I recently had the honor of going to see a Stephen Marley concert at Santa Cruz’s famed Catalyst. The set was an inspirational and emotional acoustic set. Naturally, Stephen blended his own mix of songs with some less popular Bob songs (i.e. not on Legend). Among the highlights was a tongue twisting acoustic rendition of the party favorite Traffic Jam. The best part for me was a cover of Walk the Proud Land that felt like a strong train chuggin’ away. The driving rhythm that Stephen and gang put into that song felt good and clear. I suspect the mostly college kid crowd was hoping for a little more energy than Stephen was feeling. But the show was advertised as ‘acoustic’. After the show my group had the honor of getting on Stephen’s bus for a personal meet and greet. On board was also Papa Pretty, Stephen’s road manager and up and comer K’Naan, who did not perform. Naturally, we were all star struck beyond belief. I held one comment in my mind to make sure the rock solid slap of stardom didn’t knock the last thought out of my head. As we came on board I said hello, as did my friends. My little brother mumbled some incoherent nonsense and slumped against the wall with his hand on his head and giant smile. I felt a pause so I threw out my comment, “I really loved that version of Walk the Proud Land”. Stephen laughed and nodded, gave me a casual hand grab and punch with a “thank you man”. Papa Pretty said I really knew my stuff, which regardless of one’s reggae knowledge, feels good coming from a true Rasta. I tried to make a bit more talk but I was star struck and my friends barely even got out their hellos. Stephen was gracious and thoughtful, his set was great and the night was awesome. Some people question the Marley offspring quality and talent.  On this night, Stephen, who has played with his father and the Wailers and produced much of his brothers stuff, was burnin’ up.