Bob Marley’s music changed the sound of the world. In this powerful orchestral tribute, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra joins four international reggae vocalists to celebrate the life, message, and music of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
The songs in this “rockumentary” style musical journey through Marley’s life and legacy are performed by a live reggae band, four guest vocalists, and full symphony orchestra, weaving together storytelling, visuals, and new orchestral arrangements of Marley’s most beloved music. From early roots reggae to global anthems of unity and resistance, the show traces the emotional arc of Marley’s life while bringing fresh symphonic color to songs that have inspired generations.
The production marks the 80th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birth, bringing together reggae artists and symphonic musicians in a large-scale multimedia concert honoring Marley’s message of love, unity, and social justice.
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is proud to present the U.S. premiere of this exciting production.
Audiences will hear iconic songs such as No Woman, No Cry, Is This Love, Redemption Song, and One Love performed in powerful new arrangements that blend reggae rhythm with the color and scale of a full orchestra.
Featured Performers
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Chelsea Tipton, II, Principal Pops Conductor
Yendi Songbird, Vocals
Featuring Judah Tribe:
Josh David Barrett (Tobijah), Vocals & Guitar
Wahkiba AL-Kabir Julion, Drums
Obed Jean-Louis, Bass
Eric Toussaint, Keyboard
Jeff “Simba” Matthew, Guitar
Concert Sponsor
Community Partners
-
Ticket Information
Order Online: Click Here!
Order by Phone: (203) 693-1486 • Monday-Friday • 12-5pm.
Order in Person: Tickets are available for purchase starting one hour prior to the concert in the lobby. We strongly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid limited inventory and long lines.
Pricing:
Tickets to this concert start at $15 for adults.
Kids under 18 go free with the purchase of an adult ticket.Are you a subscriber? Your 20% discount to this concert will be automatically added at checkout.
Additional Discounts Available for This Performance:
• College Students are $10 with ID. College student tickets are available in price sections B, C, and D.
• Tickets for active military are free. Call us at (203) 693-1486 to learn more.
• Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount. Call us at (203) 693-1486 or email BoxOffice@ElmCityTickets.org to book your group.All artists, programs, and venues are subject to change. No refunds.
-
Meet the Guest Artists
Josh David Barrett, also known as Tobijah, is a 2-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, bassist, guitarist, and producer whose voice and message have carried the spirit of roots reggae across international stages. Best known globally as the lead vocalist of The Wailers from 2015 to 2022, Barrett spent 7 years touring the world performing the timeless catalog of Bob Marley while helping bring the legendary band’s music to a new generation of listeners.Born in New Jersey and of Ethio-Hebrew descent, JDB grew up surrounded by a rich musical environment shaped by both spirituality and artistic excellence. His early years placed him within reach of influential musical communities connected to legendary artists such as George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, helping shape the broad musical perspective that would later define his career.
An accomplished bassist and multi-instrumentalist, JDB developed an extensive musical résumé working across gospel, soul, hip-hop, and reggae. His experience as a bassist led him to work with a wide range of respected artists including Bishop George Searight & Royal Priesthood, Tramaine Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Donovan Jackson & Joshua Generation, Common, Quincy Jones, Mary J. Blige, René Neufville (Zhané), Joy Denalane, Smif-N-Wesson, Silent Knight, Soul Cycle, Soul Understated, Zoe Mazah, Solange Knowles, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Kanye West.
Additional collaborations include work with Tomás Doncker, Ethiopian superstar Teddy Afro, Jesse Royal, Grammy-winning producer Commissioner Gordon (Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Ghetto Youths, White Tiger Society), DJ Jahmar, and legendary MC Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. Barrett’s work with Q-Tip earned him his first Grammy nomination in 2010 for the critically acclaimed album The Renaissance.
In 2004, Josh David Barrett answered a deeper musical calling toward roots reggae and founded the band Judah Tribe, a spiritually grounded group rooted in conscious music and cultural expression. Judah Tribe released their debut album Nu Day Dawnin in 2013 and performed internationally, including appearances at venues such as the United Nations while also sharing stages with reggae legends including Steel Pulse and Inner Circle.
A pivotal moment came in 2012 when Judah Tribe opened for The Wailers at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). There, Barrett crossed paths with distant relatives Aston “Family Man” Barrett Sr. and Aston Barrett Jr., an encounter that ultimately led to his joining the legendary band in 2015 as lead vocalist.
For 7 years, JDB traveled the world as the frontman of The Wailers, performing Bob Marley’s timeless catalog before hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide while helping carry forward the message of “One Love.” During his tenure, he served as vocalist, writer, and co-producer on the band’s Grammy-nominated album One World, produced by Emilio Estefan and marking the group’s first studio album in more than 25 years.
