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Award-winning reggae group to play Krueger Fine Arts Series

Student Life - posted on 9/26/2011

Gizzae, a mix of Grammy-award winning musicians who have played with some of the biggest names in music, brings its award-winning reggae music to Lakeland College's Krueger Fine Arts Series on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Gizzae will perform at the college's Bradley Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for non-Lakeland students, and can be purchased at the door or by calling Deb at 565-1536.

Rocket, Ruphael, Clem, Evans and Ralph have over 100 years of musical experience collectively and a combined four Grammy awards. They have played and recorded professionally with such acts as Ziggy Marley, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Third World, Burning Spear, Carly Simon, The Talking Heads, Judy Mowatt, Sam Ghansah, Rude Beat Society and many others.

Working and playing with such a vast array of musical styles and talents has enabled Gizzae to create a unique blend of Roots Reggae. Hailing from the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica, the Ancient and Holy Lands of Ethiopia and the South Side of Chicago, the members of Gizzae play a brand of reggae that's always backed with strong guitar riffing, pads and ambient vibes from the dual keyboardists.

Some songs are heavily influenced by Soca and Calypso and other genres such as jazz and even rock. Just when you think you've heard everything Gizzae has to offer, the band instinctively and seamlessly transitions into a blues reggae finale to satisfy the organ and guitar solo fans.

Formed in 1992 after the breakup of Dallol (Ziggy Marley's Touring Band) and Moja Nya (New York), Gizzae soon became a fan favorite in the Chicago and Midwest reggae scene. A Sunday night staple at the fledgling Wild Hare, fans started to come out to hear this new reggae band in force, and 15 years later, they still rock the house every Sunday night.

Learn more about the band on their website at http://gizzae.com/.

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