"Unity The Band" Makes Troubles Melt Away at Club Pi

There is not a genre of music more up-lifting than reggae. It makes you remove your worries and troubles, whether you want to or not. Reggae originated from places of poverty and deprivation, yet somehow these unfortunate people have the most optimistic soundtrack. It makes you wonder how this is possible and it inspires.

What better than a time of recession to check out some reggae music and hear lines like--"Don't worry 'bout a thing, every little thing is going to be all right." A lyric which could either solve our economic problems or just get you through the week.

On April 24, Club Pi hosted Unity The Band, a reggae band out of Appleton. Unity plays a mix of original songs and covers. Most of their covers are usually either Sublime or Bob Marley hits. The band consists of a drummer, bass guitar, two rhythm guitarists, keyboard player, back-up singer, bongo player, alto-sax, and lead vocals. They blend these ingredients to make a very funky and rhythmic show.

Most of the energy is derived from Pita Katobalavu, frontman and native of Fiji. It is not his vocal ability that drives his performance but it is his flagrant passion for the music. During some songs Pita breaks out a type of skat that is quick, precise, and highly energetic.

Steve Johnson, the saxophone player provides the melody. Johnson who graduated from UW-Green Bay with a degree in Jazz studies, has impeccable timing. His solos give Unity an aria that it would otherwise not posses.

Unity gets the crowd involved, often sticking the mike stand out to the crowd, encouraging people to sing along. Watching Unity perform you can tell they love playing music. During solos, the lead singer jumps up and down, dancing as his dreadlocks swing as free as the music makes you feel.

May 29, Unity will be back at Club Pi. Their shows are fun and uplifting, also Club Pi doesn't have an admission at the door, which is nice.
We give Unity the Band 4.999 hemp ponchos out of 5.

Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo

Rupert GonzoGonzo
Contributor-at-Large
rupert@gonzoguidegreenbay.com