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Reggae On The River 2015 - Part 1 (Thursday/Friday)
Reggae On The River 2015 - Part 1 (Thursday/Friday)
One River, One Love.
In the redwood forests, fire brings new life and growth to seedlings yearning for a piece of the sunshine. From a tragedy, there is positivity. This too is the story of Reggae on the River, America’s oldest reggae music festival, still going strong. From the rubble of an arsonist’s work in 1983, and with massive community support, the germination of a brilliant idea to fund a new Mateel Community Center took root.
“Reggae”, as it is affectionately known by the Humboldt County community, has had its share of change and balance, but this year the concern was simply water. Drought in California left the banks of the Eel River parched and the swimming holes shallow. Fortunately, the current El Nino weather pattern is bringing steady rain to the region. 2016 should see the return of deep water frolicking and the continuation of good vibes both in and out of the blessed river.
Speaking of blessings, Reggae knows how to give back. Their Ambassador Program, launched in 2015, has raised nearly $15,000 to be split between two non-profits in Jamaica: The Alpha Boys Institute (formerly “School”) and the Lil’ Ragamuffins Summer Camp. They also partnered in a Tools For Change program with Pierre Yamleowa Balma, who spoke on Saturday night. The program encouraged attendees to bring and donate new and used tools to send to Africa. This resulted in the shipment of a 40 foot container of tools currently in route to the rural community of Zao in Burkina Faso.
Sights of 2015
8 am Thursday morning, the long line of parked cars suddenly start their engines and prepare for the mad dash to choose camping spots. Most head to the riverside and begin moving rocks, designing pathways, and setting up sun shelters. From the bowl, and echoed on the local radio station, campers hear the DJs playing music and feel the anticipation rising. By late afternoon, with bellies full from vendors or camp stoves, they trickle in to the bowl, the music live. HIRIE, Fortunate Youth, and Pablo Moses welcomed the reggae family back under a spectacular night tapestry of treetops, billowing clouds, and full moon. Magic, again.
Friday started with a traditional Native American opening ceremony and then bands from around the world filled the stage: Inna Vision from Hawaii, USA’s Stick Figure, Katchafire from New Zealand, and Collie Buddz from Bermuda. Jamaica’s own, Don Carlos and Cham, represented the generations of wisdom and of youth.
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| Posted by nova bey on 02.17.2016 | |
| Useful article - I was fascinated by the points ! Does someone know if I might be able to get access to a fillable a form copy to fill in ? | |
Comments actually desactivated due to too much spams
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