Grande Prairie, Alta., may not be known as the birthplace of reggae, but for the band Tasman Jude, the town was the birthplace of its passion for the genre.
The group has worked to connect with audience members and spread the message of hope, deeply rooted in reggae music, with as many people as possible.
It all began during an open mike night where the members improvised three songs on the spot.
“The band has a unique relationship with our fam,” said Caleb Hart, on the band’s website. “We don’t have fans; we have family. They give us so much more than we can possibly give them through music.”
Moved by the crowd’s passionate response to its music, the band started working on songs and three months later released its EP, El Norteño in April of 2013.
The band quickly followed that up with its debut album Green in 2014.
The band is currently running a Pledge Music campaign to fund its album Gold.
For information please go to www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tasmanjude.
The group plans on releasing the album Red in the future. The trilogy is designed to highlight the three sides of reggae and its roots.
Although Tasman Jude is grounded in reggae, it also combines sounds from various other genres including roots, percussion, soca and pop.
Tasman Jude consists of Caleb Hart, lead vocals; Derek Wilder, bass and didgeridoo; Jake Laviolette and Djembe Pedro Acosta, guitar.
Tasman Jude has performed across Canada, Australia and in the Caribbean. During its touring sessions it has supported several charities including the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Tree Canada.
Tasman Jude performs at the Queen’s Saturday (May 28). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance from the Queen’s or www.ticketweb.ca.
For more information about Tasman Jude, please go to www.tasmanjude.com.
