Rebelution's creating a revolution in the world of modern reggae music.

The Southern California band puts a fresh spin on the reggae genre by infusing elements of funk, rock and hip-hop into the mix. College music fans are loving the fresh sounds -- and Rebelution's selling out venues around the country.

If you go

Who: Rebelution, with Zion-1 and SOJA

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St.

Cost: SOLD OUT

bouldertheater.com

Rebelution's now in the midst of its winter tour with Zion-1 and SOJA. The reggae road show's Saturday stop at the Boulder Theater just sold out.

"The band members met when we were attending community college -- we met in a world music class," vocalist/guitarist Eric Rachmany said. "We were all drawn to each other through a mutual love of reggae, so we got together and started jamming.

"We're all fans of different kinds of music, and we wanted to bring all those elements into the band. We use old-school reggae, funk, world music, hip-hop and rock in our music. No genre really predominates -- we just take it song by song."

Rebelution's brand of reggae fusion's built up a grass roots following for the band. The group's cross-pollination of musical genres has even convinced non-reggae fans to join the fanbase.

The group's also becoming known for its positive lyrical messages, as the songs are filled with social messages about giving back to the community and non-violence. Rebelution's latest CD, Bright Side of Life, reflects the band's upbeat outlook.

"Every song we do is different, but lately the theme's about encouragement," Rachmany said. "We want to put that idea out to our crowds. We want to get them to be motivated and positive."

However, nothing can beat a live Rebelution show. Rachmany knows how to work his audience, and the band effortlessly flows from one reggae-based genre to the next.

Rebelution just sold out two nights at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium, so the band's pumped and ready to play Boulder.

"Even if we're tired before we get on stage, the crowd energizes us," Rachmany said. "It really makes our night when we hear the crowd singing our lyrics and see them vibing to the music.

"We have a few new songs worked out for the Boulder Theater show. We have some great messages in our songs and people can dance their butts off."