Wailers continue Bob Marley’s legacy at State Theatre

• The Wailers, a reggae band founded by the late Bob Marley, will perform June 2 in New Brunswick.
• Wailers vocalist Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin said he enjoys filling Marley’s big reggae shoes.
• The Wailers will share the bill with Rusted Rooted, a globally-minded outfit originated in Pittsburgh.
• Party-in-the-pit tickets close to the stage will be available for $45.

For Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin, lead singer of the Wailers, filling the massive musical shoes of the band’s founder, reggae legend Bob Marley, is not as much of a challenge as a responsibility.

On June 2, Anglin and the Wailers will continue to keep Marley’s legacy alive at the State Theatre, sharing the New Brunswick stage with Rusted Root, a socially conscious mix of African, Latin American and Native American influences that defies its Pittsburgh origins.

“There’s no pressure,” Anglin said. “Bob Marley has such a reputation as an icon, I feel a responsibility to bring his message to the market. The only purpose of the Wailers is to bring the live version of his music to an audience, so we have a responsibility to get the message out. There’s no pressure in that. It’s just about being sincere.”

Anglin said he often has enjoyed the tales of working with Marley by leader-bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the only original member of the Wailers still in this version band (an offshoot called The Original Wailers also features original members).

Jamaica-based singer, who went to high school in South Jersey, said he thinks Marley would approve of the Wailers’ efforts to maintain his legacy, as do such family members as son Julian Marley.

“If you plant to seed, you want to see it grow and be fruitful,” Anglin said. “We are the fruit of his seed as far as his message. I’m sure he appreciates us being here. I think he’s left it in good hands.”

The Wailers also consist of lead guitarist Audley “Chizzy” Chisholm, backing vocalist Cegee Victory, and drummer Aston Barrett Jr.

Anglin said the band enjoys frequently working with Rusted Root, whose founding vocalist-guitarist Michael Glabicki shared the sentiment.

“The Wailers are a unique spiritual and musical blend,” Glabicki said. “They generate a palpable light through their music. Rusted Root has been working for 25 years on our own unique blend. Our main goal is to carry on that torch and to spread a healing light. The two of us on tour together is like nothing I have experienced before. I think all of us are a little wide-eyed about the joy that is being generated between the collaboration of our bands and the fans.”

Another of the Wailers fans is country music star Kenny Chesney, who tapped the band for recordings and videos of hits “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Spread the Love.”

Anglin said his favorite Marley song is “Rastaman Vibration” because of its positive vibes. The Wailers have lived up to those vibes by donating since 2008 proceeds for their original song, “A Step for Mankind,” as well as online merchandise sales, to the United Nations World Food Programme. The program is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting global hunger.

“Aiding poor countries is worth the effort,” Anglin said. “I’m motivated to be a part of something that’s important. I’m happy to be a part of an effort to eradicate hunger. I worked with this program in Columbia. I know what it’s like to struggle, to have a need, so I’m happy to make a difference. To do that with music is truly great.”

Proving that socially conscience music can be fun, the upcoming concert will feature a 70-capacity pit, where fans can dance close to the historic State Theater’s stage.

Anglin said the Wailers have sold party-in-the-pit tickets before because it makes the performance even more fun.

“It makes it feel like a festival, so we like to bring the people up,” he said. “I like to be closer to the people when I’m performing. When someone is sitting down, it’s hard to tell the reaction, so we appreciate it when people stand up and dance.”

Born in Jamaica, Anglin moved to New Jersey when he was 15, graduated in 2001 from Lenape High School in Burlington County, joined the U.S. Navy, moved back to Jamaica in 2007, then joined the Wailers in 2010.

When not busy touring with them, he said he works on a solo debut album that hopes to release by year’s end. For more about Anglin, visit https://www.facebook.com/Danglinonline. For more about the Wailers, click http://wailers.com/.

Staff Writer Bob Makin: 732-565-7319; bmakin@MyCentralJersey.com

To hear the show

What: The Wailers, Rusted Root and Adam Ezra

When: 7:30 p.m. June 2

Where: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick

How much: $30-$45

Info: 732-246-7469, http://www.statetheatrenj.org/rusted_root_wailers