Reggae fans sway to beat tonight

Ziggy Marley will have audiences jamming tonight with his melodic groove at Wilson Hall Auditorium when he takes the stage at 8.

Marley is on tour promoting his first solo album "Dragonfly," which was released late last year, according to Marley's publicist Matt Solodky. Marley said he prefers that the album not be categorized into a particular genre of music; instead, he wants the audience to feel it for themselves. "It's all just music to me," Marley said.

Ziggy Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, has been making music for over 20 years with his three siblings in their group, "The Melody Makers" in his native Jamaica. Marley said his musical influences include Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and his parents.

His stop at JMU is part of a two-month tour that will run through March 6, ending in Pittsburgh. "I heard JMU was a nice place, and I want to spread my messages to future generations," Marley said. "I just want everyone to love each other."

The tour is co-headlined by band Michael Franti & Spearhead, which provides "a delicious smorgasbord of pop, hip-hop, rock and reggae served in an intimate style," said Wendy Weisberg, publicist for the band.

Marley met Michael Franti & Spearhead several years ago while on The Smokin' Grooves Tour together. "They are good people and good artists — together we make a good team," Marley said.

Singer and songwriter Beth Hart will open the show. "Beth Hart has a really unique voice and a unique sound with a lot of versatility," said freshman Jeremy Paredes, UPB director of media and public relations. "She is easy listening, but can also do more upbeat music." Hart is best known for her late '90s hit "L.A. Song."

This will be the first major reggae act to perform at JMU within the past several years, according to Paredes.

"We are definitely expecting a great show," he said. "We're trying to serve to the diversity of the student body."

Tickets are $9 in advance with a JAC card and $13 for the general public and at the door. The concert is general admission, and doors open at 7 p.m.