Jewish Rapper’s ‘Festival of Light’
If Matisyahu’s promoters were to claim that there’s no other performer like him, no one could dispute their statement. Part hip-hop artist, part jazz scat singer, part hazzan vocalist, Matisyahu composes dance music reminiscent of Bob Marley’s songs – if the late singer had converted to Judaism and found inspiration in the Torah.
Born Matthew Paul Miller, Matisyahu joined the Lubavitch Hasidic movement at 19. Dispensing with false modesty, he adopted the Hebrew form of his name, which means Gift of God. Continuing in that vein, Matisyahu released “King Without a Crown,” the 2005 single that made him world famous, reached the Modern Rock Top 10 and became a Top 40 US hit.
After his 2004 debut album “Shake Off the Dust … Arise,” Matisyahu achieved gold in 2006 with “Youth,” which ranked #1 on the Billboard Digital Album chart. In 2012, his album “Spark Seeker” boasted some impressive numbers of its own, shooting up to the premiere spot on the U.S. Reggae Chart and peaking at #3 on the U.S. Independent Chart.
Touring with various bands and headlining festivals, such as Bonnaroo, the singer’s popularity is growing. Instructing us to seize the day in “Live Like a Warrior,” he sings, “Today, today, live like you wanna.” So, if you “wanna” see for yourself what all the fuss is about, you’re in luck. Matisyahu is going to perform at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence on Dec. 3. Doors open at 8 p.m.; the show starts at 9:00 p.m.
If your Jewish organization or synagogue members wish to attend as a group, they can receive special perks, such as a Sound Check Party and Menorah lighting on stage. Two such options are available: Festival of Light Partner (200-ticket commitment) and Festival of Light Group (50-ticket commitment).
For information: Adam Weinberg at 786-390 -6117.
For general admission tickets online: matisyahuworld.com.