2008 Matisyahu

Matisyahu makes great reggae music and is showing that many different cultures appreciate music as a medium for expressing their strong religious and moral views. He is a Hasidic Jew who raps about the splendor of Judaism through the traditional style of Jamaican music. Matisyahu wears a full untrimmed beard, a black suit and a black hat over his yarmulke. His performances are heartfelt and he's been known to get so into his music that he adds stage diving to those things that make him special to his greatly enthusiastic fans. If you want the best seats for the show, buy your Matisyahu tickets here and see this reggae phenomenon for yourself.

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and eventually raised in White Plains, New York, Matthew Miller received a traditional Jewish upbringing but rebelled against it in his teens. Miller's desire for a hippie lifestyle resulted in his being sent to a number of different schools and camps, where he eventually reconciled with his faith and became interested in reggae and hip-hop music. Upon returning to White Plains, he joined a synagogue that encouraged his interest in music and his faith. Miller chose a new name for himself - Matisyahu - and became very active in his religious community and in the music world, performing with a band.

The Lubavitch Hasidic sect of Judaism has very strict tenets of faith that one would not usually associate with reggae or hip-hop music, but Matisyahu blends the two quite well. Matisyahu plays with Josh Werner (Bass), Johah David (Drums), and Aaron Dugan (Guitar). Tickets to Matisyahu shows sell out all over the country and people responding passionately to his onstage persona and even more so his music.

Reggae music has always been an outlet for religious celebration and political rebellion. Matisyahu's reggae is classic and powerful. The lyrics to his songs are about love, living and faith. Songs like 'King Without a Crown' and 'Warrior,' off his first album, Shake Off the Dust...Arise, speak of his relationship with God and his journey through life trying to incorporate his faith in action and in love. Matisyahu concerts are exciting and inspiring. He performs with enthusiasm and merriment which fuels the audience and gets them moving and singing. Buy your Matisyahu tickets now and enjoy the show. Don't miss this reggae sensation and his powerful message of love.