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JOHN BROWNS BODY + GOGO NORALES

  • EarthSkyTime 1547 Main Street Manchester Center, VT, 05255 United States (map)

John Brown’s Body is a pioneering American reggae band formed in the mid-1990s in Ithaca, New York, known for helping shape the modern U.S. reggae scene. Blending roots reggae and dub with elements of indie, electronic, and soul, the group developed a “future roots” sound that feels both deeply traditional, forward-thinking, and spiritual..

With a full-band approach—featuring rich vocals, a tight rhythm section, and a signature horn lineup—their music balances heavy grooves with melodic, atmospheric textures. Renowned for both chart-topping releases and powerful live shows, John Brown’s Body continues to stand as one of the most influential and enduring acts in contemporary American reggae.

Gogo Norales is a Bronx-based Garifuna musician and cultural ambassador whose work bridges traditional Afro-Indigenous sounds with modern global influences. Leading his project often billed as “Gogo Norales and Friends,” he blends folkloric Garifuna rhythms—especially paranda—with contemporary elements, creating a sound that feels both rooted and forward-looking.

Gogo’s band emphasizes percussion, call-and-response vocals, and vibrant rhythmic interplay, his music carries both a celebratory and activist spirit. Whether performing at festivals or community-driven events, Gogo Norales uses his band as a platform to uplift Garifuna identity and connect generations through music that’s as danceable as it is culturally resonant. 

Later Event: August 2
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