As ski season comes to an end, Great Knight productions is closing things out in style at Steamboat Resort with the final performances of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat free concert series. 

This weekend’s lineup brings soul, blues and reggae to the resort’s base area with Memphis-based Southern Avenue on Saturday and The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin on Sunday. Both shows begin at 3:30 p.m. and are free to the public.

Southern avenue brings memphis soul to the mountains

Formed in Memphis, and steeped in the city’s diverse musical cultures, Southern Avenue has been crafting their sound for nearly a decade. What began as a solo project by Israeli-born guitarist Ori Naftaly transformed into a full band after he connected with vocalist Tierinii Jackson and her sister, drummer Tikyra Jackson. 

Over time, the band grew to include Ava Jackson, Tierinii and Tikyra’s younger sister, who became a full-time member after graduating from Belmont University in 2021.

“We found our sound within what we’ve done over the last few years,” Naftaly said. “Family would be the fruit of that seed.”

Southern Avenue’s music is not easily categorized, though it holds deep roots in blues. Their sound reflects the broad canvas of Memphis music including soul, gospel, funk and rock–all woven together with a spirit of connection and resilience.

“We’re more blues-focused, but our influence and our sound has a lot of sub-genres in it,” said Ava Jackson. “That’s why we like to say Memphis music, because Memphis does have a lot of flavor, but it has an attitude that is the same across all.”

The band is no stranger to Steamboat, having previously performed at local venues like the Old Town Pub and Schmiggitys.

“There is a great community that we really feel whenever we play (in Steamboat Springs),” said Naftaly.

Southern Avenue will perform tracks from their new album, entitled “Family,” which is scheduled to be released on April 25. The album, as well as the songs they plan to perform Saturday, share their message of love, unity and perseverance.

“We really come and bring love wherever we go,” Naftaly said. “Songs like ‘Don’t Give Up’, or ‘We’re Gonna Make It’, or ‘So Much Love‘ speak about positivity.”

Junior Marvin and The Legendary Wailers carry on Bob Marley’s legacy

On Sunday, Steamboat Resort will welcome reggae artist Junior Marvin and The Legendary Wailers. 

A lifelong musician whose career spans genres and decades, Marvin’s journey includes collaborations with Ike and Tina Turner, Billy Preston, Steve Winwood and most importantly, Bob Marley.

“I met Bob Marley on Valentine’s Day, 1977, in London, England,” Marvin recalled.

Marvin’s contributions to reggae are extensive. He played guitar on iconic Marley albums like “Exodus”, “Kaya” and “Survival,” and heavily contributed to the Marley classic “Could You Be Loved.” 

“I actually started writing the song and Bob said to me, ‘Oh, can I have that?'” Marvin said. “And it developed into Could You Be Loved, one of his biggest songs ever.”

Though this marks Marvin’s first performance in Steamboat, he’s excited to bring reggae’s message of unity to the Yampa Valley.

“I’ve heard about (Steamboat Springs), but I’ve never played there,” he said. “It’s a beautiful area up in the mountains.”

While reggae is often associated with tropical beaches, Marvin sees no irony in bringing its sound to base of the snow-coverd slopes of Steamboat Resort.

“We were born on this planet, and we should spread the message of love with different cultures everywhere,” he said. “People like to be inspired and motivated, especially with music, especially when it has a great message.”

Marvin and his band plan to play classic Marley hits alongside new originals on Sunday. 

“We want to share that and share that message of oneness, and one love, at the same time,” he said. “Then everyone can remember our concert and the feeling for the rest of their lives.”

Joining Marvin onstage will be an all-star group of reggae musicians, including Erica Newell of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

“We’re going to play a couple of new songs,” Marvin said. “We like to have fun when we’re playing… we want everyone who witnesses the performance and the moment to remember it for the rest of their lives.”