Beijing band brings reggae night to Wellington
Wellingtonians will get a chance to hear the unique sounds of reggae infused with ancient Chinese culture at a one-night-only gig in the capital next month.
Beijing-based reggae band Long Shen Dao (“Way of the Dragon Spirit”) will perform at San Francisco Bath House from 7pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The band will be supported by Wellington’s DJ Art Official (Anand Naran of Newtown Sound). Tickets are $10.
Long Shen Dao is widely considered China’s first proper reggae band, and its best. Its members - who grew up in different regions of China but met in Beijing - have been playing reggae together since 2006. “We all like reggae music and Bob Marley and it brings us happiness,” manager Haifeng Wang says.
The band has given their reggae distinctive Chinese elements, incorporating the traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng (zither). Their music also draws on rock, dub, hip-hop, ska and electronica.
They name the philosophy of Taoism (“the way”) and the Chinese martial art form of tai chi as inspirations – and have even been known to perform tai chi at gigs. Their debut album was entitled Tai Chi Reggae.
Long Shen Dao is particularly looking forward to meeting Kiwi reggae artists and performing alongside them in their first overseas tour.
The band will also perform at the Auckland Lantern Festival from February 3 to 5; at the Toi o Manukau Waitangi Day Family Celebrations on February 6; and at the Christchurch Lantern Festival on February 11 and 12.
To request interviews with the band, or for photographs, contact:
Rebecca Palmer
Asia New Zealand Foundation Media Adviser
rpalmer@asianz.org.nz
04 470 8701