Julian Marley
& The Uprising Band

Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born, Lucy Pounder, is a Grammy award nominated, roots-reggae musician, singer-songwriter, producer and humanitarian. In the same tradition as his father, Julian “Ju Ju” Marley is a devout Rastafarian whose music is inspired by life and spirituality.

Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian is the only son of Bob Marley born and raised in the U.K. “Growing up in London remains a large part of who I am today. I feel privileged to be a part of the musical roots that my father laid in England. As the next generation of British-born reggae artists, I look forward to relating the cultural gifts and musical creations that have been bestowed on to me back onto the international music scene.” Julian frequently visited his family and brothers Ziggy, Stephen, Damian and Ky-Mani in Jamaica. In 1987 when influential Wailers drummer Carlton Barrett was murdered outside of his home in Jamaica, Julian wrote two un-released songs, “Uprising” and “What They Did Wrong” in response to the incident. Subsequently he also formed a band called The Uprising, comprised of young Jamaican players. In 1993, Julian and his brothers formed a group called the Ghetto Youths Crew. Then, in 1996 Julian made his solo debut with Lion in the Morning. In 2009, Julian’s career rose to even higher heights with the success of his Grammy Award Nominated release entitled, Awake. This album was inspired by the family who have come before says Julian,

“There is spiritual energy from the ancestors in this album.” A humanitarian at heart, Julian Marley naturally leans toward building on charitable missions and contributing to the Ghetto Youths Foundation, which in the spirit of his father Bob Marley, allows the socially conscious Marley to give back to youths in various communities. Whether it’s reasoning with children at the football fields in London, or offering his time to benefit concerts, Julian consciously looks toward finding ways to lend guidance to children. “If we have the time, if we have the resources, we must rise to the occasion to help our brothers and sisters in every way possible.”

Morgan Heritage

Reggae’s most beloved family act, Morgan Heritage is also one of reggae music’s most successful bands.

Formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artist, Denroy Morgan, they made their first appearance on stage at Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica. In two decades, they have a number of hit albums including Don’t Haffi Dread and More Teachings. The ultra-dynamic set of siblings consists of Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Roy “Gramps” Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan (percussion / vocals). After respective solo careers and music ventures of their own, the collective’s first musical arrangement in five years, Here Come the Kings is set to be released this summer 2013 on VP Records. Morgan Heritage has huge cross-over appeal; culture music fans as well as roots reggae, hip hop, R&B and dancehall fans alike are uplifted by the authentic rockaz style of Morgan Heritage. “Know yourself and don’t sell out yourself or your culture to be like someone else or accepted by a certain sect in society,” explains Peetah.

Ever uplifting, Morgan Heritage is back with new confidence and continued to commitment to heal the world through music. Gramps passionately declares, “It’s not about changing the message,” which unfailingly has been one of love, dignity, respect, and praising Jah, “but delivering the message to a new generation.” The tight-knit Morgan tribe believes the youth of Jamaica have strayed away from their island’s rich culture. “Shabba, Shaggy, these people captivated foreign markets because they were different,” explains Peetah, “but still 100% Jamaican. Reggae artists need to realize that what we do is precious. We must value what we have because the public wants us for who we are.” This ground-breaking return of reggae’s royal family, Morgan Heritage, and their performance at Reggae on the River is arguably one of the most anticipated performances of the summer.

Tarrus Riley & Blak Soil

Leading a resurgence of traditional roots reggae, Tarrus Riley embodies a rare blend of wisdom, maturity and street cred. Awarded Best singer, Best Male vocalist, Cultural Artist, Song of the Year, Best Song by various institutions, his expressive, instantly recognizable voice, lyrics and melodies capture the ups and downs of love and life in a way that is both familiar to his island audience and accessible to the whole world. Not the first to throw his candidacy in the hat of roots revival torch bearers, the name Tarrus Riley is nonetheless being mentioned in the same breath as esteemed vocalists Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Beres Hammond. His debut album, Challenges, was followed by Parables, which was greeted with widespread acclaim and spawned the hit singles, “Lion Paw,” “Stay with You,” and “She’s Royal” among others. “I target women and children with my music because slavery tampered with the woman’s mind and that’s why I wrote ‘She’s Royal.’ She’s the head of the household so she has the power to influence the young men and women of tomorrow.”

