The Tribal Youth Tour, featuring Fortunate Youth and headliner, Tribal Seeds is almost over. Luckily, I got to catch them perform before their final California tour date.The Galaxy Theatre, in Santa Ana, was packed with Southern Californian youth, all who were fortunate enough to make it to see one of reggaes fastest rise to fame bands.

Tribal Seeds got their start in 2008, and have toured with some of the biggest names in reggae, including The Wailers, Matisyahu, Rebelution, Stephen Marley, and now Fortunate Youth.But Fortunate Youth weren’t the only ones to open for Tribal Seeds, an up and coming band from Ventura, Calif., “The Collective,” certainly made a name for themselves with their mellow, yet energetic songs. This band of youngsters had quite a presence. After the third song the energy started to pick up, and even those who smoked themselves into a coma, were shaken out of it and started to move their feet. The rapper, who came out on just a few of the songs was also a great hype man.

The Collective usually started off their songs with an easy reggae vibe and ending with a heavy and fast rock beat that caught you off guard. It was a good way to get the crowd moving. These guys are definitely worth keeping an eye out for.Fortunate Youth took the show to another level. The singer, Dan Kelly’s, performance was one to remember, not to mention the crowd’s love of the band. The Los Angeles natives have a fresh and energetic approach with not only their music, but their performances as well.Dan Kelly demanded our attention and didn’t leave one corner of the stage untouched; he even hopped on an elevated ledge on the side of the stage so he can reach out above the audience.

The Bongo Man, as I call him, more formally known as Travis Walpole, was also a nice touch. It brought a real ‘back to the roots of reggae’ feel. Sadly, this would be Fortunate Youth’s final show on the Tribal Youth Tour. But breathe easy FY fans, they will be continuing to tour through March and April with numerous special guests.

Now, I don’t know if it was the high priced beer or Tribal Seeds mysteriously sexy ways (I’m guessing it’s the latter of the two) but girls couldn’t help but hop on stage and dance.At one point there were seven girls crowding the keyboardist’s area for almost all of “Beautiful Mysterious,” without any sign of security ushering them off stage.  The backstage crowd (which was whoever got enough balls to storm the stage and retreat into the already large backstage crowd) flooded the stage. It was something I’ve never seen at any venue and it reminded me of one big weed smoking, reggae loving family enjoying the music and each other.

As odd and distracting as it was, I think it gave the audience a sense of unity with the band members and their music, as though they were living what they were preaching in their songs. Love, respect and unity.During “Island Girl,” a kid hopped on stage and crowd surfed back into the crowd, which let me tell you, is an amazing feat on account of all the stoned people in the audience. During all this craziness between the fans storming the stage and women dancing for minutes on end, Steve (vocalist/rhythm guitar) was able to keep his cool. (I think it might have been the shades he was wearing the whole show.)

Tribal then went on to play a new song called “Right On Time.” By the end of the show, half the crowd was up on stage, and no one minded, not one bit.

It was a very successful night, even though one fight did break out near me, ironically right after the Tribal Seeds keyboardist told the crowd to respect each other.  All in all it was a very unique experience and the venue’s lack of security made the night one to remember.

Melissa