The Wailers: Jan 21, Wilma [CONCERT]

From humble beginnings growing up in the impoverished island of Jamaica, the nucleus of the Wailers - Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh - turned to music at an early age. Music not only provided the boys with a creative form of expression, but also offered them their best chances for rising out of poverty.

The Wailers' sound and energy, bound together by artistic and spiritual integrity, was fostered during their teens. They eventually shortened the name to The Wailers, which represented more than their style of singing. The name also reflected the pain and anguish the boys felt deep within their souls while growing up in Trench Town. "The word 'wail' means to cry or to moan," said Peter Tosh later. "We were living in this so-called ghetto. No one to help the people. We felt we were the only ones who could express their feelings through music, and because of that, people loved it. So we did it."

Following leader Bob Marley's death from cancer on May 11, 1981, the Wailers Band struggled nearly a decade for direction, hampered from releasing their own music by a Gordian knot of legal entanglements. Anchored by world-class bassist Family Man Barrett and his drummer brother Carlton (who was murdered by gunmen hired by his wife in April 1987), the Wailers Band performed well-received international tours almost constantly through the '80s. Lead guitarist Junior Murvin bravely handled most of the vocal chores, and keyboard stalwart Wya Lindo and percussionist Seeco Patterson (who brought the original Wailers to their first audition in 1963) added credibility, but as the '90s progressed, despite the title of their first solo offering, they were still struggling to establish their own identity on records like 1994's Never Ending Wailers and 1996's Jah Message. – All Music Guide

As enthusiastic audiences have already discovered, Koolant brings his own personal expression to Marley’s songs, revitalizing them for young and old alike. Yet there’s a great deal more to the Wailers than reliving the past. Apart from featuring on a forthcoming Wailers’ album studded with celebrity guest artists, Koolant sings lead vocals on the band’s two latest tracks – one a future lovers’ rock classic called Shining Star, and the other a heartfelt appeal – A Step For Mankind – made on behalf of the World Food Program, co-starring Duane Stephenson.  Both songs stand comparison with the band’s finest work from the past. The Wailers have succeeded in turning a fresh page and led by their charismatic new singer, they’re ready to make history once more.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Wilma Theatre

Missoula, MT

Doors - 7:30 pm                 Show - 8:30 pm

Tickets On Sale NOW

Tickets: $25.00

Tickets are available at Rockin’ Rudy’s, by calling 877-4-FLY-TIX,

Online at www.Ticketfly.com or www.KnittingFactory.com.

Produced By Knitting Factory Presents – www.KnittingFactory.com

General Admission, All Ages