On October 4th, Matisyahu brought his fall tour, “Built To Survive,” to the Concord Music Hall located between Chicago’s Wicker Park and Logan Square neighborhoods, featuring special guests Radical Something and Cisco Adler. The Concord is known for its bass intensive sound system and is fully prepared to handle the deep bass infused acts that the hall is known for booking. Matisyahu’s act was no exception.
The ground shook with the penetrating Dance Hall Reggae vibrations that Matisyahu is infamous for. Though his newest album “Akeda,” which is Hebrew for the word “Sacrifice,” is considered “Pure Roots” music with a deeply spiritual message, he still managed to break out his signature beat-boxing, Reggae-Dance vibe while throwing in several songs off his previous albums “Spark Seeker,” “Light” and other iconic melodies from his humble beginnings.
What many people don’t know about Matisyahu is that not only is he a Jewish Reggae-inspired rapper, but he is also an old school Phish fan and Deadhead who toured with Phish while soul-searching for many years until he discovered his own gifts and contributions to the music scene. As Matisyahu has evolved as an artist that is now selling out shows, headlining at major venues and festivals around the world, he remains humble and rooted in his music continuing to be an expression of his personal and spiritual life journey.
After an incredible set of his most recent pieces off “Akeda,” done in a completely unique and avant-garde style, he threw in favorites like “Sunshine,” “Jerusalem” and “King Without a Crown” by request from the audience.
One of the many highlights of the night was Matisyahu’s shout-out to the Chicago Blackhawks as player Corey Crawford graced the stage with a surprise appearance. Matisyahu ended another iconic show with his trademark stage-dive and encore signing “One Day” while inviting fans in the audience to climb up on stage and close out the show together.