Ziggy Marley is a reggae artist who can appeal to almost anyone, whether or not you’re a fan of reggae. He appeared at the Lowell Summer Music Series last week to open their 25th anniversary season, and it was a great way to start the summer!

Ziggy Marley

If it is possible to be both high energy and mellow, Ziggy has mastered that.

It was a gorgeous evening for a concert; a bit cool after the sun set, but that didn’t bother the throngs of people who danced to every note.  Half the audience was on their feet for the entire show, with the other half joining in the dancing toward the end.

Ziggy

Ziggy is touring this summer on the heels of his latest release, ‘Fly Rasta’. The two songs from that album which I know were performed, ‘Fly Rasta’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna Live On Mars’, are catchy and I instantly liked them.

Ziggy and Band

The set list comprised many old favorites such as ‘Tomorrow People’, ‘Could You Be Loved’, ‘True to Myself’, ‘One Love’, and ‘Is This Love’, but they played other less familiar songs that were no less enjoyable.

Ziggy

There was not much banter, but it was clear to me that everyone and especially Ziggy was having a great time performing for us.

Ziggy

Backing Vocalists

Lead Guitarist

Some of the band

There were a few young children almost hidden in the back corner of the stage, but one slithered his way into a tangle of cords and mic stands and played some percussion for us.

One of the children

Ziggy’s music contains messages and peace, love and understanding and is well worth a listen.

Ziggy

Opening the show was a reggae band from 603 (New Hampshire), the Roots of Creation. They were an ideal warm up act for Ziggy, getting the crowd more in the mood than we already were.

Roots of Creation

Even people who do not especially enjoy reggae enjoyed this show! Boarding House Park was a little oasis of bliss on this night in the middle of this post-industrial city.