Jewish Reggae Artist Matisyahu Has Chicago House Of Blues Cancel Performance Over Protest Fears

Bruce Haring
·1 min read
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Reggae artist Matisyahu has had the House of Blues in Chicago cancel his scheduled performance Friday because of the “threat of protests.”

Matisyahu said that House of Blues had canceled the show and paid the contractual penalty, which he promised to donate to an organization that advocates for the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

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The Chicago date is the third cancellation for Matisyahu on his current U.S. tour. Previous dates in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona were also pulled.

In Los Angeles, Jewish author Brett Gelman and TV personality Mayim Bialik also had events canceled or interrupted because of their outspoken support for Israel.

Matisyahu has been outspoken in his support for Israel, and has performed for troops there.

“While my fans and I are deeply hurt by this, please know we will not cower to these bullies and the pressure they exert,” said a statement from Matisyahu. “These individuals and the organizations that break under their pressure threaten the bedrock of artistic expression … We will continue to play shows. And we will always stand tall against hate and march towards the true goal of a long term peace for all.”

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