The Expendables annual Winter Blackout Tour is once again upon us, bringing excitement to yet another dreary winter. The event began a few years ago, and has since been providing the best of reggae-rock music to fans everywhere. This year, they will be sharing the stage with up-and-coming reggae bands Fortunate Youth, Through the Roots, and MTHDS (Music That Heightens Different Senses.)
Fortunate Youth, hailing from South Bay Los Angeles, are a 7-piece band making their presence known amongst the reggae community. Fortunate Youth combines the sounds of roots reggae with boisterous guitar solos, creating a modern fusion that is all there own. In July 2011 they released their second full-length release titled “Irie State of Mind,” which followed their 2010 EP “Up-Lifted,” both available on iTunes. The nominees for the Pier Awards “Breakout Artist of the Year” have quickly been gaining recognition in the reggae music scene, sharing the stage with greats like the Wailers, Pepper, The Green, The Expendables and more. Now that they are a part of the Winter Blackout Tour, it is as good a time as ever to see them in action.
Through The Roots, winners of The Pier’s “Breakout Artist of the Year” award, will also be participating in the 2012 Winter Blackout Tour. The young band has been turning heads in the reggae music industry, and just released their second EP titled “Here to Stay” a few months back. The 5-piece band incorporates the sounds of roots, reggae, rock, dub, hip-hop, and electronic to create a unique vibe unlike any other. Although only a few years old, forming in 2008, the San Diego natives have already played with big names in the reggae community, including Rebelution, Pepper, Passafire, and Tribal Seeds. The upcoming 12-show tour is your chance to see the rising stars in action, so be sure not to miss it.
Last, but most certainly not least, we have MTHDS (Music That Heightens Different Senses), the fourth and final band on the Blackout Tour. For those that don’t already know them, the 6-man band was born in 2007 in the city of Denver. Since their creation just a few short years ago, they have had three releases, the most recent of which is their 4-track album “Ship of Fools.” Their music fuses together the genres of alternative rock, hip-hop, blues, and funk, a rare find in the music industry. After listening to a few tracks, it is quite clear why they were selected to join the Tour in the first place as I’m sure you will all realize if you have the chance to see them play. Be sure to check back as the tour approaches for more updates on the bands and the tour itself, and look out for the Winter Blackout Tour at a venue near you!
Feb. 2 @ Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff, AZ
Feb. 3 @ The Roxy Lounge, Scottsdale, AZ
Feb. 4 @ The Rock, Tucson, AZ
Feb. 6 @ The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO
Feb. 7 @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO
Feb. 8 @ Aggie Theater, Fort Collins, CO
Feb. 10 @ Grand Junction, Mesa Theater, CO
Feb. 11 @ Montbleu Resort, Lake Tahoe, NV
Feb. 12 @ Ace of Spades, Sacramento, CA
Feb. 16 @ The Glass House, Pomona, CA
Feb. 17 @ House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Feb. 18 @ House of Blues LV, Las Vegas, NV
You can view all tour dates & purchase tickets for select shows inside our built-in Show Locator
Article By: Jason Gallagher
The Expendables “Burning Up” Live @ The Gothic Theater
Fortunate Youth “Burn One Down” acoustic video
Through The Roots “Weekend” acoustic video
MTHDS “Positive Movement” video