If you’re into head-bopping, soul infused, funk and reggae influenced music then the Rockwater Bar and Grill has just what you’re looking for.

On June 26, The Rockwater will host Wassabi Collective - a five-piece band from the small town of Nelson, B.C. that has been spreading their positive vibes for more than seven years now.

Critically acclaimed as one of Canada’s best live independent bands, Wassabi Collective has pleased audiences from coast-to-coast with their dynamic, explorative jams and eclectic sound.

Elements of funk that can unexpectedly veer off into exploratory jams are fueled by the captivating vocals of Melissa Meretsky, the band’s sultry lead vocalist that also happens to rock out on the drums.

According to their biography, Meretsky drives her drums with a force to be reckoned with, twirling about in an alluring display, interrupted only to bounce back to her congas in a fiery display that lights up the stage. The rest of the well known band includes Brent Hongisto on the guitar and vocals; Jimmy Lewis on drums and vocals; keyboardist Rahj Levinson and bassist Andrew McCormick.

Many of Wassabi’s lyrics sing of beauty and realness and being true, but the band also looks to the outside, spreading messages of environmental, social and spiritual activism packaged in positive, feel-good lyrics.

Wassabi fuses everything from roots reggae, funk, rock, jazz, drum and bass, trance, hip hop, blues, and everything in between. They wrap it all up with a nice psychedelic twist that will have any dance floor moving for hours. Meretsky was voted Best Female Performer of the Year at the 2008 BCIMA’s.

Catch Wassabi live at The Rockwater on June 26. Tickets are $10 at the door.