Matisyahu to Perform “Up Close & Personal” Feb. 15 in Thousand Oaks

Jan. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--Chassidic/Reggae superstar Matisyahu is coming to the Conejo Valley Tuesday, February 15 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theatre (2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks). Billed as “Matisyahu: Up Close and Personal" and hosted by Chabad of the Conejo, the concert will feature the internationally acclaimed singer, rocker and hip-hop artist in a uniquely “unplugged” acoustic performance.
 
   “For years now, there have been efforts to book an exclusive evening with Matisyahu here in the Conejo Valley,” says Brad Wallace, the Chabad of the Conejo's community liaison for the upcoming show. "Finally, our persistence paid off.  More than just a concert, 'Up Close and Personal’ promises to be an experience.  By intermingling captivating raps and stories with his music, Matisyahu’s intention when taking to the stage will be not just to entertain the audience – that’s a given – but also to connect with them on a deep and soulful level.”
   Since emerging on the music scene in 2004, Matisyahu has been attracting crossover audiences perhaps like no other performer in history. From the passion of Jewish/Chassidic to the soul of reggae/hip-hop to the rhythm of rock/alternative, his blending of diverse musical styles has been filling concert seats with fans of all genres. His 2009 Top 40 hit, “King Without a Crown”, was at the top of playlists across the country, even as it featured a Chassidic Jewish musician from New York singing in reggae form about his religious devotion. His 2005 album, Live at Stubb’s, went Gold, as did his subsequent studio album, Youth, which also went to the top spot on Billboard’s reggae albums chart. His most recent album, Light, produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Tony Bennett) debuted in the top 20 on the Billboard charts.  
   The 2010 Olympics selected Matisyahu’s “One Day” as its theme song, featuring it in television commercials promoting the games. The song shot up on all charts and has become something of a universal anthem of hope and inspiration.
   Whether it’s his distinctive voice, energetic youthfulness, staccato rolling of incisive lyrics or astounding beat-boxing skills, audiences around the world have come to recognize Matisyahu as a true original.
   "The February 15 show will certainly showcase all of these talents, but will also display a more personally reflective, communicative and revealing side to the artist as well. It’s not just amplifiers that will be ‘unplugged’ that night,” says Wallace, “but also all of the stops on the flow of deep emotional and spiritual expression. I understand that Matisyahu is particularly excited about this show and I think that the Conejo is about to see the man at his very best.”
   Adding a comedic twist to the production will be Chassidic comedian and actor Mendy Pellin who will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Featured in the soon-to-be-released dark comedy, A Modest Suggestion, and starring with Brad Pitt in the upcoming film, Moneyball, scheduled for release next year, Pellin is known for his dry wit, outlandish antics and satirical humor, all laced with distinctively Jewish edginess and shtick.    
   Wallace is confident that "Matisyahu: Up Close and Personal" will make for a rousing, inspiring and heartwarming evening of musical and comedic entertainment. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that our community can look forward to a night to remember," says Wallace.”
   The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information for “Matisyahu: Up Close and Personal," visit www.matisunplugged.com or call (818) 991-0991.