Formed in 1994, Dub Congress remains a prime mover in the West Coast reggae and dub scene. Best known for their influential 2002 album Down in Santa Cruz – a wry tribute to their hometown, and arguably the city’s definitive musical statement of that era – they unofficially retired in 2009, then made a surprise comeback in 2019 to mark the 25th anniversary of the band’s formation. 

Now, for their very first post-pandemic performance, Dub Congress returns to Moe’s Alley, where they will once again bless the stage with their heavyweight brand of reggae, dancehall, and dub. 

Dub Congress in 2023 still features a classic lineup of original members: On lead vocals and guitar, Nathan Martisius, whose conscious, visionary songwriting and off-the-dome freestyles have always benchmarked the band’s approach. On lead guitar, Ehrin Poklen, whose unique plucking style is a treasured and essential feature of the Dub Congress sound. On keyboards, Danny Dub, a veteran bubbler with a long list of touring and recording credits, including stints with The Itals, Fiji, Inka Inka, and Native Elements. On drums, Aaron Sonnenshine (AKA Sunshine), whose booming kick drum and crashing cymbals mark a style that traces back to the heaviest roots reggae of the 1970s. And making his Dub Congress debut at Moe’s Alley, new bassist Matt Barnett joins the crew for the first time, bringing a blast of fresh energy to the band’s three-decade legacy.

Kava Jah, born Junior Johnson, in Cumberland, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, is a reggae artist who writes, sings, and chants his own lyrics in his own style. Born into a family with musical roots, Kava Jah's father Levi Johnson was a teacher of music at the Spalding's Comprehensive High School and choir master in the church. He was a leader in the community both musically and spiritually. Kava Jah began working with Gumption Music Production out of Kingston, Jamaica creating, recording, and preparing to tour. In 2012 Kava Jah joined the I-Kronik band as lead singer and songwriter touring internationally and sharing the stage with artists such as Romain Virgo, Luciano, Protoje, David Hines of Steel Pulse, Junior Reid, I-Wayne, and many more.   In 2016, Kava Jah joined The Root System band after relocating to Santa Cruz, Ca.   Many of his original song works made up The Root Systems live performances.  In 2017, Kava Jah and The Remedy formed and is still active with performances throughout California.   Kava Jah and The Remedy has played for many venues and has supported international reggae acts ranging from The Gladiators, Cocoa Tea, Yellowman, Prezident Brown, Sister Carol, The Mighty Diamonds, Collie Buddz, The Itals, Israel Vibrations and Black Uhuru.  Kava Jah has released many singles having worked with a variety of producers.  Most recent works from Kava Jah and The Remedy released February 2022 with another full length album to drop in 2023.