Dub Apocalypse is an instrumental dub reggae band from Boston, MA. Band members are Tommy Benedetti – drums, Van Martin – guitar, Johnny Trama – guitar, Aaron Bellamy – bass, and Timo Shanko – sax/bass. The band came together in 2007, led by drummer Tommy Benedetti and guitarist, Johnny Trama. Tommy Benedetti is one of the founding members of American Reggae Pioneers, John Brown’s Body. He brings a wealth of experience from the reggae/dub scene to the table,having recorded albums for the legendary Shanachie Label, John Zorn’s Tzadik Label (mixed by Bill Laswell), and is currently with John Brown’s Body on Easy Star Records. This history is combined with almost 2 decades of International touring, as well as backing some of the giants of Jamaican music, including The Meditations and Justin Hinds. Guitarist Johnny Trama adds a soulful blues touch to the Dub Apocalypse signature sound. Trama has spent time on the road with the great Ron Levy, BB King’s organ player, as well as many other regional rock and soul/r&b acts. Not long after Dub Apocalypse came together, longtime friend Timo Shanko entered the fold. A dual threat on both bass and saxophone, Shanko is a veteran of the blues and free jazz scene. He spent many years on the road with Blues legend, Eddie Kirkland, as well as with G. Love and Special Sauce. Shanko is also a prolific composer, and his improvisational stylings are an integral part of the Dub Apocalypse sound. Although DA started out as more of a collective, in the past few years the lineup has solidified with the addition of bassist Aaron Bellamy and guitarist Van Martin. Bellamy is a longtime fixture in the Boston funk scene, and in combination with Benedetti , they form the deep, militant sound at the core of Dub Apocalypse. Originally hailing from Chicago, Van Martin rounds out the lineup on guitar. Martin has much touring experience as well, including appearances with Bernie Worrell and Big Daddy Kane. His sonic textures, adventurous playing and songwriting have helped Dub Apocalypse take their sound to a new level. The DA sound is an evolving mix of original compositions and their own interpretations of classic Jamaican and UK songs and dub plates. Heavy hitting drum and bass grooves set the table. A twin guitar attack, with Trama’s rhythmic anchor, and Martin’s dub sonics, swirl in and out in tandem. These pieces, combined with Timo Shanko’s Coltrane inspired sax approach, give Dub Apocalypse a sound that is truly their own. The band has appeared at many clubs and festivals throughout New England. They’ve won a Boston Music Award,were named “One of 10 Local Acts You Need To Hear Now” by The Improper Bostonian, and have one of the most popular and longest running weekly residencies in Boston.
From an early age, Green Lion Crew’s Zeke Stern and Dana Knowles became students of the sounds of Caribbean Culture. After a decade of producing in Jamaica, St. Croix, and the United States their collaboration list features some of the top acts in Reggae music. From producing for modern artists like Collie Buddz, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, and Roe Summerz to working with legendary acts like Beenie Man, Capleton, Busy Signal, Akae Beka, and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Green Lion Crew continues to push the boundaries of sonics and style while madly celebrat- ing the culture of Jamaica.
As anyone who is familiar with Reggae knows, the true thrill is in the live performance. With authentic knowledge of sound system culture, Green Lion Crew captures the audience with their addictive beats and rhythms, often having a guest vocalist double as the emcee and toastmaster. They have been a staple in the east coast reggae scene for over a decade while sharing the stage with artists like Stephen Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Stick Figure, Anthony B, and many more. They have entertained large crowds at festivals like Cali Roots from Mexico to Zimbabwe.
This show is all ages! Doors are at 7pm and music will start around 730. Seating will be limited and is first come first served.