Peace, ecology and music

Veteran reggae artist Pato Banton is here in Israel for two performances.

By ARI MILLER
pato banton 88 (photo credit: )
pato banton 88
(photo credit: )
Veteran reggae artist Pato Banton is here in Israel for two performances. Tonight's concert at Kibbutz Ein Herod will culminate the day's eco-peace theme including workshops and music on subjects centered on recycling, bio-diesel, composting and alternative energy sources. A special Kabbalat Shabbat program will be held and Banton is set to take the stage at 10 p.m. The following day, Banton will head south for a Saturday night concert at Tel Aviv's Caf Barzilay, also set for 10 p.m. Banton, who was born Patrick Murray in 1961 England, was introduced to life as a musician by his stepfather, a Jamaican born DJ who would host late night parties at the family's home. The young Murray would stay up to keep watch at the door. This became the source of his nickname "Pato," given to him by his stepfather, for the familiar sound made by a Jamaican owl late into the night. Banton's long career has included a number of international hits - often the result of collaboration with other celebrated recording artists. Paul Shaffer appeared on his 1987 solo debut, Never Give In. In the mid-90's he released, along with Robin Campbell of UB40, a cover of the Eddy Grant single "Baby Come Back," that hit number one on the UK charts for a month. Shortly after, Banton worked with Sting on two occasions to release covers of "This Cowboy Song" and "Spirits In a Material World." Most recently, Banton has been recognized for his community activism, work with youth, and the positive messages within his music. The BBC's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Banton in 2002. Entrance to the Ein Herod workshops and show will cost just NIS 45 because Banton wants to see everybody while he is here, says the event's promoter. The show at Cafe Barzilay is also only NIS 60, well below the standard admission price for an international act. For more information about either show, including a camping option for Friday night, contact Island Galambos at 052-635-9213.