Thrive, Stranger bring reggae to Bend

Published 1:03 am Sunday, July 19, 2015

Submitted photoThrive

Thrive has played its bright, sunny mix of reggae, rock, soul, R&B and pop since guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Aaron Borowitz founded the band in 2008. Along the way, the group has released two albums, most recently 2013’s “Relentless,” and toured across California and the West Coast.

Positive vibes are a big part of the Thrive experience. The Santa Cruz-based band’s website, www.thrivetheband.com, states, “In a world where materialistic and careless attitudes prevail, Thrive is carving a positive, new musical niche within multiple musical markets.” That positivity comes across in the band’s life-affirming lyrics and upbeat, dance-ready instrumentation.

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The group has managed to keep its upbeat attitude, even through tragedy. In December 2013, longtime saxophonist Scott Schipper died of cancer, after fighting the disease for more than a year. The band decided to soldier on in Schipper’s memory.

Thrive will kick off its July tour with a performance at the Volcanic Theatre Pub tonight, with equally eclectic San Diego-based Stranger set to open.

Thrive, with Stranger; 9 p.m. today; $8 plus fees in advance, $10 at the door; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; www.volcanictheatrepub.com or 541-323-1881. — Brian McElhiney

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