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• Foellinger Auditorium »
  709 S. Matthews Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
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There has been much excitement about Matisyahu’s upcoming performance at Foellinger Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. Anyone who has seen Matisyahu perform since his break into the mainstream as a featured performer during the Phish concert at Bonnaroo in 2005 knows that the show is sure to please.

Matisyahu is currently on tour promoting his newest album, released this past August, entitled Light. This new album marks a departure from his previous compositional style towards something more rock influenced. His style has been described as a combination of reggae trance-dance and rap with Jewish niggunim (songs without words) thrown in. The music is driven by rhythmic intensity created by his lyrics. His lyrics on this new album are still from the heart, but have more mainstreamed themes such as love and rising up from depression. His previous albums had lyrics that featured more references to Israel and Jewish texts and commentaries.

This shift has not lost him his loyal fans, however. “I’m very excited to see Matisyahu live!” said Robbie Philipps, a senior in history education. “I’ve been listening to his music for a long time.” Fans both new and old are hoping for an energetic, exciting live show. Matisyahu has made a reputation for himself as being very friendly and personable on stage. His fans come expecting to feel a personal connection to the music and to Matisyahu himself. At many shows, including the one given at Ravinia in the summer of 2008, he invites his audience to rush the stage during the last song or encore.

Whether or not that happens at Foellinger on Wednesday, ticket holders are hoping for a mix of old favorites and new hits performed with Matisyahu’s inimitable style and engaging performance.

Tickets are on sale for $22 for students and $24 for the public through www.star-course.com.