The Itals, a Jamaican roots reggae harmony trio, will perform Thursday, July 9 at the River Ranch Lodge in Tahoe City.

The performance is part of the River Ranch’s Thursday night summer concert series. Zion Roots, from Dominica, West Indies, open the show at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance and are available at the River Ranch, Joby’s, New Moon. Tickets also will be available at the gate.

Originally from Savanna La Mar, Jamaica, the Itals vocal trio — Keith Porter, Ronnie Davis and David Isaacs — reunite this summer to tour North America again.

The Itals are internationally recognized as one of reggae's premier harmony trios. This 2009 tour is in support of their new album recorded in Jamaica. This new release is a follow-up to their December 2008 release on VP Records — “Ina Dis Ya Time.”

Known for their tight harmonies and uplifting songs of glory, these reggae ambassadors have been touring since the early ’80s. After many years on the road, the Itals are living examples of the “Rasta Philosophy,” which is the title of the album that brought them a Grammy nomination.

The Itals take their name from the Jamaican patois word Ital, meaning natural — pure and unprocessed, in balance and harmony. The Itals continue to champion the roots reggae sound they helped to create, beginning with their anthem “Ina Dis Ya Time,” recorded in 1975. “Ina Dis Ya Time” is one of the most enduring songs in Jamaica's musical history.

The seaside community of Savanna La Mar, where Porter and Davis grew up, greatly influenced their laid-back singing style, and the righteous outlook on life depicted in their music. In contrast to the violence and sexism that runs through much of current music, the Itals' lyrics remain focused on positive living, love and harmony. “Got to reveal. It’s got to reveal. The truth that is hid, has got to reveal,” chant the Itals.

Concert series sponsors are the River Ranch Lodge, KTKE Radio of Truckee and Renegade Productions.