Thursday night’s performance of Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World reminded me what I love about FRINGE WORLD.

It reminded me that music has the power to connect to ourselves and others, and in the process can be a force of great change: ‘emotional, spiritual and political’. But this wasn’t just an evening of deep meaning as surprisingly I left the show with a huge smile on my face and looking around, I wasn’t alone. No doubt this was in part attributed to Duane Forrest’s own authentic narrative, his great vocals and a band that looked as happy as Forrest to be on Perth’s stage and performing well known Marley songs such as Jammin, One Love, Three Little Birds and the unforgettable No Woman No Cry.

I enjoyed Forrest’s rendition of Do the Reggay by the Toots and the Maytals from the late 1960’s, and his own early song writing inspired by lost love on the shores on Toronto’s Lake Ontario. Likewise, it was a nice touch to refer to his Mum’s favourite Elvis song I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You which was clearly inspired or influenced by reggae. It was these personal touches that allowed Forrest’s easy rapport with the audience, and which made the evening special.

Inviting the audience to sing along and immerse themselves in the infectious rhythms of reggae, this was clearly an evening celebrating Forrest’s Jamaican heritage which in his early years in Toronto he struggled with. His stories of home and school life in Toronto were funny. He also discussed Marley’s songs and life, sharing cultural history that was new to me. Ending the evening on a medley of songs influenced by Marley and Forrest’s fun pun of being ‘A Jamaican in Fremantle’ (not Englishman in New York) were a highlight.

The Ellington Jazz Club was a crowded but intimate venue for the show, and I felt perfect for Forrest’s performance. The audience ranged from teenage to older showing how Marley continues to influence the world. Perfect for a date night, catch up with friends and family, I think this show was wide appeal. It was a 4.5 star show, and I would recommend attendance at any event Forrest and his band have planned for their time in Australia.