The Blender Shakes Up the Bay Area

Everton Blender and the Blend Dem Band to perform in Berkeley

By Laura Gardner

Nobody blends conscious roots music and energetic dancehall as seamlessly as Everton Blender. Luckily for Bay Area reggae fans, they will get to hear not only the illustrious Blender, but the whole Blend Dem Band. They will be performing at Berkeley, California's Shattuck Down Low Lounge on January 29, and at Pete Escovido's Night Club in San Jose on January 30th.

You know the songs--you just might not be able to tag them as Everton's trademark sound--"Ghetto People's Song," "Lift Up Your Head," "Blend Dem," "False Words," "Family Man" and many more have become mainstays in the dancehall. No one can argue what a tremendous influence Everton Blender has been on Jamaican music, taking popular rhythms and beats, and mixing them with a conscious morality. It could even be said that Everton laid the groundwork for current stars like Sizzla, Capleton, Anthony B and others who mix messages with current beats.

It was Garnett Silk who introduced Blender to Star Trail's Richard Bell. Although Blender had been singing for over five years, it wasn't until 1993 that his name became widely recognized.

DJ Smoky, co-promoter with the Shattuck Down Low Lounge, reflects, " We got lucky and caught him on his west coast tour that was put togethor by Fenton of the Reggae Angels." Not surprisingly, the Reggae Angels, along with DJ Smoky and DJ Spliff Skankin (from Massive Sound International) will be on the bill.

The touring Blend Dem Band is a seven-piece production that includes Blender's daughter Isha. She is one of the backing vocalists and will open the show with a few of her own songs for her father.

Everton Blender has a new album soon to be released entitled "Travel the World," so show-goers can expect completely new Blender tunes along with the classic favorites.

Everton Blender will be at the Shattuck Down Low Lounge on Saturday, January 29. The show is 21+, doors open at 9 pm. The Shattuck Down Low Lounge is located at 2284 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. They offer an eclectic mix of live music and djs six nights a week, including Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Salsa, International, Rock and Dance. There are two full bars and availability for private parties. For more information visit their site.