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Reggae's Pato Banton spreads positive vibes beyond the music

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By Don Thrasher, Contributing Writer 6:47 PM Thursday, April 30, 2009

British reggae artist Pato Banton has been known for his musical convictions, positive lyrics and deep spirituality ever since his solo debut, “Never Give In,” was released in 1988.

There’s also a side of him fiercely dedicated to community outreach, which prompted the socially conscious musician to leave reggae behind from 2000 to 2004 while he focused on community outreach in his hometown of Birmingham, England.

During that time, Banton started the School of Musical Arts and Technology and created Musical Connections, which placed music equipment and computers into youth centers. His latest project is a 50-state tour that started in January and pulls into Peach’s Grill in Yellow Springs on Saturday, May 2. Banton took a few minutes last week to speak over the telephone from Fargo, N.D., and discuss this massive undertaking.

MISSION MAN

“This is more of a mission than a tour. We’re bringing positive vibes all across America, so it’s more a music ministry. We’re not only doing shows during this tour, but we’re also going to schools, colleges, community centers, detention centers for young people, foster care places and churches. Sometimes I perform, and sometimes I just speak to people. I’m just trying to make people feel better and uplift their spirits.”

NEVER GIVE IN

“My first full-length album was called ‘Never Give In,’ so my intention from the beginning was to have positive music. Reggae music for me was the inspiration and a liberation. When I decided to become a reggae artist, I made a promise I would always make my music be an uplifting message. I’ve never really been concerned with current trends. When you have a universal perspective, you realize there’s only one trend, and that’s being positive.”

COMING TO AMERICA

“I’ve been in the U.S. since 2006. I felt very inspired to be here and to do this. I really do believe America is the leading nation in the world, so it needs to be advanced in all avenues, not just military technology, but also morality, spirituality, sociology and ecology.

‘‘America needs to be a conscious nation, and so far people have been very receptive to the message. I believe the timing is right. I always pray and meditate for guidance, and I honestly think I was guided to be here, so I’m just going to do my best to be of service here in America. When I feel guided to be somewhere else, that’s where I’ll be.”

How to go

Who: Pato Banton, with Seefari

Where: Peach’s Grill, 104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

When: 10 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $10

More info: (937) 767-4850 or www.peachsgrill.com

Artist info: www.patobanton.com

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