The name Dubtonic Kru, as the Jamaican reggae band’s website proclaims, is a portmanteau of “dub” — the heavy, drum-and-bass sound that dominates reggae rhythms — and “tonic,” or medicine. True to that name, the band started as a drum-and-bass combo in the tradition of Sly and Robbie. Drummer Deleon “Jubba” White and bassist Strickland Stone worked with artists such as Max Romeo, U-Roy, Burning Spear and Richie Spice before expanding the project into a full band and releasing its own brand of socially conscious roots-reggae. The work paid off in 2011, when the band took home top honors at the Global Battle of the Bands in Malaysia. Since, the Kru has kept busy with a string of releases and heavy touring in the U.S. and beyond. The band will play Volcanic Theatre Pub on Sunday with Portland’s Aaron Nigel Smith and locals Rubbah Tree and DJ Colonel.

Dubtonic Kru, with Aaron Nigel Smith, Rubbah Tree, DJ Colonel: 9 p.m. Sunday; $15 plus fees; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.