Hi-Tek Rocks the Sounds of Reggae at Allegria Hotel

Although the musical portion of the Quiksilver Pro surf competition is no more, Long Beach venues have worked to keep performances playing in town throughout the week.

Tuesday night, Hi-Tek, a reggae band from Brooklyn, took the stage at the Allegria Hotel's boardwalk lounge, giving both Long Beach residents and visitors a taste of live music despite the absence of Quiksilver's highly anticipated festivities.

Guests at the Allegria were given a lively show filled with Hi-Tek's original music and a mix of popular jams like "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley, "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet and "Your Body is a Wonderland" by John Mayer.

Shirley Stuart, lead singer of the reggae quartet, said the band was excited to be back in Long Beach, where they've played numerous times before.

"We played at Montego Bay every summer for 14 years and we played a roofdeck show here at the Allegria last week," he explained. "I love everything about Long Beach. It's a joy to play here."

As a longtime musician, Stewart felt the town should have kept the Quiksilver concerts after a catastrophe such as Hurricane Irene.

That's the time to bring music in," Stewart said. "Music lifts the spirit. You don't want to keep music out when things are sad. You bring the music."

Pro surfer Adrian Buchan was in Long Beach for the first time, coming all the way from Australia for the Quiksilver competition.

"It's a shame the music was canceled, but obviously the hurricane was a big deal," Buchan said. "This band is great though, we're really loving it."

The Allegria Hotel will host Friday afternoon from 3 to 7 p.m.