Katchafire brings New Zealand reggae to Bend

Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 5, 2019

A couple of shows in Bend this week serve as strong reminders of reggae music’s reach beyond Jamaica to nearly every corner of the world. In addition to Bend-based trio Indubious’ album-release show at Volcanic Theatre Pub on Friday, the city will also host New Zealand-based group Katchafire, which performs with Jamaica’s Earthkry at Seventh Mountain Resort on Wednesday. Forming in the late ’90s around guitarist Grenville Bell and his sons, vocalist Logan Bell and drummer Jordan Bell, the band at one point expanded to an eight-piece before settling on the current quintet lineup, led by the Bell brothers. The group’s Maori heritage comes through in its modern take on roots-reggae, funk, dub and R&B, which can be heard on fifth album “Legacy” (2018) marking the band’s 20th anniversary.

Katchafire, with Earthkry: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; $20 plus fees in advance; Seventh Mountain Resort, 18575 SW Century Drive, Bend; 1988entertainment.com, eventbrite.com or 541-382-8711.