Reggae On The River 2011

By Alexis Anne on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - Photos by Lee Abel - Comment

The festival took place in California on the 16th & 17th July.

Reggee On The River 2011

Tucked far away amongst the redwood trees, on a bend in the Eel River, Reggae on the River celebrated its 27^th festival in a memorable fashion. Boasting two days of solid reggae music, Humboldt County’s only reggae festival paid tribute to reggae’s roots in Jamaica, Africa, South America, and more. This year, with unforgettable performances from Rootz Underground, Seun Kuti, Human Rights, Gondwana, J Boog, Edi Fitzroy, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel, and the kickoff collaboration tour of Ky-Mani Marley and Gramps Morgan, the festival lived up to the hype it has maintained since the 90s.

With a variety of performers on two different stages (a new edition to this year’s festival), Reggae on the River provided hippies, businessmen, and doctors alike with a greater appreciation for music. From Edi Fitzroy jumping off the stage and performing in the midst of the crowd, to J Boog’s blend of reggae, r&b, hip hop, and Polynesian soul, to Gondwana’s representation of Spanish reggae from Chile, to Rootz Underground’s overly-packed performance on the small stage, all music lovers were content.

Reggae On The River 2011

This year’s crowd was pumped and ready for the dynamic performance of Gramps Morgan and Ky-Mani Marley who brought down the house Saturday night. The collaboration of the two members of the greatest reggae families, the Marleys and the Morgans, exceeded all expectations and kept the audience dancing late into the night, chanting for more. Gramps’ soulful lyrics and reggae roots mixed with Ky-Mani’s hip hop beats and tribute to his father were the perfect ending to a spectacular day on the river.

A plethora of food and beverages was available to satisfy all vegan, vegetarian and carnivore needs, from the ever-popular Jamaican Jerk chicken to traditional Greek gyros and the local fire station’s ice cream stand. Unique vendors provided the newest and greatest fashion, including feather hair extensions, exotic clothing, jewelry, and wooden furniture.

On Monday we drove south through the magnificent, mysterious redwood forest, still basking in Reggae’s positive vibes. Feeling inspired and alive, we started planning for ROTR 2012.