7:00pm-8:30 Gypsi Fari

Gypsi Fari formed in 1977, they are the Original Reggae Band in the Midwest. Today Gypsi Fari is an exciting blend of the original founders Vincent Huckaby and Leroy Wester with a set of young talented players. The Chicago base band meshes various forms of Reggae, Calypso, Dancehall, World beat and Latin styles into an exotic uplifting experience.

In a musical career that has spanned three decades, Casper has earned his reputation as a renaissance man of Chicago music. Casper has distinguished himself as a bandleader, a sideman, a songwriter, a producer, and an arranger. And a quick look at a few of the artists Casper has worked with suggests the remarkable diversity of his career --

Casper was born on the south side of Chicago, IL, on March 14, 1973. At age 5 he developed an interest in music. In his early teens, Casper began learning the drums, guitar and keyboard, and started singing with a local gospel group. By the time he graduated from high school in 1990, Casper had displayed enough promise to earn the respect of Chicago’s elite musicians. Casper scored his first big break as a world class drummer; when he was added to the Dub Dis Reggae Band, where he found himself playing alongside reggae legends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespare. Three years later, Mikey Spice, Shine Head, Treavor Sparks, Frankie Paul, Major Mackeral, Everton Blender and Junior Demus tapped Casper and his band to back them whenever they play in the Midwestern states, and later in 1997, when Maxie Priest was invited to put together a big band of outstanding reggae musicians, Maxie chose Casper to lead the ensemble.

While Casper maintained a busy schedule as a composer, producer, and arranger through the 1990s, he also re-emerged as a recording artist in 2003 with the album Walking in Chicago, which found Casper recasting his Chicago influences within the framework of the budding fusion movement and the influences of contemporary rock, pop, house, gospel and R&B sounds. The kick started Casper's career as a mixed cd composer. At the same time, he began working more closely with contemporary pop artists, producing sessions for R-Kelly and G-Mar, and while Casper continued to work with gospel artists, many hard-and-fast gospel fans began to accuse Casper of turning his back on the genre, though Casper always contended his greatest allegiance was to African-American musical culture rather than any specific style. While Casper may have had fewer projects on his plate throughout the latter 90’s, they tended to be higher profile from this point on.

Having risen to the heights of the reggae recording industry, in 2005 Casper moved from band membership to band leadership; his current project, the development of Spectrum Reggae Band will see Casper fusing all elements of his past work. Ras Kelly, a prolific reggae DJ along with Zion will bring the gritty sound of the Caribbean youths, while G-Mar, a smooth crooner will fuse 70’s style R&B with a heavy reggae backbone. Avo and Dee-Mose will take the group’s sound from underground Chicago style Hip Hop to pop status with the guidance of Casper’s masterful writing and production.

Look for Spectrum to deliver new sounds in an exiting and entertaining show. They are scheduled to tour the Midwest this Spring going into the Summer, and can be found onstage on Weekends at The Wild Hare and Exedus II in Chicago.

Spectrum – because hearsay comprise a majority of the evidence of Casper’s contribution in the reggae industry, and from a simple base a complex array of sounds have developed.
Rasta Kelly (Lead Vocalist) | Casper (Percussionist) | Yohab (Bass) | Melvin (Keyboards) | Herb (Guitar)

11:00pm-12:30pm Hydro

Another of the great Chicago band frequently seen at The Wild Hare, Kalamazoo Reggae fans will remember their stunning performance at the Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the State Theatre in 2005, and the Island Festival of the same year.  Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa Hydro relocated to Chicago in 1996, this seven piece band hits you with a distinguished Afro-Reggae rhythm.  This band is proud to back two award winning vocalists, giving their audience a full spectrum of Reggae flavor in the style of Jamaica's Sunsplash Festival.

Brent Hopper & Brittany Reilly share a passion of Bluegrass, Reggae, Country, Blues, and other old-time music influences, fusing them together acoustically... Smooth, Flatpicking instumentation and rhythmic sounds tie their vocal harmonies and musical dynamics together. They are performing together as a bluegrass/reggae acoustic roots duo around Ohio & the Mid-eastern regions supporting their new CD “Back to My Roots” which was released April 20th 2006. Back to My Roots is a collection of songs in their raw acoustic roots form.

Greensky Bluegrass Website

So many ask, why bluegrass music? So many answers, of course, but mostly we just have a passion for making music. With wood boxes, a couple dozen copper wound wires, and plastic picks, we can play anywhere. Our instruments lend well to plugs and gadgets. Yet, they work on the beach, in the pines, or in some guy’s garage.
What we play is roots music; not partial to hill, island, or river. The tradition that we participate in is more than old Appalachian fiddle tunes, it is a celebration of friendship and joy. It brings pleasure to know that many before us have come together for the same circle of sound. Our own music is created traditionally: we wrote it to have fun playing and to share with others.

