Nov. 7, 2006
Buck night at Riley's had some major competition Tuesday night. By 10:30 p.m., The Oasis was teeming with fans awaiting the smooth, hip-hop reggae beats and lyrics of the Mystic Roots Band.The entrance of the seven performers on stage was met with excited cheers and applause followed by the crowd's migration toward the the front of the room.
The atmosphere was mellow and relaxed. As the music started up, the front half of the room bobbed and swayed on the dance floor while others relaxed back at the bar and tables with friends.
The group's late-night performance was their fourth in Chico this semester after shows in the Bell Memorial Union, the children's park and LaSalles in early September.
The Mystic Roots Band has a long history and connection with Chico, making the town a fun place for them to play. The band was founded while several of its members were attending Chico State 10 years ago.
"There's this vibe Chico has that you can't find anywhere else," said guitarist and bassist Darren Bruestle, also known as D-Rock. "It's like Treasure Island."
The large crowds at Sigma Nu fraternity parties provided a strong fan base at the band's start. From there, the group built a following that carried them on to play in Sacramento and in the Bay Area. The band's first cross-country tour in April of this year gained the attention of renownded reggae artist Pato Banton, who headlined the tour that brought them to Chico in September.
Chico State junior Joey Moshiri saw the band for the first time four years ago when it played at Pleasant Valley High School's homecoming. He became an instant fan.
"They have this beat where even if it's the first time you've heard a song it's like you already know it," Moshiri said.
As the set began, it became obvious that it was not the first time audience members had heard Mystic's tunes. Many sang along with the familiar lyrics sung by Dane Wyman, or Coot as the band and his fans call him, and Shane Tolchin. The songs promoted optimism, unity and marijuana legalization.
The show started off slow, but soon picked up its tempo. Mystic really played to the crowd when the band played one of its most popular songs, "Smoke Out," which has a chorus that boasts of the group's loyalty to Chico. They don't change it for other cities, either.
"It's our anthem," Bruestle said.
Mystic kept the beats going and the crowd dancing until after midnight. After the group finished playing, the band members mingled in the crowd to talk to their fans and sign autographs.
One of the many fans to congratulate the men on their performance was Chico State nursing major Shelly Snow. A devoted fan of Mystic Roots, she said she loves the vibe she gets from the group.
"They're the most positive, uplifting people, and it's in everything they do," she said. "They live it, breathe it, eat it, sleep it and play it."
With two shows left on their California tour, the group can look forward to returning home for a little while. And though home is nice, being away for long periods doesn't bother them because they consider each other their family.
Kari Nelson can be reached at knelson@theorion.com
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