Michael Rose

It didn't matter that I didn't know one word of their lyrics or that I had never before heard any music by Michael Rose.

When the band started playing -- about an hour after their scheduled start time -- the show was worth the wait.

By the middle of their first song, what initially seemed like sparse attendance turned into a crowd-filled dance floor. Everyone was united by the reggae vibe genre. Rhythm, bass, treble, and lyrics controlled a swaying audience.

As I panned the room to embrace my rookie moment as a reggae fan, I saw smiles. It was as if no one was watching them. People were free -- uplifted by Jamaican sounds and a universal happiness.

Seats: General admission

Show_date: August 7, 2009

Venue: Belly Up Tavern