Around the middle of the last decade, reggae singers stopped feeling the need to prove their authenticity by living in Trenchtown or recording at Studio One. As the most mainstream example, the Hasidic reggae singer Matisyahu was more a curiosity than an eye-opening talent, whereas German-born Gentleman captured the undivided attention of true reggae fans immediately. One need only watch his video for “Send a Prayer” or hear “True Love” to gauge his purity of heart, and he’s won over festivals coast to coast with his infectious songs and firm delivery. See him in a rare small club date on Thursday, Feb. 24, at Chrome Lotus. 501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 9pm. $25. No phone.
.Feb. 24: Gentleman at Chrome Lotus
