Israel Vibration and Duane Stephenson

Event Details

Moes Alley presents the return of Jamaican reggae legends Israel Vibration with a very special guest, Duane Stephenson, all backed by the iconic Roots Radics band!

Friday, May 16th

• Doors: 8pm
• Show: 9pm
• Price: $40 in advance / $45 day of the show
• Age: 21+

Israel Vibration

Israel Vibration is a living lesson in fortitude; the vocal trio of Cecil "Skeley" Spence, Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, and Lascelle "Wiss" Bulgin overcame adversity, illness, and poverty to become one of the finest roots groups in Jamaica's history. All three were afflicted by polio and became acquainted at Kingston's Mona Rehabilitation Clinic. Their shared faith in Rastafarianism and childhood experiences helped forge a strong friendship.

Over six years, they sang around Kingston and by 1975, Israel Vibration was a vocal force to be reckoned with. Their exquisite dread sound and militant cultural themes made an instant impression, leading them to open for artists like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. The trio's deeply devotional songs, cultural themes, and original take on roots style resonated with reggae fans worldwide.

They relocated to New York City, hoping to sustain themselves through the large immigrant community or America's embrace of roots. However, they soon disappeared from view, attempting solo careers. Bulgin recorded the "Mr. Sunshine" album with the Freedom Fighters Band. In 1997, Apple Gabriel left the group, releasing the album "Another Moses" in 1999. Skelly and Wiss continued recording albums and touring the world as Israel Vibration, supported by Roots Radics.

In December 2014, they began recording a new album "Play It Real," released on March 31st, 2015. Sadly, Albert Apple Gabriel passed away on March 23, 2020, due to complications from past polio infections. Cecil Skelly Spence died of lung cancer on August 26th, 2022.

Duane Stephenson

Duane Stephenson is a respected singer and songwriter known for the purity of his heart and sound, felt from the first note of his melodic instrument. His work features a variety of issues, from powerful social commentary to romance. Duane's early exposure to music industry veterans provided guidance and inspiration along his path.

Admission Information

This event is 21 and over. Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating they are at least 21 years old will not be admitted to this event and will not be eligible for a refund.