LIVE ROOTS REGGAE AT VELVET LOUNGE

Where: 327 Keawe St. (formerly Bliss, diamondhead of Comp-USA)

When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays

"The Reggae Hotline": 392-3692

Cover: Varies. I paid $7.

Got parking? Yes. Free, but limited parking in a side lot. Otherwise, there's ample street parking in the area.

The appeal? Some of our best local roots reggae players throwing down the consciousness live in a friendly, laid-back setting.

I'm under 21: But 18 or older? One love.

I'm over 40: But seriously dig roots reggae? One love.

The crowd: Mostly twenty- and thirtysomething, very into the bands and music, unpretentious and positive. You'll find a larger crowd on Velvet's now two-year-old Friday party than its recently launched Saturday one. "Everybody here respect the music, respect one another," said a dude named Movement. "It be a good thing."

What to wear: Casual is best. But on the reggae-wear tip, I saw skullcaps, patterned designer dress shirts and tees, rasta caps and yards of dreadlocks tucked under crocheted caps.

The soundtrack Live reggae, of course. On the night I stopped by, always-conscious local players T.H.C. (The Heartical Crew) threw down an energetic set of rootsy originals and covers — including a smokin', guitar-solo-enhanced run through Peter Tosh's classic "Legalize It." Rare nights without live acts feature reggae turntablists.

Past players of instruments at Velvet: Irie Souls, Most High, Krushal Meditations, Humble Soul, Rebel Souljahs, Red Degree

This weekend and beyond: Dubkonscious, tonight; reggae DJs, Saturday. Ooklah the Moc, March 30; Conscious Healing Band & The IONZ, March 31

Movement of the people: With most folks on their feet, better believe it's a dancing crowd — especially when the beats crank up. Feel free to step solo.

Red Stripe served here? Yes. Hosting live reggae without Jamaican beer should be illegal.

Say "hi" to "Diehard": Richard "Diehard" Matsushige, that is, who founded the party, enlists the bands, and is always at the front door. "A lot of our support is word of mouth," Diehard said. "The bands play for a bit less to support the scene, and bring their friends." You'll also find Diehard playing with The IONZ.

Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.