Talk about inspiration. Not only does Israel Vibrations sing about hope, but the very story behind the roots reggae group is one of overcoming life’s obstacles to meet success.
The trio originally behind Israel Vibrations — Lascalle ‘Wiss’ Bulgin, Albert ‘Apple Gabriel’ Craig, and Cecil ‘Skelly’ Spence — were all young victims of a Polio outbreak in Jamaica during the late 1950s. The three boys met at the Mona Rehabilitation Center in Kingston, a government-sponsored medical institution for patients who could not afford health care. The viral disease left all three partially paralyzed, but it did not deter the musicians’ creative willpower. The Rastafarians used their music to rise above their physical limitations and express their faith. Israel Vibrations has since become one of Jamaica’s most distinguished roots reggae groups..
Rocking on stage, with dreadlocks and crutches, Wiss and Skelly continue to tour around the world and sing songs of redemption, freedom, and faith. Albert ‘Apple Gabriel’ Craig left the group in the mid-90s to pursue a solo career. Following a slew of albums recorded over the last 30 years, Israel Vibrations released their most recent album ‘Stamina’ in 2007.
Join the trio in a tribute to honor the man who influenced Israel Vibrations more than any other — Bob Marley. Joined by Roots Radics, Zion Roots, and DJ Arson, Israel Vibrations headlines the Bob Marley Birthday Celebration at MontBleu on Wednesday, Feb. 23. And who better to commemorate the King of reggae than Israel Vibrations, a group that fully embodies Bob Marley’s message of perseverance?
Info: Doors 8 p.m., tickets $25/advance, $30/door, MontBleu Resort, Stateline, (888) 829-7630, montbleuresort.com
