Matisyahu proves he’s not a Hasidic novelty act
Published 6:08 pm Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Beatles did it. So did Cat Stevens. And let’s not forget Madonna.
Really, pop stars undergo spiritual conversions so often that musicians finding God has become just another Spinal Tap-esque cliche.
Matisyahu, who plays Seattle on Wednesday, went another way. The singer didn’t switch faiths after topping the charts. Instead, he became the first Hasidic Jew to claim three No. 1 reggae albums. He was already one of the faithful when Epic Records signed him for his ability to rhyme about traditional Judaism over Jamaican beats.
Matisyahu, who plans to release his third album in August, might seem like a novelty act. People are listening, though. He’s cracked into the mainstream with singles such as “Youth” and “King Without a Crown.”
K’naan, a Somali-born rapper, opens the show.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $29.50; stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
The Wallflowers: When the Wallflowers started climbing the charts in 1996 with “Bringing Down the Horse,” most stories focused on lead singer Jakob Dylan’s famous father. It seemed like Bob Dylan’s shadow might eclipse the group’s talent.
Instead, 13 years later, the group finds its subsequent output overshadowed by something else. The group has never been able to match the success of that 1996 sophomore album. It released its first retrospective on Tuesday, beginning the collection with five songs from that breakthrough album.
Fans headed to the group’s Seattle show on Sunday can expect to hear some of those well-worn hits, including “One Headlight” and “The Difference.”
8 p.m. Sunday, Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., Seattle; $22; ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
The Mishras: The father and son sitar duo return to Mount Vernon for another show at the Lincoln Theatre.
The pair recently started the Academy of Indian Classical Music to preserve and share the music of their homeland.
8 tonight, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon; $17 to $23; www.lincolntheatre.org or 360-336-8955.
Third Eye Blind: The California pop rock group still draws sizable crowds nine years since releasing its last big hit, “Never Let You Go.” The band has sold out its 8:30 p.m. June 20 show at the Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., Seattle.
In the clubs
Swag, an Everett rapper who played a Marysville show with Juvenile in May, headlines a show at 8 tonight, Jet Bar &Grill, 800 164th St. SE, Mill Creek; call club for cover charge; myspace.com/thejetbar or 425-743-4593.
The Rippingtons tend to crush its competition on the contemporary jazz charts; multiple shows tonight through June 21; Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $29.50; ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Shawn Mullins’ biggest hit is the 1999 acoustic strummer “Lullabye,” 7 and 10 p.m. June 24, Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle; $22; tripledoor.com or 206-838-4333.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.
