The Natti Love Joys has toured together for years, but the experiences of members Jatti and Marla Allen dates back to the 1960s.  

The band plays in Knoxville often and brings out both college students and other Knoxville locals to their shows.

"Tonight‘s show was great," fan Aaron Kiser said.  "When you go to a show, you know that you won't be disappointed."

Perhaps what makes the Natti Love Joys such a popular band in the area is their devotion to the community.

Jatti and Marla Allen, the band's founding members, now reside in the mountains of Isabella, Tenn., which they say is much different from places such as Jamaica, England and New York where they once lived.

"We are experiencing a new and different stage of our career," Jatti said.

Jatti and Marla said that living in the mountains allows them to focus on other important things such as their children.

Jatti and Marla came to the Knoxville area nine years ago and believe the Natti Love Joys are still reaching new fans of reggae.

"I believe we have spread more into the community," Marla said.  "Doing shows such as the "Live at 5" at the Knoxville Museum of Art has allowed us to reach other people that can't come to places like the World Grotto."

Jatti and Marla also established Camp Reggae, an outdoor music festival on every Memorial Day and Labor Day in the mountains of East Tennessee.

"Some people even say it's like coming into our backyard," Marla said.

Camp Reggae started nine years ago and had its largest turnout in 2007.

The band released its third album, "Thingz," earlier this year and a book "Non-Returning Status" about the lives of Jatti and Marla is scheduled for release December 2007.  

    The band is also scheduling a U.S. tour next year and is playing the New Year's Eve show at World Grotto for the second year in a row.

"Reggae is beginning to be accepted as the music of the Earth, of the people," Jatti said.  "Actually, it already has."