Center for the Arts: Matisyahu

Singer-songwriter Matisyahu is an American Jewish artist of reggae, rap, hip hop, beat box and alternative rock. His lyrical narratives join his band’s inspired instrumentals for songs rife with melodic themes, rhythmic peaks and valleys, deep dub meditations and revelatory choruses. Together they thrive on passionate improvisations that operate more like a relationship with the willingness to take chances and a model of acceptance in the process. Their music becomes a poetic reframing of the Jewish philosophical differences between the constancy of emunah (faith) combined with the immediacy of bitachon (trust), and a desire to connect to something beyond the self. Matisyau has been on this musical journey for more than a decade, launching forward at Bonnaroo, and now throughout his 12 albums boasting a Gold record, a #1 spot on alternative rock radio charts, and a Grammy nomination. The band features longtime guitarist Aaron Dugan with Stu Brooks (bass), Joe Tomino (drums) and Yuki (keyboards).

Just announced! Bedouin Soundclash will be opening for Matisyahu!