Intimate Ethiopian Reggae Night at L’Orange Blue, NYC

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A group of musicians drove in from the DC area to bless New York City with roots reggae on Saturday December 13th. The group included Zakki Jawad of Zedicus, Tsegaye Selassie of Lasta Sound (and the move Journey to Lasta), Abegaz Shiota of Admas and Tosin Aribisala of Hallelujazz project. This intimate event took place at a cozy bar/restaurant L’Orange Blue located on Broom Street at the corner of Crosby. There was no difficulty finding the place or a parking spot-which is highly unlikely in New York City.

Promotions and communications stated the program would start around 11:30 p.m. I think New Yorkers know what that means-so they promptly started around 1:30 a.m. Even at a late start the $15.00 entrance cover was worth the two hour non-stop solid delivery of roots reggae and even some Amarigna music. The place was not huge but cozy and comfortable. The band was within reach of the audience as they played songs that had everyone skanking to the reggae beat.

All of the musicians were amazing. On a special note, the drummer was incredible, as he treated the crowd to his complex rhythmic drumming.

Tsegaye performed Tilahun’s “Yasalefnew Zemen” and a wedding song for a bride-to-be in the crowd. The show ended promptly around 3:30 a.m. and by that time, the late start and the $15.00 cover charge was all worth it. I hope they will have more shows to come in the NYC area where we can gather at such cozy and intimate places and see new faces.