The Wailers lively up Havana New Hope on Feb. 13

Reggae group the Wailers typically tour extensively in celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday during February, and this year, Havana New Hope is on the band’s itinerary for Saturday, Feb. 13.

For millions of people around the world, the “one-drop” reggae sound is still defined by the songs of Bob Marley and the Wailers. They are the most successful reggae group in history, having sold 250 million albums worldwide, and played to an estimated 25 million people.

“After touring in South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the Wailers are eager to bring their good vibrations to New Hope,” announced their promotional material, and downtown New Hope in February could certainly use something to stir it up.

“It only took 30 years. My life with the Wailers has been an odyssey,” said Aston “Family Man” Barrett recently. “We’ve come so far. Sharing this music with so many people around the world was my last promise to Bob, and here we are.”

Founded in 1969, original Wailers included Bob Marley and his vocal partners Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, alongside the ground-breaking rhythm section of the Barrett brothers — Carlton on drums, and Aston “Family Man” on bass. Inspired by Rastafari, and their ambitions of reaching an international audience, this is the line-up that pioneered roots rock reggae, and signed to Island Records in 1971. Bunny and Peter left two years later. Drummer Carlton “Carlie” Barrett died in 1987. Today, Aston leads the band, as it continues its worldwide campaign to promote peace, love and equality through the message of reggae and Rastafari. Jah!

The current natty Wailers lineup includes:

Aston “Family Man” Barrett – bass
Aston Barrett Jr. – organ
Anthony “Benbow” Creary – drums
Audley “Chizzy” Chisholm – lead guitar
Cegeee Victory – vocals
Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin – vocals
Joshua David – vocals, rhythm guitar
Chaka Taylor – keyboards
Melvin “Ras Mel” Glover – rhythm guitar

Havana is located at 105 S. Main St. in beautiful downtown New Hope. Don’t wait in vain; tickets are available online, and cost $35 for general admission, standing room only. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m., so people get ready. Must be 21 to attend, mon. Positive vibrations thanks to ever livin’, ever-fearful Selassie I.