Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

The spirit of reggae legend Bob Marley was alive and thriving at The Masonic Theater on February 22, 2024, as Grammy Award-winning brothers Damian “Junior Gong” Marley and Stephen “Ragga” Marley brought their Traffic Jam 2024 Tour to San Francisco. With the night dedicated to celebrating peace, love, music, togetherness, and marijuana, the Marley brothers delivered a performance that encapsulated the essence of their father’s legacy while showcasing their own musical prowess.

The atmosphere inside The Masonic was electric as fans eagerly waited past the show start time for Damian and Stephen to jointly perform a set. The significance of this moment was not lost on the audience, who understood they were witnessing history in the making. As the lights dimmed and the brothers took the stage, the crowd shook the hall with cheers, ready to go on a journey through the Marley musical dynasty.

From the opening notes to the final encore, Damian and Stephen captivated the audience with a blend of their own catalog and a medley of their father’s classics. The tribute to Bob Marley reached its zenith during a soul-stirring rendition of “Jammin’,” a song that resonated deeply with the crowd and served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of his music.

Throughout the evening, Damian and Stephen showed off their charisma and camaraderie, effortlessly engaging with the audience and sharing anecdotes about their shared love for marijuana. Damian’s quip about the commonality between Jamaica and California loving their marijuana drew laughs and yells of agreement, cementing the bond between the performers and their fans.

The setlist was a mix of hits spanning the brothers’ careers, from the anthemic “Welcome To Jamrock” to the soulful “Cast The First Stone” from Stephen’s latest LP, Old Soul. The crowd swayed and sang along to favorites like “Medication,” “Grown & Sexy,” and “It Was Written,” each song a testament to the Marley brothers’ influence on the world of reggae music.

As the night came to a close, it was evident that Damian and Stephen had delivered a performance for the ages. The smoky atmosphere, usually not allowed in enclosed venues but a hallmark of reggae shows, only added to the sense of euphoria and unity that filled the space. As fans filed out of The Masonic, spirits lifted and hearts full, it was clear that the Marley legacy was alive and well, and will continue for years to come through the talented Marley bloodline.