Reggae legends the Wailers to play Sonoma Sept. 13

The renowned reggae band the Wailers bring its Caribbean-infused sounds to the Reel Fish Shop and Grill on Thursday night. It has been 37 years since Bob Marley passed away, but his band is still going strong.

Today, the Wailers are steered by bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and joined by original Wailers’ guitarists Junior Marvin and Donald Kinsey.

From 1973 to 1980, Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded, toured and performed before countless millions worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman and Junior have carried on the mission to “keep the Wailers together,” just as Bob Marley requested, affirming: “By doing that, you keep me alive through the music.”

In tribute to the late co-founder and drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, the Wailers present Carly’s nephew, Aston Barrett, Jr., on drums.

“It’s startling how the young powerhouse delivers with his uncle’s inspiring landmark style,” says Howard Sapper of the Reel. “Lead singer Joshua David Barrett is a Rastaman by lifestyle and culture. Josh delivers Bob’s powerful message of Jah love and unity through his performance and interaction with the audience.”

Sapper said that he is particularly excited about this show as he believes that this is a smallest venue that the Wailers have ever played.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for local reggae fans,” he said.

Also on stage are singers Shema McGregor, daughter of I Three Judy Mowatt, and Hassanah, a multi-cultural powerhouse; veterans Owen “Dreadie” Reid on guitar/bass and Noel Davey on keyboards. The performance anchor is live engineer Dennis Thompson, the man responsible for the Wailers sound in stadiums, clubs and studios throughout the 1970s.

There are more than 250 million Bob Marley & the Wailers recordings sold, including 1977’s "Exodus," anointed Best Album of the Century in 1999 by Time magazine, and “One Love,” named Song of the Millennium that same year by BBC. Spin magazine listed Bob Marley & The Wailers at #4 of the “50 Greatest Bands of All Times,” while the New York Times named Bob Marley the most significant musician of the 20th century.

The Wailers take the stage at the Reel at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13.

Tickets are on sale at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wailers-tickets-48314559147 or www. thereelfishshop.com.