Albertan reggae band Tasman Jude brings some Peace River valley-island sounds to Vernon when it plays the last Jammin’ in Justice concert of the season today.
Familiar faces to these parts, the Grande Prairie band previously brought its rhythms to Vernon when it opened for local band Cod Gone Wild at its masquerade ball in October, 2014.
Last in town in April, when it played an all-ages show at Gallery Vertigo as part of its recent cross-Canada tour, Tasman Jude is said to be one of the hardest working bands out there.
A lot has happened to original members Caleb “Bravehart” Hart (lead vocals, djembe) and Al Peterson (guitar) since they first climbed an open mic stage together and improvised three songs.
The band has since added bassist Derek Wilder and percussionist Bethanie Earle, and continue to develop a loyal fan base here in Canada and beyond, thanks to many days spent on the road, and across the ocean, touring.
“The band has a unique relationship with our fam(ily). We don’t have fans; we have family. They give us so much more than we can possibly give them simply through music,” said Hart, who is originally from Trinidad-Tobago.
Tasman Jude has played 350 shows over the past two years and that number continues to grow throughout the remainder of 2015.
The band independently released its debut album, Green, in October, 2014, followed by a tour across Canada. After wrapping up that tour, the band kept the momentum going, with dates in the Caribbean and then on to Australia in early 2015 for a 10-week visit that included the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Forest Edge Music festival and Easterfest in Toowoomba.
The band has just come off another cross-country tour across Canada, which began in their hometown in April, and took them to more than 40 stops, including Vernon, throughout the spring and early summer.
The band continues to tour on its first album Green, which debuted at number one on the iTunes reggae charts upon its release. The album is the first in a series of three concept albums.
The second album Gold, due out this fall, will have a bit more of an island pop vibe (including new track La Isla) than the rootsy, earthy sounds of Green, while the third album, Red, will take on the more ska/aggressive side of reggae music.
These three combined albums will provide Tasman Jude’s full take on reggae — going back to roots of reggae music which teaches of God, peace, love, joy, truth, freedom, justice, unity and serenity.
Tasman Jude plays Jammin’ in Justice, organized by the Downtown Vernon Association, at Justice Park (at 27th Street and 30th Avenue, across from the Vernon Court House), today from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy this free lunchtime concert.
