"It's always a particularly strong month for us, as it should be, because this music that we love has African-American roots however you slice it," says Warren Zanes, the noted rock historian and musician who serves as the Rock Hall's vice president of education. "Every month should really be Black History Month at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But this year the theme is Jamaican music, and it???s really reggae that we're focusing on. That's the music that most directly affected rock and roll's development."
In the conversations, lectures and shows featuring some of reggae's most influential artists and historians, Marley's name will take centerstage. "There's always the presiding spirits when you do deeper programming, and he's going to come up every night," Zanes said. "He'll always be talked about. And I feel confident in advance that it's going to be with a high level of reverence."
Some of that reverence will undoubtedly be felt on Bob's birthday, Feb. 6, when the first event of the month-long program, a lecture by Kenyon College professor Ennis Edmonds entitled, "Rastafari and Reggae: A Marriage Made in Jamaica," takes place at the Case Western Reserve University Baker Nord Center.
The next night will be devoted to Jamaican music on film and will feature clips of Marley, who Zanes likens to a patron saint of his art form."He's one of the rare charismatic individuals who really knew how to use his gift," said Zanes. "He brought people together and made them willing to look at things, whether it was spirituality or how we live together in society."
Zanes went on to explain how reggae fans' passion goes beyond the music itself. "The interesting thing about reggae is politics, spirituality and a deep groove," he said. "The way the music and its messages are delivered, and Marley's the best example of this, people don't shy away from it. In fact, it makes them hungry for more."
They'll get more at the Rock Hall for the remainder of the month.
On Feb. 11, a reggae brunch will feature music by Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band at the Parkview Nite Club Restaurant.
One of the month's highlights comes on Feb. 20 when Island Records founder and Hall of Famer, Chris Blackwell hosts the "Hall of Fame Series" at the Rock Hall. "He was an emissary and a spokesman for the music," said Zanes, promising an evening of conversation about "Marley, the history of Island Records and the music Blackwell fell in love with."
The Blackwell event is a perfect primer for "From Songwriters to Soundmen: the People Behind the Hits," at the Hall the following night, featuring Mikey Dread, the reggae star known for his collaboration with the iconic British punk band The Clash and for his work as an artist and producer in helping launch artists such as Earl 16, Edi Fitzroy, Rod Taylor, Sugar Minott and Junior Marvin.
On Feb. 23, reggae's premier harmony trio, the Mighty Diamonds hits the Rock Hall's Main Stage, with Cleveland's own reggae band, Dub Flex opening the show. Three nights later, the Hall will host an evening of unreleased filmed interviews and performances. And Toots Hibbert closes it all out on Feb. 27 with a celebration of the unique power of reggae music and Jamaican storytelling.
"These guys were hearing black music from the States and folding it into their whole tradition," Zanes says. "And that's when the music's most alive. It's in the air and they fold it in and something new is created. I think that's why Jamaican music is particularly inventive -- because they're doing that all the time."
Here's a thumbnail guide to the Rock Hall's month of special reggae programming:
Feb. 6: "Rastafari and Reggae: A Marriage Made in Jamaica" lecture by Kenyon College professor Ennis Edmonds. Case Western Reserve University Baker Nord Center, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 7: "Jamaican Music on Film: An Evening of Reggae Cinema." Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Fourth Floor, 7 p.m.
Feb. 11: Reggae brunch featuring music by Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band. Parkview Nite Club Restaurant, 1261 West 58th Street. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and the band performs from 3-8 p.m., Admission $5 at the door.
Feb. 20: "A Hall of Fame Series" with Island Records founder and Hall inductee Chris Blackwell. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Fourth Floor, 7 p.m.
Feb. 21: "From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits," with Mikey Dread. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Fourth Floor Theater, 7 p.m.
Feb. 23: The Mighty Diamonds in concert with Dub Flex, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Main Stage, 8 p.m. (Tickets are $10 and are available at the Museum box office and through Ticketmaster).
Feb. 26: An evening of unreleased filmed interviews and performances of reggae legends. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Fourth Floor, 7 p.m.
Feb. 27: An evening with Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Fourth Floor Theater, 7 p.m.
The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, the Museum is open until 9 p.m. Museum admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors (60+), $11 for children (9-12). Children under eight and Museum members are free.
Find out more at www.rockhall.org.