Matisyahu + G. Love and Special Sauce 2023 Summer Tour

When it comes to concert venues in the SWLF region, there’s no better place than The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon. Although the setup is clearly meant for line dancing, The Ranch provides a huge pit/floor with tons of seating areas surrounding it to relax and enjoy the show. Giant projectors are placed throughout the venue to ensure everyone can see the show, no matter what vantage point you’re at. When I heard Matisyahu was playing here, I knew I was coming. Reggae music was always a love of mine. The lineup consisted of support from G. Love and Special Sauce and Cydeways.

Cydeways was the opening act and quickly filled the atmosphere with some positive vibes. Between slipping in and out between reggae, alternative rock, and a little bit of rap sprinkled throughout, Cydeways managed to fill the floor with dancing couples and high energy. Cydeways is an alternative band out of Santa Barbara, CA. Their frontman Dustin was an extremely nice guy and their music reminds me of early Sublime.

Cydeways

G. Love was born in Philly and eventually moved around until the band ended up out west. Blending everything from folk, blues, and rap, it’s not a surprise they broke out in 1994 with their self-titled debut. Continuing to spread the love and sauce for over twenty-five years, G. Love and the Special Sauce would release seven more albums and four on his own.

G. Love and Special Sauce took the stage next. Artist paintings were displayed in the background showcasing one of G. Love’s many talents. It was pretty clear that G. Love and Special Sauce had the special sauce. Their music was captivating!

Starting off in the blues chair, G. Love showcased his musical skills by playing the guitar, harmonica, and singing. With Jim Prescott on the stand-up bass and Chuck Treece on the drums, this trio showed why their music has been phenomenal for over 20 years. At one point during the set, G. Love helped create a memory for one of the fans that they would never forget. G. Love noticed a fan taking a video of the performance and grabbed the phone to sing into it while performing on the stage. G. Love and Special Sauce had the sauce that night!

G. Love and the Special Sauce

With Cydeways coming back on stage to kick off the music, also supported by Ezra Miller from The Flash and Fantastic Beasts, the light dimmed, hands went up in the air, shouts and whoops drowned out the instruments as Matisyahu walked out. He kicked off the show with the song Jerusalem. Reggae vibes and music filled the air with electricity as he swayed and glided across the stage in an almost ethereal fashion. The most iconic part of the night was when nearly everyone from the tour, including G. Love and the merchandise guy, came on stage to play the drums and jam. At this point, Ezra used his cup as his preferred instrument.

Smiles were on everyone’s faces, both on stage and in the crowd, as they all jammed in unison. It was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. There was so much love, joy, and happiness in the air. It was truly special. When people say things are a whole vibe and you had to be there to see/feel it, it’s true. I was happy to be a part of that moment and I don’t think I’ll ever see a show that can replicate that. Matisyahu played both old and new songs, jamming and beatboxing until the lights came on and the show was over.

Matisyahu, which is Hebrew for “gift of god” is a storyteller, Grammy award/nominated singer, beat boxer, and rapper. Known for blending reggae and beatboxing, Matisyahu saw early success with “King without a Crown.” Named Top Reggae Artist by Billboard, Matisyahu has continued to preach love and equality across the globe.

If you can catch one of his remaining shows, don’t hesitate! It was an unforgettable and amazing experience!