The Wailers & Rusted Root | 05.31.2014 | Newport Yachting Center | Newport, RI

The Wailers & Rusted Root

w/ Adam Ezra Group & The Ravers

05.31.2014 :: Newport Yachting Center :: Newport, RI

Photos By: Brett Witten

Words By: Chloe Carlton

This past weekend marked the 30th anniversary of the release of The Wailers’ infamous album Legend. To mark this occasion, the band joined up with Rusted Root, The Adam Ezra Group, and The Ravers for an amazing show at The Newport Yachting Center in Newport, R.I.
 
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this venue but I have to say, I was blown away. It felt like a mini festival with food trucks, beer tents, ice cream, and a beautiful view of the ocean to boot. The afternoon kicked off with The Ravers playing down by the pier, getting everyone into the right mood through their renditions of “Here I Come” by Barrington Levy and “I Love King Selassie” by Black Uhuru. Next up was The Adam Ezra Group in the tent. Their acoustic sound mixed with Corinna Smith’s amazing violin and lead singer Adam Ezra’s inspirational dialogues made you see how real and down to earth they were and the audience was having an awesome time dancing along, especially when it came time for them to play “The Devil Came Up To Boston”, which if you aren’t familiar with and you are from New England, you should definitely give a listen.
 

“As I looked around the tent I could truly feel the mood and energy that Bob Marley and The Wailers alike represent. Strangers were embracing, smiling, and dancing together, sharing this experience and moment in time with those around them.”

Next on the stage was Rusted Root who continued the amazing vibes performing some of their most well known songs including “Send Me On My Way” and “Ecstasy”.
 
As the sun set over the yachting center the infamous Wailers took the stage. Making a dedication to the late Bob Marley they played some of his most well known songs including “Is This Love”, “No Woman No Cry”, “Three Little Birds”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “One Love”, and “Get Up Stand Up”. As I looked around the tent I could truly feel the mood and energy that Bob Marley and The Wailers alike represent. Strangers were embracing, smiling, and dancing together, sharing this experience and moment in time with those around them. As The Wailers left the stage I had a feeling we would be in for an amazing encore and I wasn’t disappointed. With only three performers on the stage, the iconic tune of “The Redemption Song” began to play. As people began filing out of the tent, I realized how quickly six hours had passed since I had first arrived and how I wished I could do it all over again.
 
Check out tour schedules for The Adam Ezra Group, Rusted Root, and The Wailers to see what shows/festivals they will be at this summer near you! Also, if you are local to RI and looking for a reggae escape, check out Ziggy Marley at the Newport Yachting Center June 20!