Road Report: Matisyahu Kicks Off the 'Festival of Light'

Matisyahu has scheduled eight New York City area performances called the Festival of Light, in support of his new album, 'Light.' The concerts will span the eight days of Hanukkah, each hosting a different opening act. Here, Matisyahu checks in after the first few shows, wishing everyone a happy holiday and explaining how elated he is to be home.

Hello, and happy Chanukah, everyone. We have played 3 shows at Webster Hall and tonight is number 4. Then we cross the bridge to Williamsburg Music Hall for 4 more shows. So far, each night has been unique with different energy and improvisational expressions. I have a new band, which consists of the Dub Trio of Williamsburg, Brooklyn -- who are masters at bringing the dub style to multiple genres of music and have the deepest pocket and feel of any musicians I have ever played with -- Rob Marcher on keyboards and long time friend and guitar player Aaron Dugan.

We've spent the last several months touring North America, Israel and Europe, playing almost every night and have really developed a brand new and unique sound that I am happy to be bringing back home to NY to share with all my NY friends, family and fans. In the darkest time of the year, we light the candles of the menorah at home in NY and expose the subtle beauty and humility of the spiritual quest through music, miracles and transformation.

As always, it's great to be home, and I feel truly blessed to be in this creative journey. I wish you all a blessed year and the ability to sit still with a humble heart and to hear the song that emerges from the void within, which has the power the heal and redeem even the deepest darkness. Happy Chanukah. Oh yeah, and we've got the freshest disco ball dreidel in the history of mankind.

- Matisyahu

Visit www.Ustream.tv/Matisyahu to watch a live webcast from the Festival of Light on Sunday, December 20 at 8 p.m. ET. The show will also be available to stream right here on Spinner on December 21.