Tuesday July 20th, Strangeland Tuesdays summer reggae series continues with Taj Weekes and Adowa at One Pelham East, downtown Newport, RI.

Photo: Scott Evans

Taj Weekes — Guitar, vocals
Taj Weekes is an enigma… on the one hand deeply serious and intensely passionate about his worldviews and on the other hand a gentle and humble man with a quick and easy smile. Driven to inspire conscious thought and provoke discussion through his poignant poetry and lyrics, Weekes says, “I write from the heart and I speak about issues that move me. I believe that’s what really matters.”

Radss — Bass
Radss is a native of Pichelin, Dominica, and comes from a family of talented musicians. His musical vibes burned from the very beginning crediting his father, Lord Tokyo, a recorded Calypsonian musician.
Desiree’s aura to become a bassist really caught fire when his cousins, bassists Natty and Jervier, taught him lines, progressions and formulas, catapulting Radss on his way to becoming a sapid musician.

Adoni Xavier — Guitar
Adoni was born in Trinidad, W.I. but moved to Ohio as a teenager. He received his first musical education from his left handed teacher who encouraged him to play right handed. Adoni soon played the guitar right handed, even though he is left handed. After playing with a few bands, school and his job led him to Chicago. It was at this point that Rastafari helped define music for him. Adoni decided that whatever change he would make to better the world, would have to be with music. Adoni later returned to Trinidad to be with his family for a time but returned to New York where he now works with many musicians with different musical styles, cultural artists, freedom fighters and performers. This work gives him “inspiration and has influenced his playing greatly.”