Sat 11/30 @ 9PM
I-Tal introduced many Cleveland rockers to reggae back in the late ’70s and early ’80s, as the first homegrown reggae group to play around the city, the region, and later the entire eastern half of the U.S. and Canada.
Most of the members left in 1984 to form First Light, which expanded I-Tal’s influence even more with their massive regional popularity. Leader Dave Smeltz kept I-Tal going until 1990, performing mainly on the east coast.
In recent years, he’s gathered together former members, including those from First Light, to play occasional special shows, like the one the band’s doing this Thanksgiving weekend at the Grog Shop.
The opening slot will be held down by Primal Rhythm, a female drum ensemble led by percussion teacher/guru Sue Balaschak, who uses rhythm to encourage energy flow and attainment of spiritual awareness.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Photo: I-Tal at the Hessler Street Fair in May