Katchafire in Melbourne

Katchafire is a New Zealand roots-reggae band formed in Hamilton in 1997. The group began as a Bob Marley tribute act before developing its own catalogue, including the albums Revival, Slow Burning and Say What You’re Thinking, and songs such as “Giddy Up,” “Get Away” and “Who You With.” Katchafire moved beyond its tribute-band beginnings by touring its original material throughout Australia, the United States and Europe. The concerts use a full-band format and draw on the group’s multiple vocalists, reggae rhythm section and dub-influenced arrangements. The band has performed at California Roots Music and Arts Festival in Monterey and Rototom Sunsplash in Benicàssim.

Mike Love is an American reggae singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Oahu, Hawaii. His roots-reggae songs draw on vocal harmonies, beatboxing and layered acoustic instrumentation; he is best known for “Permanent Holiday” and the album The Change I’m Seeking. A Sugarshack Sessions performance of “Permanent Holiday” documented the live-looping format central to his shows, as he builds parts from voice, guitar and percussion in real time. He has also presented the repertoire with a full band and performed at California Roots Music and Arts Festival in Monterey and Rototom Sunsplash in Benicàssim.