Pato Banton Brings Reggae ‘Perfection' to Belly Up

Pato Banton (born Patrick Murray) has created reggae music for more than 20 years and tours incessantly.  Known for his energy-driven concerts, the Brit will perform Saturday at the Belly Up Tavern. 

Dave Wakeling of the band the (English) Beat.  Banton’s toasting (rapping) style, earned him a collaboration with Ranking on the single “Pato and Roger A Go Talk,” on the Beat’s 1992 album, Special Beat Service. The success of the track paved the way for Banton’s first studio album, Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton, a reggae classic.

Banton wrote and recorded “Absolute Perfection” with the San Diego reggae-rock band Private Domain (formerly the Bratz) in 1983. Never Give In! is Banton’s sophomore album and contains the hits “Don’t Sniff Coke,” “Gwarn,” “Settle Satan” and “Handsworth Riot.”  Although his vocals aren’t strong, Banton’s writing and storytelling ability is what his Pato-ites love about him. Makeda Dread Cheatom of the WorldBeat Center was Banton’s manager and inspired the song “Go Pato,” which became a hit with his loyal fans.

Featuring a strong stage presence, Banton’s shows are electric as he feeds off the crowd’s energy. Fans are invited onstage to sing with Banton, and depending on the vibe, group prayers have occurred. Banton’s music covers reggae and pop-influenced music, and he has worked with many artists, including <a href="http://www.ub40.co.uk/">UB40, Sting and David Hines of Steel Pulse. Banton is touring with his new band, Now Generation which features musicians from California.

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

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