Matisyahu Coming to Capitol Center for the Arts, 12/6

Matisyahu, the Grammy nominated rapper who blends roots-reggae with Orthodox Jewish themes, will perform at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord on Sunday, December 6, at 8pm. Marking the 10th anniversary of his landmark album Live at Stubb's, he is on tour and releasing a new album that celebrates the fan favorite original. Live at Stubb's Vol. III takes a new look at Matisyahu's extensive catalogue with stripped down and reworked versions of favorites such as "King Without a Crown." In concert, Matisyahu will highlight hits from throughout his career with the help of his loyal backing band.

In 2004, Matisyahu stunned audiences who had seldom seen a Hasidic Jewish man rapping on traditional Jewish themes with a dancehall flow over reggae beats. Aside from surprising the culture consciousness, Matisyahu soon proved he had real talent as a singer and rapper, earning Grammy nods, gold record certifications and a widespread audience.

Starting his career as a hopeful open-mic performer in Oregon, Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller) assembled his roots-reggae influenced backing band, Dub Trio, in the early 2000s. Together, the musicians recorded Matisyahu's first record, Shake Off The Dust... Arise, which led to headlining performances across the country and culminated in the rapper's in-concert masterpiece, Live at Stubb's. Matisyahu later worked with legendary dub and reggae producer Bill Laswell on his second studio album. The result of this collaboration, Youth, was released on Epic Records in 2006 to massive success and led to a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Since his early success, Matisyahu has shaved his beard and toned down the Jewish overtones in his lyrics, but the rapper continues to wow audiences across the globe with hits like "Jerusalem."

In celebration of the10th anniversary of Live at Stubb's, Matisyahu has taken a new look at the music that first made his reputation. On tour throughout the United States in 2015, Matisyahu will perform new arrangements of his early reggae hits and later favorites up through 2014's Akeda as well as Youth and Light, taking fans of all ages on a journey through his evolution. This tour reconnects Matisyahu with long-time musical collaborators and friends from his early touring days, including Live at Stubb's guitarist Aaron Dugan.

Tickets: $35 Orchestra/Mezzanine; $32 Rear Orchestra/Balcony; $25 Rear Orchestra (all prices +$3 Day of Show). Tickets available by calling 603-225-1111, online at www.ccanh.com, and at the box office, located at 44 South Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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