Matisyahu/311

7 p.m. Thursday, June 28. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights.

Jun 27, 2007 at 4:00 am

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Countless Christian churches have turned to the glitz and glam of rappers and rock bands to tempt young people back to their pews. But there hasn't been a priest, nun or Saved star yet that could rock audiences like Hasidic Jew Matisyahu. By mixing reggae and dub beats, rock & roll guitar riffs and inspirational lyrics, the 27-year-old singer/ rapper has disappointed some reggae traditionalists, even if his live shows keep audiences hyped. Although his last studio record, Youth, came out over a year ago, Matisyahu has kept himself busy by meddling with classics such as "Message in a Bottle" by the Police. Given that Matisyahu is branching out on his latest tour by opening for 311 (i.e., the kings of "bro rock"), count on covers to be used as bait to reel in new fans. Finally, a concert that effectively combines the best elements of a frat party and a bar mitzvah!