Big Takeover takes over Utica's Levitt AMP Music Series. Free concert features roots reggae

Mike Jaquays
·2 min read

The sounds of Jamaica come to Utica Monday, Aug. 8 as The Big Takeover continues the free Levitt AMP Utica Music Series outdoor concerts in Kopernik Park. Fronted by Jamaican-born singer/songwriter NeeNee Rushie, the seven-piece, horn-driven Hudson Valley-based band plays original music that is rooted in the reggae, rocksteady and ska sounds of Jamaican pop. The group also features Guthrie Lord on guitar, Rob Kissner on bass, Andrew Vogt on trombone, Chas Montrose on saxophone, Manuel Quintana on drums and percussion and Roger LaRochelle on drums.

"We always play an upbeat, positive, high energy set," Rushie promised. "We set out to put a smile on our audience's faces and inspire movement."

Devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way "the old school did it," The Big Takeover blends traditions like a group of global pop fusionists. Their music boasts deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks, all combined with Motown and 21st century retro soul and rhythm and blues.

Rushie said she enjoys feeling the energy of a group of people enjoying music together.

"There is a special time when the band and the audience are really feeling the moment," she explained. "And knowing that so many people in the same room just get it, it feels amazing."

The family-friendly concert is from 6 to 9 p.m. with opening act Uncle Charlie and the Meatballs, a blues/rock five-piece jam band from Utica. Admission is free, and the public is invited to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to the concerts. The series also will offer art activities for young concert-goers and food trucks will be on site.

More:Levitt AMP Utica Music Series lineup set in Utica. See who's playing when

Rushie is looking forward to The Big Takeover's visit to Utica.

"We played the Utica Music and Arts Festival years ago when we were younger and had different members," she recalled. "It will be nice to showcase how much we have grown and that we are a new groovy lineup."

Kopernik Park is located at 317 Genesee St. at the corner of Eagle Street and Park Avenue near DeSales.

Mike Jaquays is the community news reporter for the Mid-York Weekly. Email him at mjaquays@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Big Takeover brings roots reggae to Levitt AMP Music Series in Utica