Tonight's Top Stop: The Wailers

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THE WAILERS WASN'T JUST THE NAME that Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer chose for themselves; it eventually became the name of the backing band who supported Bob during his worldwide ascent to superstardom. Anchored by bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett, the group still keeps the Rasta flag waving, playing Wailers classics such as "Buffalo Soldier" and "One Love" while interspersing new material that retains the roots-reggae vibe.

Family Man, who earned his nickname by siring 52 kids — yes, 52 — played with Marley in 1969 and continued with him until the reggae giant died from cancer in 1981. But things haven't always been, ahem, "irie" between Family Man and the Marley family. The bassist sued the Marley estate in an effort to gain songwriting credits and royalties. But his case wasn't strong, and when he lost, it was back to the road with the Wailers.

The great Baltimore-based reggae-ska band Jah Works opens.

» The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 8:30 p.m., $25; 703-237-0300. (East Falls Church)

Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images