We won one of three volleyball games, and played pretty well for two of them, last night. After that, it was off to The Tap for a post-game pint and to meet some friends who were celebrating Tracy Rowan's birthday. From there, it was a short walk down Bloor Street to Lee's Palace to see Matisyahu.
I've downloaded a few songs from this unorthodox orthodox Jewish performer and was very impressed when I saw him play at Buffalo Billiards to end off SXSW in Austin in March. While that was a 40-minute show, where he packed all his best material in, last night's nearly sold-out headlining gig was more expansive and featured more soloing from Matisyahu's very tight reggae-rock band. But when Matisyahu and his band are on, they're great. It's an interesting sight to see this tall man with a traditional Jewish beard jumping around the stage toasting and rapping. He also did an amazing human beatbox solo. I didn't get close enough to the stage to get good photos, so these two crappy shots are all that you're getting. Matisyahu has an interesting story and sound, and he has a new live album out that was recorded at another Austin club, Stubb's. If you want to find out more, visit www.hasidicreggae.com.

np The Rugburns - Taking The World By Donkey