Reggae musician Matisyahu made his first visit to the 92nd Street Y last Tuesday in a discussion moderated by Thane Rosenbaum to talk about his development as an artist, his latest record, Light, and the fusion of his various musical styles. The highlight of evening for the Panel Nerds, who were here covering the event for Mediaite, was Matisyahu’s collaboration with the PS 22 Children’s Chorus:

“...a group of a couple dozen 5th graders from Staten Island. The PS 22 Children’s Chorus joined the singer on stage for “One Day” and “On Nature”. Quickly, the feel of the evening shifted to that of a 5th grade choir performance, with Matisyahu in a guest role; the kids instantly upstaged their influence and ambassador.

When talk turned to his time with the children, Matisyahu lovingly noted: “If you ask them what they want to be, they want to be ninjas. I tell them they can do it: You can be the first Hasidic ninja.”

Watch video of Matisyahu and PS 22 rehearsing, and check back soon for video of the official performance here on stage at 92Y.

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