Sat 11/24 @ 9PM
Without Dave Smeltz, there might not be a Cleveland reggae scene. When he founded I-Tal in 1978, he pulled the music out of the Jamaican community and shared it with the larger community.
I-Tal flourished in Cleveland and surrounding regions for six years before the majority of its members left in 1984 to start the even more popular First Light. Smeltz took I-Tal on the road where it became a staple in clubs in beach towns up and down the east coast.
During that time he developed a serious substance abuse problem, which derailed his career and his life until he went into recovery in 2001.
After his own recovery, he found a passion for helping others, and in 2012, he formed Clean House Inc, which has created a halfway house in the Buckeye neighborhood for men in recovery that hosts AA meetings, martial arts classes and other programs. He’s written a book, Clean: From Reggae to Recovery to share his story and encourage others struggling with similar issues.
He’s also back to making music with his new David Smeltz Project, assembling a group of old friends, including former I-Tal members Russ Richards on keyboards, Chris Dunmore on drums, Chris DeSantis on percussion and Chopper on guitar, as well as vocalist Eva Dilcue of the Generators and bassist Adam Rich of Love Muffin Records.
They’re celebrating the release of a new album called Recovery on which Smeltz shares his story in reggae-influenced music to providing hope to people struggling with similar issues. Join them at the Beachland Tavern where Steel Yard Soundsystem opens.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Cleveland, OH 44110