Born in the Bronx and raised between Florida and Jamaica, Tarrus is the son of reggae singer Jimmy Riley, a member of the seminal 1960s harmony group, The Techniques. Tarrus grew up admiring dancehall stars Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton and started his career as a DJ (dancehall parlance for rapping). With his fifth album coming out any day, Tarrus Riley is also known to feature such artists as the DJ Konshens, hardcore dancehall singer Demarco and the polarizing Jamaican figure, Vybz Kartel. Tarrus Riley stands out and holds his own in the reggae mainstream amidst coarser fare on the JA charts. “We need the youngsters in JA to listen where this roots music is coming from. We need to come out as one instead of everybody mix up mix up and bad mouthing each other. We need to show unity and we need to show strength.”

Anthony B

Draped in the rich colors of African cloth, his trademark staff in hand, and his dreadlocks wrapped regally upon his head, Anthony B has been steadfast in his mission to represent the poor and oppressed, using sharp lyrics to confront political injustices and bring the issues of the people to the forefront.

Born in 1976 in the northwestern parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, his religious upbringing imbued him with a strong sense of spirituality although his family wasn’t pleased when he adopted Rastafari beliefs as a teenager. During his youth, his favorite singers were reggae legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, both of whom strongly influenced his style. It was in 1992 that Anthony B left his home-town and set out to make his fateful mark on Kingston's music scene. Despite the trend then of girl and gun lyrics, Anthony B remained faithful to words of spiritual consciousness and social conviction.

Anthony B has single-handedly raised performance standards and lyrical content for the industry through the release of over 13 albums, 1000 singles and appearances on over 100 albums. DELETE THE DOUBLE USE OF ALBUM Over the years, he has collaborated with Bone Crusher, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Martina and Toots. Anthony B continually proves himself to be one of reggae's most prolific and engaging artists and arguably its most electrifying performer.

J Boog & Hot Rain

This artist's irresistible blend of island and reggae sounds are what made “Let's Do It Again” a smash hit in both the clubs and on the airwaves. Raised in Compton, California with Samoan ancestry, J Boog's south central swag and Hawaiian hang loose attitude find a natural home in reggae music.

Captivating audiences worldwide with his highly-acclaimed debut album, 2007’s Hear Me Roar, his multi-genre style blends reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and Polynesian soul with his own original street flair. Following the success of his debut release, he joined the Wash House Music family in 2008 and started working with Gramps Morgan, on his second disc, which was recorded in a variety of historic Jamaican studios and features tracks with reggae giants, Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley, and Morgan Heritage. His album, Back Yard Boogie (2010), produced by the legendary Don Corleon, is credited with changing the role of Polynesian artists in mainstream music. J-Boog is a playful, fun spirit with a luv-a-dub music vibration and his live performances are pure lava!

Natural Black

Originally from Guyana and now based In Jamaica, this talented vocalist has been on reggae’s frontlines for the past decade.

Born Mortimer Softley, he was nicknamed Black and White because of his love for dressing in that color code though his Jamaican counterparts later renamed him Natural Black. Upon his arrival to JA, Black found work as a welder and coffee picker while recording in his spare time. With a host of big tunes, including the monster track, “Far From Reality,” Natural Black has long been on the list of Most Wanted artists on the west coast. Though the artist made the media news last spring for cutting his locks and turning from a roots approach to more of a dancehall fire, he has returned to writing conscious music and charging into 2013 with four new singles- all conscious reggae anthems- a move which has fans overjoyed for his ROTR performance!

Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstars

From their humble beginnings in Guinean refugee camps to performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, this group has risen from the ashes of war to global stardom. In the mid-1990s, upon a Canadian relief agency donating two beat up electric guitars, a single microphone and a meager sound system, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars soon became a potent example of the redeeming power of music.

Although an acclaimed documentary film gave them an initial boost into the public’s attention, their music has since found them having established an identity based as much on skill, imagination and charisma as on their undeniably touching story. Their music translates the hardships they’ve endured along with the current global issues of hunger and the gap between rich and poor into bright, danceable melodies. One of Africa’s top touring and recording bands, their 2012 release Radio Salone (meaning “Sierra Leone” in their native language Krio) is their strongest, most confident work to date, representing a new musical high point for the group as it emanates life-affirming positivity; a joyful mix of roots reggae with West African stylings, afrobeat, funk and more.

Junior Kelly

Since 2000, when his record breaking tune “Love So Nice” stayed on the JA charts for 15 straight weeks, Kelly has consistently brought positive attention to his music. With a compelling blend of dancehall deejay and more traditional roots music, Junior Kelly is a mediator between the newer sounds of dancehall-inspired hip hop and the older roots reggae styles bringing all audiences into the fold. Brought up in a musical family where his father and grandfather played the banjo and his mother sang at their local church, he cut his first single, “Over Her Body” in 1985 when he was 16 years old. The album Love So Nice was released in 2001, four years after it was recorded, delayed while its producers raised money for its promotion. Much of the money came from Kelly’s fans in his home neighborhood of Kingston. It was greeted with rave reviews in the United States.

Les Nubians

The vibrant Parisian slam poetry circuit served as the incubator for French/Cameroonian sister duo, Helene and Celia Faussart, to cultivate their art. The sisters soon adopted the moniker Les Nubians and set to work crafting an a capella, R&B hybrid inflected with Afro-Caribbean rhythmic sensibilities. They have earned a Grammy nomination and worldwide attention with a pair of major label releases and have since maintained an influential and infectious presence in the hip-hop and soul vanguard. Known for their innovative musical approach and glamorous afropean style, they are widely appealing on the urban music scene world-wide. With jazzy nuances, hard hitting drum and bass lines, harmonious melodies and conscious proclamations, Les Nubians manages to make the blend of so many diverse elements seem logical and organic as it all springs naturally from their multi-cultural lives.

Rockamoyva

featuring Harrison Stafford, Ryan Newman, and Marcus Urani of Groundation with Will Bernard and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace.

This inter-generational collaboration features modern jazz's most ubiquitous guitarist (Will Bernard), roots reggae's most prolific drummer (Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace) and three players from America's biggest reggae band (Groundation). Although they perform an array of Jamaican popular music from ska to dancehall, they are firmly planted in roots reggae, which is not only a logical reflection of the Groundation sound, but allows them to tap in directly to the source as Horsemouth is one of the original creators of that particular style. However, they also venture out, and Bernard’s majestic lead lines and wild tone experiments along with Marcus Urani’s (Groundation) patchwork of Analog Synthesizer, B-3 Organ, and Rhodes Piano lines add new depth to the texture of reggae. All of this combined with the distinctive wailing cry of Harrison Stafford on vocals, the thunderous bass of Ryan Newman (Groundation), and the often-emulated, but never replicated “Horsemouth” makes for some of the freshest sounding music today. Rockamovya reaches across demographics and genres to entice and enthrall listeners of any and every tribe.

Blue King Brown

Hailed by Carlos Santana as “the voice of the street and the band of the future,” Blue King Brown is Australia’s premiere urban roots crew. An award-winning eight-piece outfit led by the relentless energy of Natalie Pa’apa’a, BKB brings a dancehall, roots, rock and afro groove mash-up to their incendiary live set. BKB’s cultural heritage includes Samoan, Native American, Basque and Mexican forebears and their vision extends far beyond the stage.

