helped define reggae for a generation, formed by the remaining original members of Bob Marley & The Wailers following the death of Bob Marley in 1981. The new group's "one-drop" reggae sound goes on and on. The anchor of the band is Aston "Family Man" Barrett, who, in addition to being Marley's most trusted lieutenant, played on countless other classic reggae hits throughout the seventies. The authenticity he brings to the Wailers' sound is indisputable, and yet today's line-up combines old school know-how with lead vocals from one of Jamaica's most exciting new singers.

Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. Beyond their groundbreaking work with Marley, The Wailers have collaborated with Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, and Alpha Blondy, as well as reggae legends Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Burning Spear. Their most recent partners include Kenny Chesney, Eve, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.

For tickets ($50), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.



Videos