VAIL, Colorado — Midnite, which weaves the cultural lyrics of “old school” roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening encounter, plays Samana in Vail Village tonight.

Lead singer Vaughn Benjamin's electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices in reggae —soulful, chanting, edgy. The band includes Christian Molina (drums), Edmund Fieulleteau (guitar), Edwin Byron (guitar) and Ras L (keyboards).

Naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite's musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements.

“Unpolished” is the title of their debut album, released in 1997, which includes such classics as “Don't Move,” “Mama Africa,” and “Love the Life You Live.”

In 1999, Midnite linked up with Wildchild! Records for their second release, “Ras Mek Peace.” Midnite then returned to live in St. Croix so that they could work with the local musicians and make recordings at their African Roots Lab. The fruits of these labors can be found on their third album, “Jubilees of Zion,” which was released on their independent Afrikan Roots Lab record label. The expansive, hypnotic rhythms continue, alongside the messages of peace, universal brotherhood, and cultural resistance to Babylon.

In June 2002, Midnite made its Northern California debut at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. That same month saw the release of Midnite's fourth album, “Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance.”

Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed three hours.