Roots Rock Rabbi

Hailing from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Matisyahu Miller is the original, self-proclaimed "Hassidic Reggae Superstar." If that sounds kinda fakachta to you, you're not alone: Time magazine and Carson Daly both found the former Phishhead curious enough to give him some exposure. On his JDub Records debut, Shake Off the Dust... Arise, Matis (as he's known to his mishpacha,or family) chants down traditional Yiddish-style nigunim, or spiritual melodies, and mixes in reggae rhythms, conscious lyrics, beatbox, and some hip-hop flow for good measure. Surprisingly, it all works beautifully, revealing the previously unexplored Jew-to-Jah connection. Outtakes takes a closer look...

Oy vey!

Details

7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 24. Tickets cost $10. Call 954-564-1074.

Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale.

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More About

• Matisyahu
• Crown Heights
• Brooklyn
• Slang
• Folk Music

Rastafarianism

The LookThick beards, tie dye, head wraps, and dreadlocks (long, rope-like hair).

The SoundReggae is celebratory Jamaican folk music featuring syncopated rhythms and hypnotic bass lines. May spur skank stepping and cries of "Jah! Rastafari."

The SpiritPraises Haile Selassie, former emperor of Ethiopia, as the messiah. Adheres to ancient Torah texts. Ganja is a sacrament.

Dietary Restrictions

Ital allows for only organically grown fruits, vegetables, and grains and prohibits meat and milk, as well as salt and alcohol.

Musical ForebearsPeter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley.

Musical LegacyCapleton, the conscious dancehall toaster.

Idiomatic ExclamationIrie, mon!

Orthodox Judaism

The LookThick beards, black coats, yarmulke, and payis (long, curly sideburns).

The SoundKlezmer is celebratory Eastern European folk music featuring instruments like clarinet, flute, and violin. May incite frenzied circle dancing and rabid clapping.

The SpiritPraises the one true God through rigorous study of ancient Torah texts. Restricts interaction between men and women. Wine is a sacrament.

Dietary Restrictions

Kashrut allows only humanely slaughtered animals, separates dairy and meat products, and prohibits "animals with a non-cloven hoof" like pigs and camels.

Musical ForebearsHeard of Naftule Brandwein, the "King of Yiddish Clarinet"? Neither have we.

Musical LegacyMatisyahu, the Hasidic reggae superstar.

Idiomatic ExclamationOy vey!