It’s evident that Akasha is not your regular reggae band. Their reggae tunes mixed with blues and rock definitely kept the crowd alive at Chicago’s Beat Kitchen on a Thursday night. As soon as you walk into Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave.) the atmosphere was noisy to a point where a lady offered me earplugs for my own safety.
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Beat Kitchen
Chicago, IL
August 19, 2010
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While some decided to stay near the bar, others went through a secret door that led to a room where all the bands were performing. After entering through the door, the layout of the room gave me a flash back of the Movie “Wayne’s World” when Wayne and Garth were in the basement practicing with the band, except this room had pink Christmas lights on the ceiling and a stage full of energetic performers.
Akasha hit the stage and the crowd was hyped. The lead singer Cosmos Ray made you think of Jimmy Hendrix as he rocked the wild hair, a scarf around his head, red shirt and sunglasses. As the band sang “Wake Up” the audience was dancing and having a good time, especially the man dressed in all black that was dancing like he’s in a Sean Paul video.
Everyone joined together to sing the chorus with Ray as he belted out “Wake up for the people, wake up for the people”. Shane Jonas, one of the member’s of Akasha says “Wake Up” is his favorite song on the CD. “The lyrics are really deep,” said Jonas who rocked the trumpet.
As the band performed, “Who Knows Jah?” I felt my feet moving as the guy on the guitar rocked and danced to the groovy reggae beats. The song sounded like reggae with a twist of 60s Rock ‘N’ Roll. The floor was shaking as people let the rhythm and sounds of Akasha move their bodies.
The music felt very relaxing and you could feel a positive energy exploding from their music. As I closed my eyes and let the music into my mind I felt as if I was in Jamaica on an island. It was soothing and transient.
After 45 minutes of Akasha’s music you can’t help but to purchase their CD. Their voices have a nice melody; they give you the feeling of unity and peace. This band rocks and they are definitely different from other reggae bands. “Our harmony and image is different, we go back to the old school, ” said Ray.
Overall, great performance by Akasha. The CD only has five songs but it’s worth paying your $8.00. For more information on Akasha, visit
www.akashaband.com
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