Wicked Hangin Chads
Arlington, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
For members of the reggae fusion band the Wicked Hangin Chads, spirituality and music go hand in hand.
"We have been very influenced by Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff; they always had a spiritual element in their music," said Rick Chadwick, 57, the Boston-based group's guitarist and one of its singers.
But Chadwick adds that the band's spiritually can't be pigeonholed under one religion; it's not Christianity or Hindu. "We sing in three different languages; we're trying to teach tolerance (and) trying to be supportive of the struggles that people go through."
The group will perform Saturday at a fundraiser to help people suffering from mental illnesses at the Community of the Cross Church, 7 Madison Ave. in Danbury. Show time is 6:30 p.m., but the fundraising starts at 5, when there will be a silent auction and hors d'oeuvres.
The event is for New Heights, a division of Catholic Charities that works with individuals suffering from mental illnesses.
The Chads include Rich Chadwick's wife, Celia Chatamayi Chadwick, the lead singer and keyboard player; the couple's son, Cole, 23, who sings and plays drums; and daughter Grace, 13, who also sings. The family is joined by Kore Van Baldwin on vocals and percussion; Jafar Mansele on djembe, bongos and percussion; and Marco McWaine on bass.
Celia Chadwick is a native of Ridgefield and it is through her brother Steve Markey that the band became involved with Saturday's fundraiser. Markey is a counselor at New Heights, but originally went there for help with his own mental illness.
"He was a patient and he did so well in his recovery that they (kept him on) as a counselor," said Rick Chadwick. He added that Markey is a passionate music lover and a musician and inspired the band.
"He's always been a tremendous influence for all of us because he's such an aficionado of popular music."
Though reggae-based, the group's sound crosses many genres, and is strongly influenced by African music. Rick Chadwick credits Santana as one of his major guitar-playing influences. Though new, the Wicked Hangin Chads has hit the ground running and is booking a steady stream of shows.
Though some families might cringe at the prospect of touring together, so far for the Chadwicks, the smiles have outnumbered the frowns.
"Things just kind of clicked and took off and now here we are playing all over the place," Rick Chadwick said.
Tickets to Saturday's concert are $20, $10 for students. Contact Cami Peters at 203-794-0819 for tickets; they will also be available at the door. - Danbury News Times
Discography
Our debut album "Upbeat Downbeat" was released in April. Stay posted for the soon to be released 2nd cd including the songs "All We Really Have" and "Servitor".
Photos
Bio
The Wicked Hangin Chads are a psychedelic reggae fusion band.
In the last year and a half, the WHC have been gigging continuously. Performing at premier clubs, theaters, and festivals from New York City to the coast of Maine, this Boston based band has established an ever growing grassroots following in the north east.
This all-natural band rocks out to their own drum-beat, combining traditional reggae beats with ska, dub, hip-hop, pop, funk, and pretty much any other style you can think of. Their vocals are unique and harmonized to perfection, sung with heart and soul, spreading love and positive energy to all their listeners. Their lyrics are intentionally thoughtful, positive, with a universal/spiritual flavor and sung in three different languages (including Hindi and Sanskrit).
Fronted by Celia Markey on keys/vocals and Rick Chadwick on guitar/vocals, with Cole Chadwick on drums/vocals, Nourdine Ousmane on bass, Jafar Mansele (one of Boston’s premier African drummers and founding member of One People) on percussion, Taylor Migner and Trisha Gately on trumpets.
With feature performances on Boston Common two years in a row, a headliner in Arlington’s Regent Theatre, many successful tours from Boston to Maine, New Hamshire, Connecticut, and New York, including popular Boston-area venues like Johnny D’s, the Middle East, Durrell Hall Theater, Church, Mojito’s, Tammany Hall and The Raven (to mention a few), the Wicked Hangin’ Chads have been well-received by audiences, promoters and venue managers. Furthermore, appearances on local TV and radio shows have sparked an increase in recognition (as well as peace and love throughout the land).
The Wicked Hangin Chads cite influences both old and new, including: Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Carlos Santana, Matisyahu, Joseph Shambalala, Maria Dulne (Zap Mama), George Harrison, Brian Wilson, Mackie Burnette (steel pan player from Trinidad), the Beatles, UB40, and Aindra.
For a full appreciation and understanding of who this band is, and what they do, just listen to their recordings, or better yet, come out to one of their shows. Trust me, you will not regret it.
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