Ken Boothe – The Amalgamated – The Delirians – Arise Roots – Ottly Mercer – at Los Globos – Silver Lake, CA

Live and direct from the Los Globos stage, Rudeboys, Skinheads and everyone in between converged on the dance floor for a night that has been circled on the calendar months in advance.  September 22nd, Junor Francis and SKA MANIA brought us the iconic Mr. Rocksteady himself, Ken Boothe.

Long before doors opened at Los Globos, fans were scattered all over the streets and bars around the Silver Lake area streaming out of liquor stores with black plastic bags in hand the usual pre game ritual was the only thing usual on this night. Since the announcement of legendary Ken Boothe’s soon to be performance Rudeboys and Skinheads have been giddy with anticipation on par with the likes of Pat Kelly’s recent performance at Los Globos and next months massive smash up Stranger Cole vs Eric ”Monty” Morris.

Performing the night before in San Diego, it appears as Ken Boothe brought some of that San Diego flavor with him to the Silver Lake club. Opening up the night was San Diego’s Ottly Mercer a seven-piece Ska upbeat Reggae act with a clean and heavy sound. With the night off in the right direction Dj Mila Ruiz kept couples dancing between bands with choice vintage tunes right off the wax, representing a staple of any talented LA Dj’s arsenal that keeps the sound alive and the shoes stomping. The nights Host and Mc Junor Francis took the time between acts to help build on the growing anticipation for the nights performance, teasing the crowed with little announcements as to the whereabouts of Mr. Ken Boothe.

With the LA crowed eager to get moving they welcomed some familiar faces to the stage next, Arise Roots a deep soulful roots Reggae Los Angeles band wasted no time tearing up the Los Globos stage. Heads swung and hips swayed as Karim’s rich vocals and Roberto’s Sotelo’s crashing guitar played big tune after big tune, songs like “Compromise”, “People are you ready” and “United we stand” were definite fan favorites.

After a short break and some quality vinyl, East Los very own and Los Globos main stays The Delirians took to the stage. With one of the largest and growing fan bases around. These young cats have performed with and alongside some of the genres most notable artists. When these guys aren’t backing up legends they are creating a legend of their own performing a mastering a musical style and sound far beyond their years, regulars in the Los Angeles scene. The Delirians are a must see performing next on Oct 12th with Stranger Cole and Monty Morris. San Diego’s The Amalgamated took to it next, a ten-piece Ska Jazz band with rhythmic up beat tempo and light Reggae grooves provided a fantastic precursor to the night’s main event. After a solid set it was time for The Amalgamated to take a step back and join the rest of the crowed in welcoming one of Ska and Reggae’s pioneers the, renowned Ken Boothe.

A giant roar swept the bottom floor of the club as Mr. Rocksteady took the stage looking as great as ever. Wasting no time Skins and Rudies danced it up in their finest suits with their finest gals. Each song sung with such rich vocal harmony melted the crowed as they sung along for certain tunes like “Artibella” even drowning out Mr. Boothe himself.

Into his 60’s now, Ken Boothe provided the energy and enthusiasm unmatched by artists half his age dancing and singing to his voices limit. There was a definite sense of appreciation and respect from the crowd for what most certainly a performance to remember.

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE