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They began
mimicking the authentic sounds of early
jamaican ska, and fusing jazz, soul and
dancehall into their sound. By working hard,
keeping faith in God and giving him all the
glory, The Israelites have earned a
reputation as one of the top authentic ska
and reggae bands around - both to christian,
and secular audiences alike.
The
Israelites play traditional Jamaican Ska
which was first created in 1956. Many
artists back then attended Christian
Churches (before the rise of Rastafarianism)
and many original artist sang spiritual
songs on their albums. The Israelites are
continuing what the original artist began
but in a more evangelical way. The
Israelites also play Rocksteady (which is a
bit slower than Ska) and Reggae. The main
purpose of "The Israelites" is to
spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying
world.
In the
presentation of their beliefs, however, The
Israelites do not attempt to condemn, or
force their beliefs upon anyone. Instead,
they merely wish to carry "The Good
News" to anyone who will listen. The
Israelites' vision is to minister to those
involved in the secular Ska scene such as;
Non-Racists Skinheads, Rudies and the Ska
enthusiast as well.
Their
burden is not only to reach those who are
lost, but also to "Wake Up" the
lukewarm Christian as well. As a Christian
band, they have seen too much of the world
invading Christian music and Christian
shows. It is time that we as Christians stop
using the talents God has given us for our
own worldly gain and start using them for
His glory.
For over
a decade now "The Israelites" have
established themselves mainly playing in Los
Angeles and Orange County (Ca) venues such
as; The Whiskey, The Roxy, Show Case
Theater, Hong Kong Cafe', The Knitting
Factory, The Loft and numerous other clubs.
The Israelites have toured the country
playing many venues such as The Wetlands in
New York. The Israelites have also been
support acts for performers such as: The
Skatalites, Derrrick Morgan, Justin Hinds,
Jump With Joey, Hepcat, The Toasters and
many more.
In the
Christian Industry "The
Israelites" have performed such events
as; Cornerstone Festival (Bushnell, ill),
Tom Festival (Skamania, Wa), Life Fest
(Oshkosh, Wi), Somebody Loves You Crusade,
Miles Mcphearson Crusade, literally hundreds
of churches and camps for Calvary Chapel and
Victory Outreach. They have been support
acts for bands such as: P.O.D, Mc Hammer,
The Kry, Christafari, Plankeye and others.
The
Israelites are known around the world as the
founders of Christian Ska and Rocksteady.
All members attend bible believing churches.
The Israelites do not believe in dividing
the body over non-essential doctrines but
rather teach the essentials of the Christian
faith such as Salvation found only in Jesus,
Christ's deity etc.
As
far as where The Israelites are headed now -
that's up to God! We will continue to play
music and praise God for as long as He
allows! God Bless.
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