The Green, Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, Dallas -

By Ryan Javier

DALLAS – The final stop of The Green’s wildly successful Chocolate and Roses tour was at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill. Hundreds of fans were in attendance. Even two hours before the show, the open-air venue was packed. Mild temperatures and clear skies after a rain gave gave the whole venue a tropical feel, which made for a perfect atmosphere for The Green. It may have been mid-march in Texas, however due to the setting and The Green’s laid back reggae tunes, the concert felt as though it was a summer show taking place a lot closer to the ocean.

The Green hit the stage with the ferocity and energy level normally reserved for a metal band. They played a lengthy set of old and new hit songs. They also performed music spanning the extent of their discography with a few covers thrown in for good measure. The prodigious and prophetic lyrics served to promote The Green’s “Aloha Spirit” and their message of peace and love. That message was received, loud and clear. Everyone in the crowd was in high spirits, convivial and in a mellow mood during the entire concert. Positive vibes pervaded throughout the house as über happy ticketholders danced and chillaxed to the Green’s groovy tunes. Even early in their set, it was hard not to get caught up in the rhetoric and soon everyone was tapping their feet and singing along. The Green’s style is infectious that way.

Hailing from the Hawaiian Islands, The Green formed in 2009 and is made up of six of talented musicians. The band consists of lead vocalist, Caleb Keolanui, JP Kennedy and Zion Thompson who each play guitar as well as sing. They are joined by keyboardist, Ikaika Antone, who also sings, bassist/keyboardist, BW Watanabe and percussionist, Jordan Espinoza. Songwriting is a collaborative effort equally shared among the six band members. Their style of classic reggae beats fused with contemporary lyrics, steeped in Hawaiian tradition and ritual, grounded in a solid old school rudeboy sound is the key to the band’s success. Their unique sound and has garnered The Green a host of awards and accolades throughout the band’s short history. Their acclaimed self-titled debut album easily won Best Reggae Album of the Year by iTunes and since then the band has taken home a slew of other awards. The Green’s first two albums alone have sold over 50,000 copies. Their current LP, entitled Chocolate and Roses, is available online and most music stores.

After spending a few weeks at home, The Green will take to the road again, with their first stop being Tahiti on April 2. Following that they are headed to the East Coast. Tour info and upcoming show dates can be found on the band’s Facebook page and on their website.

Article and photos by: Ryan Javier