Watch for the new Greensky Bluegrass CD, due out this summer, produced by Tom Carbone of Railroad Earth

Ras SoulJah is a driving force in modern day reggae music. Ras SoulJah has a fresh and original style' this dynamic band's obvious influences of early traditional roots and culture remain evident in their music.
The Ras SoulJah Reggae Band is based upon the ideology of positive and uplifting consciousness that is conveyed through their reggae music. This band plays a variety of 'roots-n-culture' and ragga style originals, as well as, popular cover tunes. Ras SoulJah's is a dynamic ensemble including members that hail from California, Detroit, Chicago and other parts of the Midwest.

The evolution of Ras SoulJah has spanned from the 1990s to present day. Ras SoulJah is the creation of co-founders Timothy and La Donna Flynn. The group began its origin with the formation of 'Tribal Culcha.' this band specialized in a 'roots-n-culture' style. "Tribal Culcha's' metamorphosis continued until 1999, adding lead vocalist, Fada Wayne, this ensemble then formed as the 'High Grade' reggae band. In 2002, 'High Grade' disbanded and ultimately, the Ras SoulJah reggae band was created.

The Ras SoulJah band has performed with well-known reggae acts such as:

- Carlton Coffey (creator of "Bad Boys, Bad Boy")
- Sugar Minot
- Ras Professa
- Shaggy Williams

Ras SoulJah has played numerous major reggae festivals and clubs throughout the Midwest, and is also known for performing several benefits and fundraisers/special events.  Their most recent benefit concerts, "The South Bend Reggae Festival," was a pro-bono event that funded the World Food Bank and Hurricane Relieve Benefit.  The spiritual views and social consciousness of the Ras SoulJah band have remained consistent, such as the River of Life.

Ras SoulJah has the capability of performing in dance-hall fashion or strictly 'roots-n-culture' style, which gives this band a unique flavor that is pleasing to the audience. A live Ras SoulJah performance is an experience that shouldn’t be missed!

All Honor and Glory to His Imperial Majesty!
Livity and fulfillment for all!

Ras Souljah Website

Out of Favor Boys Website

Featuring the brilliance of a Hammond C3 organ and blazing saxophone lines, the six-piece band brings incredible energy wherever they play. Their high-energy sets not only feature their own original songs, but also covers from Contemporary acts like Tommy Castro and Tab Benoit and Traditional favorites like Albert Collins and BB King. The Out of Favor Boys can put on a show enjoyed by both Traditional and Contemporary Blues lovers.

Chicago Afrobeat Project (CAbP) is a dynamic musical collective rooted in '70s funk and jazz-infused afrobeat. CAbP mixes traditional afrobeat with other dance-invoking musical motifs such as Chicago’s electronic house music, complex West African percussion rhythms and upbeat funk. At each performance, the polyrhythmic groove and sharp horn lines of CAbP stir up energetic momentum, sweeping listeners directly to the dance floor time and time again.

The band's live set consists of originals as well as carefully chosen classic and obscure afrobeat covers -- each embedded with the unique CAbP footprint. In CAbP, each member is a leader, an ensemble player, a percussionist and a soloist. During extended songs, a member of CAbP steps to the forefront to speak his or her musical mind, and then slowly recesses back to the groove. Following this musical burst, another musician will rise and return. And then another. From performance to performance, these musical conversations vary the texture of each song, though one constant remains: The rhythm section pumps an addicting pulse.

About Afrobeat

Afrobeat is a musical genre pioneered by Nigeria’s charismatic political activist, Fela Kuti. Upon his death in 1997, Fela left behind an unheralded legacy of music that spanned four decades and produced 70+ albums. Today, Chicago Afrobeat Project is a project in the truest sense of the word. It evolves, but the mission goes unchanged: To push experimental afrobeat to listeners across the globe.

Chicago Afrobeat Website

Melvin Seals and JGB Website

Melvin Seals has been a powerful Presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, Recording Artist nd Producer . Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and Keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him "Master of the Universe". Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor. Come see and hear for yourself, the Soul of the Bay...Melvin Seals.

Martin Holland
Marty Holland, a native of California, has been a well-respected performer in and around the San Francisco Bay Area music scene since the early 1980s. Since 1998, he has worked extensively with Melvin Seals as a member of the JGB, Melting Pot, and various other side projects. An acclaimed multi-style bassist, Holland's improvisational abilities have earned him a devoted following among audiences and musicians alike. His masterful technique and in-the-pocket groove lends much to the color and nuance of JGB.

Stu Allen
Guitarist-singer Stu Allen, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, joined Melvin Seals & JGB in June 2004 and appears on the 'Keepers of the Flame' album. With his eagerness to improvise and his commitment to making every performance unique, Stu has made extensive contributions to the jam music scene. In the early 1990's, he co-founded the Minnesota-based acoustic-electric jam band, Blue Man Jive. The Jive only produced one studio effort: Playing God ; however, the band was prolific in original material, which they unfolded and continued to develop through their many live performances. In addition, he is a founding member of The Jones Gang , Minneapolis' premier Grateful Dead tribute band, to which he still lends his talents.

