The Jackson Avenue Coffee shop will bring the sounds of the Caribbean to Charleston with a Bob Marley birthday celebration at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best Caribbean or Bob Marley-inspired garb.

Dano Reible, owner of the JAC, said the performance will appeal to Marley fans and anyone who wants to hear some positive music.

He said if someone does not listen to Bob Marley or reggae music, they could use this as an opportunity to come and experience something different.

“Growing up, I was not really a fan of Bob Marley,” Reible said. “I never appreciated his music as a kid. I appreciate him a lot better as an adult. I understand the lyrics a lot better.”

Bobby Reynolds, a blues musician, will be performing at the Bob Marley birthday celebration.

Reynolds, who goes by the stage name Reverend Robert, has performed at JAC many times before, he said.

“I’m playing at the JAC because it’s great,” Reynolds said. “JAC has a good venue, and I play there regularly. It’s a good and fun atmosphere.”

Reynolds has a normal set of two genres, but for the celebration he will only play Caribbean music.

“I normally play blues and jazz,” Reynolds said. “For this, I’ll play reggae with more of an older style. It’s going to be calypso and the roots of reggae. I’m gonna put my own spin on the music.”

He said he will use a special type of guitar for the Bob Marley birthday celebration, and will also be singing for the event.

“I’ll be playing the national resonator guitar. I’m gonna sing some of my favorite Marley songs, ‘Pimpers Paradise’ and ‘This Is Love,’ Reynolds said.

The JAC shop has never honored any of Bob Marley’s music before, Reible said.

He said since Marley’s birthday is coming up, now is the perfect time to show him respect.

“The music of Bob Marley and songwriting is what I like the most,” he said. “He always has a good message. His music just makes the heart feel good.”

This message is what Reynolds said he wants everyone to leave with after attending the birthday celebration.

Dano said each time a new performer comes, it is a unique music experience.

“We like to honor all types of music here,” he said. “We’ve had rock bands, indie singers and everything. We support all genres and want all the artists to have a chance to be heard.”

Paige Bennett can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].