Wednesday, October 9

DSP Shows presents The Wailers live at Asbury Hall 40th Anniversary of Survival with special guest Brad Ray

Tickets: On Sale Fri 7/12 at 12noon  $27 advance, $30 day of show General Admission Standing at Ticketfly.com, Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p), or charge by phone at 877.987.6487

7pm Doors, 8pm Show

The legendary Wailers continue their quest to bring reggae to the forefront of the world’s stage.  Led by renowned bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and joined by original Wailers guitarist Donald Kinsey, The Wailers give audiences around the globe the opportunity to experience their unique and innovative sound. From 1972 to 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded, toured, and performed before countless millions worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman has carried on the mission to “keep The Wailers together” – just as Bob requested.

In tribute to the late co-founder and drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, The Wailers present Familyman’s multi-talented son, Aston Barrett Jr. It’s startling to witness how the young powerhouse delivers with his uncle’s inspiring landmark “one drop” drumming style. Also on stage is polished background singer Shema McGregor, daughter of I Three singer Judy Mowatt and Reggae pioneer Freddie McGregor.

Accompanying the legends and children-of-legends on stage are many other talented musicians: bass guitarist Owen “Dreadie” Reid, a former student of Familyman who also plays bass with Julian Marley’s Uprising band; front man Joshua David Barrett, Rastaman by lifestyle and culture, who delivers Bob’s powerful message of Jah love and unity through his performance and interaction with the audience; Andres Lopez on keyboards, who has performed with artists such as Alborosie, Lutan Fyah, and Anthony B.; and Anne-Marie Thompson, an experienced gospel singer. FOH/Sound engineer is Christian Cowlin, a Wailers Band veteran who has traveled the world with The Wailers for more than 20 years and who is responsible for the band’s live sound.

Since Bob Marley’s untimely passing in 1981, Familyman vowed to keep a promise he made to his leader and friend – that he would hold the band together and maintain the music’s quality, to “keep me [Bob Marley] alive through music.” The message is still Burnin’, the Exodus of Jah people continues, Uprising and Survival remain the call to fans. The incomparable Wailers are coming to Babylon by Bus, to rock the stage, to bring the magic and message of Roots Rasta Reggae. It’s a Rastaman Vibration: a slice of music history you must not miss. Legend.

Brad Ray

Rome, Georgia native Brad Ray began playing guitar at the age of twelve. He honed his playing skills listening to a diverse palette of artists; Third Eye Blind, Prince, Whitesnake and Maxwell, just to name a few. From these influences, he began to develop his own unique style of playing and composing songs. Fast forward a couple years and Brad is studying at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. It is there that he really began to grow as a writer composing literally hundreds of songs and performing when he could fit it in between studies. He realized there that his heart was that of an artist and he left school to pursue a career as a songwriter and performer.

In 2015 Brad launched his professional touring career and performed with Howie Day (“We Collide”), Paul Pfau and Steve Everett of (The Voice). In early 2016, Brad joined forces with Rock Radio favorite: Sister Hazel for his first U.S. Tour and then joined Alt/Rock legends; Hinder for yet another tour of the country. This Fall he once again toured the U.S. with Jon McLaughlin and Marc Scibilia. In 2017, Brad and band toured with XEB throughout the U.S. It has been a very busy couple years with 4 tours and a new album completed!

The new album on Stingray Records is the eponymous release; Brad Ray. This is Brad’s first “Official” release. The record was recorded at legendary Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, TN. Studio aces; Greg Morrow (Joe Bonamassa), Steve Mackey (Wallflowers), Dennis Wage (Delbert McClinton, T. Graham Brown), Dan Dugmore (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor), The McCrarys (Bob Dylan, Carrie Underwood) and others were enlisted for the project. Grammy nominated engineer, Steve Marcantonio mixed the project.The record was produced by Ben McRee.

After taking a needed break from the road, Brad is back with new material and is ready to go. Look out for a new album in 2020 and catch him on tour throughout the year.