More and more, it seems like reggae music in Bend is tidal.

Over my seven years here, we’ve experienced long stretches of low tide, when not much reggae is happening.

And there have also been a few high-tide times, with more touring artists stopping in town for shows and more locals educating themselves in the way of the skank. (That’s the word for reggae’s off-beat rhythm, by the way.)

Right now feels like a rising tide, at the least. Locally, 2nd Hand Soldiers, Vital Rhythm, Strive Roots and Necktie Killer are staying plenty busy. And this spring has brought shows by Rebelution, Pato Banton and Pepper, among others.

The tropical streak will continue Thursday at Liquid Lounge, when NorCal reggae veteran Jah Sun performs, along with his buds in Dubtronic Kru. Both take a pop/dancehall-oriented approach to reggae, injecting their music with vibrant sounds, big hooks and a message of hope and positivity.

Jah Sun is a former hip-hop artist who turned to the island sound when he discovered Bob Marley. Dubtonic Kru is actually from an island, and not just an island, but the island that matters here: Jamaica.

Hear ’em at www.jahsunmusic.com and www.dubtonickru.com.

Jah Sun and Dubtonic Kru; 9:30 p.m. Thursday, doors open 9 p.m.; $7; Liquid Lounge, 70 N.W. Newport Ave., Bend; www.liquidclub.net.