Four members of UB40 onstage at bMobile Reggae Sunsplash 2006 as the band makes its Jamaican debut. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Florida:

If it did seem odd at first that a predominantly white British-based band could close a Sunsplash show that featured the likes of Toots and Third World, then veterans, UB40 wasted little time reminding everyone that the reggae sound is truly universal and any hint of colour tainting musical notes quickly disappears when faced with commitment and quality.

The group closed a group of shows at Sunsplash's tour across a few U.S. states, last weekend.

So good was the group's delivery - especially the three-man horn section and the riveting drum and bass, that the crowd merely shrugged at a band member's repeated description of West Palm Beach as "Fort Lauderdale", another Florida city about an hour's drive south. From Beautiful Woman to Red, Red Wine, Cherry Oh Baby, the Bob Marley tribute Keep on Movin', John Holt/U-Roy's Wear You to the Ball and the touching Can't Help Falling in Love, UB40 held firmly to the audience's hand, leading them on a fun trip that kept them dancing and waving in the aisles and their seats.

The feel-good reggae ride had hit the U.S. in a rush. The rest of the nation had better buckle up.

- G.W.