Despite heavy rain showers, zags of lightning, and the announced cancellation of the pair of opening artists on his Babylon by Bus Tour, Stephen Marley remained optimistic. With show officials at Indian Ranch cautious as skies began to clear, the intimate, lakeside amphitheater in Webster, Mass., opened its doors. Guests entered to find staff wiping down wet seats and, surprisingly, Roots of Creation assembled on stage for an abbreviated, makeshift acoustic set, transitioning from a reading of the Grateful Dead’s “Fire on the Mountain” with a cameo by Jesse Royal, to a mini-set by Royal that included his hit, “High Tide or Low.”  

Even with all of the delays and concerns, Marley, indeed, would appear on schedule and deliver an inspired 90-minute set. The reggae star and his lock-tight band turned out a collection of Marley’s classics, a few new cuts, and several nods to his iconic father. Early entries included “Mind Control,” “Chase Dem,” and “Iron Bars,” three tracks from his Grammy-winning 2007 album, leaning into the calls for social and political justice that ‘Ragga’ has echoed throughout his celebrated career.

The first homage to his legendary father, Bob, came on “Three Little Birds;” the venerated gem tucked into a grouping of songs–“No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room)” and “One Good Spliff”–offering respect to another popular Marley cause: cannabis consumption. There was the mellow acoustic rendering of Marley’s latest single, “Old Soul.” And edgier fare, such as “Break Us Apart” and “Rock Stone,” offset by the ebullient vibes of Bob’s “Jamming” and playful “The Traffic Jam.”

Closing out the frame, Marley delighted the packed-in crowd with “Is This Love,” then returned for an encore that featured a new, unreleased song, “Reward,” and a final “One Love.” The Babylon by Bus Tour continues its visit to the Northeast, then heads to the Southern U.S. through August. For more information, check out www.stephenmarleymusic.com