Today, Josh David Barrett continues his mission as a solo artist and bandleader with Judah Tribe, blending classic roots reggae traditions with contemporary influences while maintaining a deep spiritual foundation grounded in Rastafari faith. His performances are widely recognized for their authenticity, spiritual intensity, and powerful connection to the legacy of Bob Marley and the broader roots reggae movement.
Alongside his live work, JDB is releasing new music through his independent label Vine & Fig Tree Records, where he serves as founder and CEO. In 2026 he released the single “Ride On (INI)”, a song reflecting his Rastafarian faith and commitment to spreading the message of unity and spiritual consciousness. Upcoming releases include new music from Judah Tribe, solo works under the name Tobijah, and additional projects through VFT Records.
Whether performing original compositions or honoring the timeless catalog of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Josh David Barrett stands as a torchbearer for roots reggae in the modern era — delivering music that uplifts the spirit, spreads cultural truth, and carries forward the enduring message of unity, faith, and consciousness.
Yendi Songbird is a dynamic and versatile artist who has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and passion for music. With over 25 years in the music industry, Yendi’s journey began in her early teens when she was managed by James DeBarge, the lead singer of DeBarge, and Garfield Baker from the Freestyle group. Her early mentorship laid a strong foundation for her career, leading her to work with various production teams across both independent and major labels. As an artist, singer, songwriter, and artist developer, Yendi has honed her craft, showcasing her multifaceted abilities in the music industry.Yendi’s illustrious career has taken her across the globe, performing in over ten countries and captivating audiences in high-end venues like the Grand Hyatt Resort in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. Her talent and charisma have earned her contracts as a Top 40 performer and have seen her share the stage as a supportive vocalist for Bob Marley’s son, Kymani Marley, and reggae sensation, Singing Melody. In the United States, Yendi has touched the hearts of many, performing with several Top 40 bands and her own company band, ‘Genre Band’.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Yendi is a well-rounded performer, trained in the performing arts as a dancer, actress, and musician. Her dedication to her art and her desire to inspire others shine through in every performance. As she continues to pave her way in the entertainment industry, Yendi Songbird remains a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the power of passion and versatility in achieving greatness.
-
Explore the Music
Bob Marley “Is This Love” official video from Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1978 album, ‘Kaya.’
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “No Woman, No Cry” (Live At The Rainbow 4th June 1977)
-
Accessibility
Ramp & Door Access
The Lyman Center is equipped with push-button access, outside as well as inside the main vestibule. There is a wheelchair ramp to the right of the stairs leading up to the doors nearest to the theater.
Seating Options
There are accessible seating options along the back row of the front sections. These seats have swing arms and space considerations for wheelchairs or service animals. There is also companion seating available. Please refer to the seating chart to find these seats or inquire about these options when contacting the box office or email access@newhavensymphony.org.
Parking
Parking at the Lyman Center is complimentary for NHSO concerts. The parking lot is accessed from Crescent Street. There are ADA-reserved spaces near the entrance to the Lyman Center. Patrons are also encouraged to drop off and pick-up directly in front of the venue entrance.
For additional convenience, valet parking is also available to purchase in advance. More information coming soon.
Public Transportation
There are stops on the 243 at Wintergreen Ave and Farnham Ave, at Fitch Street and Wintergreen Ave, and at Fitch Street and Crescent Street. Each stop is equidistant to the Lyman Center (about 0.3 miles). Guests may access the Lyman Center from Crescent Street or by using pedestrian walking paths opposite of Wintergreen Ave on Fitch Street. Both paths are wheelchair accessible.
There is a pedestrian overpass that goes over Fitch Street near the Wintergreen Ave intersection. Please note that the Fitch Street entrance to the overpass has steps, but wheelchair users may access it on Wintergreen Ave. There is also a street-level crosswalk with curb cuts for those who get dropped off on Fitch Street.
Click here for a comprehensive map of the 243 bus route.
Restrooms
There are ground-level, gendered, multi-stall bathrooms on either side of the auditorium at the Lyman Center. The restrooms are labeled according to gender. We invite patrons to use whichever restroom best corresponds with their gender identity.
Sensory Related Accommodations
Sensory kits and earplugs are available at all of our concerts. Patrons can also request to borrow ear defenders for the duration of the concert. To obtain a pair, see a staff member.
Large Print Programs
Large print programs are available at all of our concerts and can be acquired from a staff member or usher.
Social Story
