The Key West Concert Series continues on the Sunset Pier in 2010

Si Senorita
Monday, February 8th to Wednesday, February 10th

Si Senorita is a refreshing blend of blues, reggae, and rock that always delivers a positive vibe. They are based out of Lansdale, PA (30 min North of Philadelphia) - and they are quickly growing to become one of the areas top bands. Most of their fans enjoy dancing and singing along to their songs, but what is most exciting is how they appeal to new crowds just as well.  Si Senorita's style of music is timeless, which is why people of all ages seem to respond. Musical influences are rooted from The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, and Pink Floyd but also include newer artists such as G. Love and Sublime.  No cover.  Show time is 6pm to 9pm. For more info call 305-295-7047. 

Stephen Marley

Friday, February 19th 2010

He’s Back! Stephen Marley will be making a much anticipated thirds return to Key West.  Bob Marley's second son, Stephen Marley, a true descendant of “Reggae Royalty”, has established his own imprint on the music world.  This producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has won more Grammy awards than any single reggae artist ever.  His debut solo album Mind Control was honored as the “Best Reggae Album” at last years ceremony.  He first appeared on record in 1979, when he was only six years old. With his brother Ziggy, the young Stephen recorded the single "Children Playing in the Streets," a charity single with the profits going to the United Nations to aid its efforts during the International Year of the Child. The single would also mark the beginnings of the Ziggy-fronted Melody Makers, a band that included Stephen's other siblings. Stephen played a supportive role in the Melody Makers from the beginning as guitarist, singer, and occasional songwriter. To satisfy his creative interests outside the group, Stephen decided to become familiar with the music industry from behind the scenes. Production work began in 1996 with Stephen contributing ideas to albums by his brothers Damian and Julian. Remixing the Fugees the same year was the first public display of Stephen's love of hip-hop and R&B. Work with Eve, Krayzie Bone, and Erykah Badu would follow along with a new role as "executive producer" of the Bob Marley remix compilation Chant Down Babylon, released in 1999. The album drew criticism from reggae purists who thought Stephen's mixing of hip-hop and his father's music was blasphemy, but the album's success encouraged the young producer. In 2001, his production work for brother Damian's Halfway Tree helped win the Grammy for Best Reggae Album, while Stephen's version of "Master Blaster" landed on the Stevie Wonder tribute Conception the same year. Work began on a debut solo album, but the 2002 formation of production house/promotion firm Ghetto Youths International with brother Ziggy kept Stephen from finishing it. Work on brother Damian's successful 2005 album Welcome to Jamrock pushed his debut all the way back to 2007. It was March that year when Mind Control finally landed. ~ portions provided by David Jeffries, All Music Guide

Doors will open at 8:00pm. Tickets are available for advance purchase for $25 at www.keystix.com or at the Sunset Pier tiki bar.  The date of the show tickets will be available at the door for $35.  Last year was a sell out.  Please purchase your tickets early to ensure admission.  For more information call 305-295-7047

Steel Pulse

Thursday, March 11th  2010

Steel Pulse was formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, specifically the inner city area of Handsworth. The founding members were schoolmates David Hinds (the primary songwriter as well as the lead singer and guitarist), Basil Gabbidon (guitar), and Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen (bass). All of them came from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience. They took some time to improve their technical proficiency, often on Roots inspired material by the Wailers, Burning Spear and several other prominent Jamaican artists. McQueen suggested the group name, after a racehorse, and they soon fleshed out the lineup with drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett, keyboardist/vocalist Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown, percussionist/vocalist Alphonso "Fonso" Martin, and vocalist Michael Riley.

Steel Pulse initially had difficulty finding live gigs, as club owners were reluctant to give them a platform for their "subversive" Rastafarian politics. Luckily, the punk movement was opening up new avenues for music all over Britain, and also finding a spiritual kinship with protest reggae. Thus, the group wound up as an opening act for punk and new wave bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, Generation X, the Police, and XTC, and built a broad-based audience in the process. In keeping with the spirit of the times, Steel Pulse developed a theatrical stage show that leavened their social commentary with satirical humor; many of the members dressed in costumes that mocked traditional British archetypes (Riley was a vicar, McQueen a bowler-wearing aristocrat, Martin a coach footman, etc.). The band issued two singles -- "Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku" and "Nyah Love" -- on small independent labels, when they then came to the attention of Island Records after opening for Burning Spear.

Longtime fans will know what to expect. Newcomers should know a few things: above all, Steel Pulse are known for performing well-written, Afrocentric songs that are rebellious without being negative or inflammatory, and though the band membership has changed over the years, the type of songs hasn't, nor has the steady move away from dancehall that was apparent on the band's previous album. the message and music remain true to the band's principles and vision.
Steel Pulse is one of Britain's greatest reggae bands, in terms of creative and commercial success. Steel Pulse started out playing authentic roots reggae with touches of jazz and Latin music, and earned a substantial audience worldwide. Their 1978 debut, Handsworth Revolution, is still regarded by many critics as a landmark and a high point of British reggae. By the late '80s, Steel Pulse had won a Grammy and were working full-fledged crossover territory. They subsequently returned to a tough-minded, rootsy sound and have added touches of dancehall and hip-hop along the way.

Doors will open at 8:00pm. Tickets are available for advance purchase for $25 at www.keystix.com or at the Sunset Pier tiki bar.  The date of the show tickets will be available at the door for $35. For more information call 305-295-7047

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