Sam Howard
Sam Howard spent his youth in Kansas and it was in youth when he began to play the drums: at age 6. An early exposure to jazz and rock music inspired him to continue to play and hone his craft for the next 28 years. For the last fourteen years, Sam has laid the groove for a host of bands on the Minneapolis scene, including Sizzling Egghead, Three Sheets to the Wind, Soul Farm, and most recently, Kung Fu Hippies and The Jones Gang. Sam first played with Melvin Seals & JGB in September of 2004. When he relocated to San Francisco in 2005 to join the band full-time, Sam felt right at home playing the music he’s been a fan of for many years. His musical influences are very wide ranging and include everything from Bob Dylan to Frank Zappa.

Formed in 2005, the "Mule Variations" offers a blend of acoustic, electric and traditional instrumentation and the band delivers a polished, rhythmic performance. Featuring Mark's acoustic guitar work along with Larry's steady upright bass and Scott's tasteful drumming, the band has developed an earthy and soulful sound. The music spans many genres: acoustic, folk rock, americana, R&B, indie rock, and reflects the influence of diverse artists. In the words of one reviewer, this music is "heartfelt, free of pretense or overproduction....and manages to have a unique contemporary feel while simultaneously evoking the ghosts of our past"

Rustbelt is an acoustic duo:
Mark Duval - guitar and vocals
Traci Seuss - guitar and vocals
Their repertoire includes the music of Mark Duval, as well as covers of Gillian Welch, Iron & Wine, Bob Dylan, and various obscure traditional songs from America and the UK.

2:00pm The Deep Fried Pickle Project (Performance and Workshop)

The Deep Fried Pickles pride themselves on making juggabilly music that would make Hee-Haw's Grandpa Jones shake, rattle and roll over in his grave.  Founded in '00 as a jug band, 'DFPP' now embraces other American roots music forms as well.  Bluegrass, Folk, Rockabilly, Blues and Honky-Tonk tunes pepper their set lists.  The recent musical phenomenon's performances include hillbilly-style punk-rock covers and rollicking original tunes.  Fans are known as "gherkins".  Their style has been compared to "The Sex Pistols meet the Beverly Hillbillies".  "The music is "a snapshot of America's Heartland", says the South Bend Tribune.  According to the Kalamazoo Gazette, DFPP's family performances "leave parents and kids pickled pink."

The band was featured in an  episode of 'Postcards From Buster', a spin-off of "Arthur" on PBS Kids, which has millions of viewers worldwide.  "We immediately fell in love with them," said (Buster) series producer Natatcha Estebanez of The Deep Fried Pickle Project.  "They're fun, they're funky, they represent an interpretation of American Culture where you can throw a bunch of cool things together and make music out of it."

Members are Alan Selvidge on guitar, gbongo, gourd, mandolin, stump-fiddle and vocals; Daniel Boone Daniel on washtub, vocals, mouth-harp, and kazoo; 'Slim' Jim McAllister on washboard-zilla  and drums.  Daniel's 5-year old "Gherkin" Max also sits in on baby washtub and vocals from time to time.

Join the DFPP for a fun performance and a fun workshop where the kids can make and instrument and perform with the Pickles!

8:15pm Orquesta Sensacional

Endowed with Puerto Rican and Dominican blood, the newly resurrected Orchestra Sensational blends youth and experience to create the ultimate joy that Latin music lovers have come to expect. The heartbeat of the music is a five-piece band that explodes with precision fronted by a duo of Spanish and English singing vocalists. This is definitely the new school of Latin music. The vibe is dance, dance, and more dance.

Orquesta Sensacional Website

jsan website

12:00pm  Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers

Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers personify two closely related terms: family and tradition. This five-man band centers on guitarist Percy Walker and his two sons, drummer Percy Walker, Jr. and accordionist Lil’ Malcolm Walker. Inspired by Zydeco legends like Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie, the band’s steady focus on tradition sets them apart from the newest wave of “pop Zydeco” bands.

Percy Walker, Sr. began his musical career at an early age, learning to play the drums from his older brother Joe Walker. He soon moved to guitar, then bass, then accordion. Percy began playing in bands at the age of ten, even playing with the legendary Rockin’ Dopsie during his musical career. Eventually he formed a band of his own, Percy Walker & The House Rockers.

Percy taught his children to play, much like his older brother taught him. The children shared Percy’s devotion and love of the music, and Percy was pleased to have young Zydeco devotees following in his footsteps. Even in their youth, Percy’s sons were anxious to start a band with their talented father. Soon the boys starting playing house parties and garnering great crowd reactions. When the diminutive Malcolm started a group, he chose the name of his father’s band. Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers was a name that instantly reflected the group’s emphasis on family ties, and on great music.

The new release by Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers, Zydeco Three Way, honors two late Zydeco greats: Rockin’ Sidney and Clifton Chenier. These innovators of Zydeco inspired the House Rockers in their early days of playing music. Percy emphasized throughout his sons’ musical training that they keep Zydeco tradition in their sound, creating music that is pure, solid Zydeco.

Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers also place a strong emphasis on creating live shows that are exciting and fun. “We let the crowd enjoy (the music) with us,” remarks Percy Walker, Sr., adding that he likes to pull audience members onto the stage to dance and play with the band. The House Rockers note that keeping tradition in Zydeco is the best way to make the music enjoyable. By honoring the musical styles that were successfully established by legendary Zydeco figures, the House Rockers are a band that is sure to please.