The Eclectic Roots Ensemble is as much fun to listen to as it is to say.

An authentic international reggae band, the Eclectic Roots play music with a western feel that makes the music enjoyable for a wide audience.

The Eclectic Roots, comprised of Cortez Paschal (keyboard), David Canis (guitar), Antione Willaimson (trumpet), Reggie Vickers (saxophone), Scott Kelly (drums), Ryan Donald (bass guitar) and Dennis Isaacs (vocals) began in the winter of 2001 as a result of Paschal’s longtime dream of having a reggae band with an “eclectic” sound.

Paschal is a self-proclaimed “Athens dude” who went to school in Athens and played his first show (which was attended by Michael Stipe) in downtown Athens.

“We are just pure authentic reggae man, like something you’d hear in like 1975 to 1982,” said Paschal of his band.

Even though the group has an impressive horn section, they remain loyal to their reggae roots, which sprouted from influences such as The Beatles, Bob Marley and the Wailers and Muddy Waters.

To motivate Athens residents to see tonight’s show, Paschal promised an amazing performance that will feature several surprise guest musicians as well as some unbelievable covers that will, he said, “Mess with some people’s heads!”