 "Photo: Courtesy of Creative Loafing")
When: Thursday @ 8 p.m. Where: Lost on Main Tickets: $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door
Tomorrow night, all roads lead to Lost on Main for a night of reggae, hip-hop, good vibes and herbal celebration.
Chico's own Mystic Roots Band is rolling back into town with reggae legend Pato Banton for a show that will rock your body and energize your soul.
"We try to create a phat party every time we're in the house," said Mystic Roots' frontman Coot Wyman. "But at the same time, we keep it positive."
Mystic Roots Band have a distinctive sound, which is derived from reggae philosophy and affection for the kind of all out party madness that only hip-hop can deliver.
"You can come to a bar and party, dance and go crazy while still getting an encouraging message," Wyman said.
When Mystic Roots Band aren't touring or recording their own music, they become the reggae hip-hop entourage for international recording artist Pato Banton.
Banton, also known as "Mr. Positivity," has shared the stage with Sting, Jimmy Nail, Burning Spear, and Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
Banton's message, "stay positive, and never give in," reverberates throughout his extensive musical catalog.
Songs including "Life is a Miracle" and "Groovin'" have become dearly loved classics among fans.
Despite his international success, Banton is not a man who is defined by fame.
"I share my music as a form of service," Banton said. "There is nothing better than giving someone something that makes them feel better."
Feeling better is what the Mystic Roots and Pato Banton experience is all about and it is that message of happiness and unity that draws people, such as student Tammy Turner-Kincaid, to the music.
"Mystic Roots' music moves me," said Turner-Kincaid, a member of the Mystic Roots Band street team in Chico.
Turner-Kincaid got involved with Mystic Roots back when they were playing Chico venues, such as the old Pizza Face, she said.
"Their music changed how I perceived reggae and started a new love for me," she said.
Turner-Kincaid isn't the only one who has fallen hard for Mystic Roots, the band has been top ranked in both reggae and hip-hop categories on MySpace.
But like Banton, Mystic Roots isn't defined by their success.
"We promote positivity and unity through music," Wyman said. "It's all about the love."
Mystic Roots has definitely seen their share of love. They are well received by crowds in the U.S., as well as abroad. But when they come home to Chico, "it's like a huge homecoming party," Wyman said.
Local soul shines through in Mystic Roots songs, such as "Welcome to Chico," a song that Turner-Kincaid has no problem pegging as her all-time favorite.
"No matter how big they get, they will never forget how important it is to be conscious to our community," she said. "They will always remember where it all started."
Although the band is now based out of San Diego, the members definitely represent Chico wherever they go, because the city is a big part of the bands identity, Wyman said.
Both Wyman and Banton encourage everyone to come down and hang out with them Thursday night.
This show is a chance to party with a classic reggae legend from the U.K. and at the same time see a band from your town, Wyman said.
"It's going to be a great time."
Elizabeth Ghiorso can be reached at eghiorso@theorion.com
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