Popular Jewish musician Matisyahu to visit UF

March 15, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Reggae artist and Hasidic American Matisyahu will appear at 8 p.m. March 16 in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, as part of Student Government’s celebration of Jewish Awareness Month.

Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae-rock and hip hop beat-boxing sounds, Matisyahu’s single “King Without A Crown” was a Top 40 hit in the U.S. Since 2004, he has released three studio albums as well as two live albums, two remix CDs and one DVD featuring a live concert.

In 1996, Matisyahu took part in a semester-long program that offers students first-hand exploration of Jewish heritage in Hod Hasharon, Israel. His experiences there significantly affected his feelings towards Judaism, eventually leading to his decision to adopt Orthodox Judaism.

Tickets for the event will be distributed at the Phillips Center box office at 6 p.m. March 16. Doors for the event will open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m.

The event will be free and open to the public, courtesy of ACCENT, Student Government Productions, Jewish Student Union and Student Government.

ACCENT Speakers Bureau prides itself on being the largest, student-run speakers bureau in the nation. For the past 41 years, ACCENT has brought prominent, controversial and influential speakers to the University of Florida.

ACCENT’ s funding comes from activity fees, which students pay specifically to fund out-of-the-classroom experiences.

For more information, call ACCENT at 352-273-4429. Visit our website at www.accentspeakers.com or e-mail ACCENT at accent@sg.ufl.edu.