A blessed evening indeed, says Ziggy (14 photos)

With a music career that's spanned more than 30 years, the eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley was a tender pre-teen when he began performing with his siblings in Children Playing in the Streets.

In just a few short years, that group which included Sharon, Cedella and Stephen Marley would become Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers.

Ziggy's current North American tour in support of his fifth solo studio release Fly Rasta made a stop in Sault Ste. Marie Monday evening as he and his exceptional nine-piece band performed more than 90 minutes of infectious reggae grooves.

A man of few words but infinite spirit, Ziggy's setlist highlighted a collection of his own material, both The Melody Makers and solo, including Black Cat, Love Is My Religion, Wild and Free, Forward to Love, Personal Revolution, I Get Up, Tomorrow People, Give It Away, Look Who's Dancing, Conscious Party, and Fly Rasta.

From his father's songbook, he chose Roots Rock Reggae, Could You Be Loved, and Iron Lion Zion.

A traditionally conservative venue, the majority of the 600-person Community Theatre Centre audience chose to 'chair dance' with just a few opting to bob in the aisles.

That is until it was time to call for the encore.

Despite this, a message posted to Ziggy's Facebook page yesterday read: "Thank you Sault Ste. Marie! A blessed evening indeed."

"We were blessed to have you in Sault Ste Marie. Thank you so much to you, your band and your sisters! It was a fantastic evening," one local fan replied.

"Sault Ste. Marie thanks you! Bless! The energy was positive and electric, a privilege to watch and hear you and your crew live!" said another.

Ziggy's Fly Rasta tour continues with two more dates in Canada - Kingston and Kitchener - before heading into the United States for the rest of October and into November.

For up-to-date information about Ziggy Marley, including recipes and products that feature his own line of organic GMO-free coconut oils and hempseeds, please click here.

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