Ryan Chartrand
The Graduate is going to be all “good vibez” when reggae harmony group Israel Vibration showcases its soul-soothing melodies and socially-conscious words Saturday night.
Jamaican-born members Cecil Spence (Skelly) and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss) met as children in a polio treatment center along with former member, Albert Craig (Apple), all suffering from the disease. Resilient to their condition, they conveyed hope through their sounds.
With their shared faith in Rastafari, they found solace in making music that reflected their strong views and beliefs. They went on to make a name for themselves in the reggae community with their first album, “The Same Song.” Thirty years later, the group is still touring and releasing new music.
Co-promoter Dan Sheehan, of Good Vibez Presents, said the two group members are still living with polio, and often perform on crutches.
“They move pretty well out there,” he said. “It is definitely a sight to see, it is definitely inspiring.”
Sheehan said Israel Vibration has been on tour for a over a month, with San Luis Obispo being their fourth to last stop, ending with a show in Hawaii.
Although there is a decrease in college students in San Luis Obispo over the summer, Sheehan is not concerned about the turnout at the show due to the large reggae calling on the Central Coast.
“It is definitely going to be a good show,” he said. “We do a lot of shows in SLO. There is a good following.”
With a new CD appropriately titled “Stamina,” the group will be performing new songs as well as a majority of older and extremely well known hits.
“They will perform classics that people will recognize and some from their new CD,” Sheehan said.
Israel Vibration will not be the only attraction of the night. One of Jamaica’s hottest new bands, Rootz Underground, will be in attendance. Sheehan hopes that the people of San Luis Obispo will catch on to the up-and-coming group.
“They are a breath of fresh air,” he said. “There is a pretty big buzz right now.”
Outlaw Nation will also be performing, offering a variant to the show’s traditional reggae sound.
“They have sort of a Slightly Stoopid sound,” Sheehan said. “It’s more rock-reggae.”
Sheehan hopes there will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether they’re a die-hard reggae fan, or even an occasional appreciator.
“It’s a full show,” he said. “People will definitely get their money’s worth.”
Israel Vibration, Rootz Underground and Outlaw Nation will perform Saturday at The Graduate at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door.