Stephen Marley weathers the storm at Indian Ranch
Stephen Marley weathers the storm for a soulful performance at Indian Ranch
Stephen Marley weathers the storm for a soulful performance at Indian Ranch
Once you’ve turned on to Charlie Daniels Drive in the small Central Massachusetts town of Webster, you know you’ve arrived at the renowned Indian Ranch amphitheater. Since its inception in 1946, Indian Ranch has been the stage for some of the biggest legends in Country and Rock music.
Indian Ranch located on the shores of Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagaugchaubunagungamaugg (Yes, it really is that long of a name! It’s also known as Lake Webster for short), boasts not only a rich musical history but it is also a wonderful seasonal campground that attracts enthusiasts from far and wide.
Indian Ranch has embraced the infectious beats of Reggae in recent years. From Ziggy Marley gracing the stage in 2021, Michael Franti in 2022 to Stephen Marley’s debut performance there on Thursday, July 27th, Reggae will hopefully continue to take root at this intimate outdoor venue.
Mother Nature seemed determined to put on her own pre-show performance that evening. Threats of severe storms loomed large, causing a downpour of rain and a subsequent thunderstorm that led to a nearly two-hour delay in opening the gates. Undeterred, the steadfast Reggae fans waited in their cars, their enthusiasm undiminished. As the skies began to clear, the show commenced, albeit about 45 minutes behind schedule.
Due to the weather the opening acts Roots of Creation and Jesse Royal performances were almost canceled. At the last moment it was decided their sets would go on just before a beautiful sunset, opening instead with well received short unplugged style sets to warm up the audience. Despite the unforeseen delays, the atmosphere was electric as well as steamy, charged with anticipation for Stephen Marley’s set.
Stephen Marley and his full band then took the stage, and from the first notes of “Reggae on Broadway,” he transported the thoroughly engaged fans to a world of roots, rock and reggae during his approximately ninety minute soulful performance. The setlist was a carefully curated selection of fan-favorite songs from his multiple grammy-award winning albums, punctuated by some of his father’s most cherished compositions.
Among the highlights of Stephen’s performance was his inclusion of the recently released single, “Old Soul,” which coincided with his birthday celebration on 4/20/23. He shared his excitement about this new release, explaining that it was a preview of his forthcoming album, Old Soul, his first full length project since 2016.
After his initial set drew to a close, the impassioned audience’s chants of “Marley” reverberated through the air, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated encore that commenced with “The Mission.” Fans definitely appreciated the partially altered lyrics including “From Jamaica to Massachusetts,” while enthusiastically dancing, singing and humming along to the energetic song. The final song of the encore provided a harmonious finale as fans united in song to the timeless Bob Marley classic, “One Love.”
Stephen Marley Delivers Soulful performance at Indian Ranch
Stephen Marley’s Babylon by Bus summer tour concluded in mid-August in Florida, marking the end of a spectacular coast to coast mission highlighting love and unity. The journey starts anew this fall. In September, Stephen Marley will embark on the Old Soul Tour, a captivating unplugged experience, with special guest Mike Love joining him on select dates.
For more information on Stephen Marley’s new album, Old Soul (release date 9/15/23) and tour dates visit stephenmarleymusic.com. For Indian Ranch campground information and the full roster of upcoming shows visit IndianRanch.com.
