Prezident Brown & Beezy Coleman

"How can you tell the difference between reggae bands? What makes one better than the other?" These are questions I have asked in the past, and once again at the show Tuesday night as I watched Beezy Coleman perform. This cat was the opening act, but also belonged to the same band that pounds, picks and taps for Prezident Brown. This foursome was set on simmer and executed a few fairly mellow Rasta tunes. After their set, Beezy retired to happily slapping a pair of Bongo drums.
As soon as Prezident Brown stepped on stage in a shiny, silvery denim ensemble to take over the singing responsibilities, I found the answer to my questions. Brown's voice is absolutely soulful, experienced and projects with a natural ease. The crowd herded closer to the band, igniting a swaying, dread locked parade of yellow, red and green.
Brown's face showed little sign of passion or involvement, which may be a symptom of his current vicious tour that has him state hopping, sometimes on an everyday basis. Facial spirit aside, each melody grew more vivacious than the previous, almost magnetically drawing in power, rhythm and soul. Sitting completely still was an arduous task that few managed to comply with. Gauzy skirted women flailed around the dance floor with their Birkenstock footed boyfriends, a woman patriotically waved a Jamaican flag and a couple of overly-pregnant women dreamily fluttered their able limbs.
If you don't have the reggae look or smell, but you just really want to fit in, here's the big tip. When the dudes on stage yell "Jah!" it means a "Rastafari!" is coming up next. Practice in front of the mirror and within days you'll be totally ready for Rasta...boyeee.
- Rachel Krampfner
- Photos by Alyssa Starkey

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