Grammy-winning reggae artist to play at Axis

Reggae legend Burning Spear has made the journey from St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, to the Midwest for a short tour. He will perform at 9 p.m. today at Axis, 419 N. Walnut Ave.\nBurning Spear, whose given name is Winston Rodney, is a Rastafarian and contemporary of Bob Marley. He has been influential in shaping the reggae genre since his first recording for Studio One records in 1969. His latest album, Calling Rastafari, won the Grammy award for 1999's Best Reggae Album.\n"Spear is one of those artists whose style is so immediately recognizable that those who like him from the start seem to have followed his every move with joy," said Roger Steffens of allmusic.com. \nBurning Spear's songs spotlight Rasta themes, such as oppression, the heritage of slavery and the mystical transcendence through Rastafariansim, according to Rolling Stone. Burning Spear has advocated the messages of the Rastafarian prophet and activist Marcus Garvey, who was a fellow resident of St. Ann's Bay, along with Burning Spear and Marley.\n"I deliver strong music, music that uplifts the mind and the heart of people, music that helps people and comforts people, music that calms people down, music that shows people the light and gives them a place where they can create their plan, their aim and their direction," he said in a press release.\nTickets are $15.