By Robert Goldberg | April 28, 2023
📸: shot by Jeff Liu

Easy Star All Stars nyc live music concerts

They say that the best way to appreciate music and art is through a deep breath. Breathe-in, breathe-out, and get lit. The Easy Star All-Stars are no strangers to this concept as they turned Sony Hall into a 420 fiesta through bass heavy reggae riffs, sing-along covers, and good vibes making for a high time. The band, led by Michael Goldwasser (guitar and percussion) encompasses a large ensemble of talented reggae musicians including multiple guitar players, a horn section (trombone and saxophone), male and female vocalists, drummer, and bassist. Their music is characterized by reggae-fueled classic rock covers, deep bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and upbeat melodies that inspire movement and dance. With support from Sister Carol and NYC’s Cannabis Cup Band, the crowd was all in for a real rocksteady ganja celebration.

The party started with the Easy Star All-Stars coming out swinging, covering “Time” by Pink Floyd off of their Album Dub Side of the Moon. “Sony Hall, I don’t feel it” exclaims the band as the smoky audience begins to awake from their haze. “What day is it?!” At this point, we’re starting to feel a bit lighter and carefree from the man-made cumulonimbus clouds being blown as the crowd yelled, “420!” 

“Open up the door, this is the police, I want a one likkle draw, (one likkle draw)” cool as a cucumber Bassist Ras absolutely locked down the rhythm to this next original track, “One Likkle Draw,” transitioning the band into an all out reggae throwback soirée. Everything from the Beatles, Micheal Jackson, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd to the debut of their brand new album, Ziggy Stardub, a homage to the late great David Bowie.

“Oh don’t lean on me man, ’cause you can’t afford the ticket, I’m back on Suffragette City” sang the crowd as the aura in Sony Hall turned into a multi-colored ‘danktuary.’ As they continued to rage through their new album, guitar legend Vernon Reed from Living Colour sat in for a few odes to create more melodic musical green magic making for an unforgettable performance. 

Sentiments of family and home were felt at the end of the performance as Micheal was sure to give thanks to all the incredible musicians that performed as well as the audience (hearts full and bloodshot eyes all alike.)  Make sure to check out the Easy Star All-Stars and their new album Ziggy Stardub, streaming on Spotify today.

At the end of the performance, vibes of family and home filled the space. Michael was sure to give thanks to all the incredible musicians who performed as well as the audience–hearts full and bloodshot eyes all alike! 

Connect with Easy Star All-Stars on Instagram, Spotify, TikTok and their website.

📸: shot by Jeff Liu

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