They fiercely believe that another world is possible and that music is a powerful tool to be used to rewrite and realize this world free of the misfortunes of greed and poverty. Their hard hitting lyrics and beats stand up for freedom while their lyrics are charged with a burning sense of justice. Their first album, Stand Up (2006) was followed by WorldWize (2010) which featured special guests, Jah Mason, Sly & Robbie and Queen Ifrica. This year’s performance at ROTR is sure to include new music from their much anticipated, forthcoming album.

Rootz Underground

Rootz Underground represents Jamaica’s most recent contribution to the international reggae scene. The six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes the boundaries of rock, jam, reggae and beyond. With their signature electric yet organic, gritty yet soulful textures, this band manages to harness the essence that the reggae aficionado was captivated by in the 1970s while simultaneously connecting the youth to the messages of Rastafari. With a firm grasp on the foundation as they bring back the band format that Jamaican reggae was built on, Rootz Underground molds their shows around the world against Kingston’s discerning audiences.

Maintaining their popularity in the underground music scene, they are touring in support of their new album, Return of the Righteous, with an added horn and percussion section. Moving forward, this group of musicians is trailblazing the way with their modern day social consciousness, their positive energy, and lyrically conscious music. Rootz Underground is the band you can count on to deliver an unparalleled, explosive live stage performance guaranteed to reinvigorate your perspective on music.

Chronixx & The Zincfence

In his first ever Cali festival, riding high with chart toppers like “Warrior,” “Behind Curtain,” and “Beat & A Mic” Chronixx is one of the most exciting artists on the scene today. Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica in 1992, Chronixx was the stage name his friends bestowed on him, replacing the name “Little Chronicle” he was given as the junior to his father, the musician Chronicle.

Chronixx wrote his first song at the age of five and became choir director and worship leader at the age of 11. At 14, he started producing and building riddims for artists such as Konshens, composing riddims such as the “Freezer Riddim” for Icebox Records and voicing artists, including Popcaan. After his brother's death in 2009, Chronixx became more inspired to push out, and as fate would have it he stepped out militantly with a unique voice, armed with lyrics and an accompanying musical sound. Many hailed Chronixx’s performance at this year’s Rebel Salute as deadly. Chronixx, as well as Kabaka Pyramid will be backed by the Zinc Fence Band, which consists primarily of former students of the Edna Manley College in Kingston, Jamaica.

Kabaka Pyramid

One of the tuffest lyricists to come out of Kingston, Jamaica, Keron "Kabaka Pyramid" Salmon is a multi-talented song-writer, DJ, rapper, chanter and producer. His musical style blends the lyricism of hip-hop, with the energy and melody of reggae and dancehall. “To me reggae and hip-hop go hand in hand....when they procreate, rebel music is born! Some believe that each art form must remain pure....I’m not here to oppose,” says Kabaka, “But fusion is the foodstuff of evolution, and evolution is constant, both physically and spiritually.”

The artist’s towering name comes from "Kabaka" which is Ugandan for "King" and Pyramids which are thought by the artist to house the mathematical proportions of universal laws that are eminent in the creation of this universe. Kabaka Pyramid made his first major break-through in 2007 and in 2011 released the EP Rebel Music which shows the world where Kabaka is looking to take Jamaican music. As one of the hottest emerging artists in Jamaica right now, this highly anticipated ROTR set with JA’s Zincfence band will be his California festival debut.

Nkulee Dube

Back by popular demand after an incredible performance at ROTR 2012, and this time in the company of her full South African based band, this daughter of South African reggae icon, Lucky Dube, was born with music in her blood. One of the most exciting additions to the worldwide pop music landscape, no female artist has managed to fuse ethno-soul, jazz, and reggae in one singer/songwriter package like Nkulee Dube.

In only a short span of time since entering this challenging industry, she was nominated for a whopping six awards at the 31st Annual International World and Reggae Music Awards (IRAWMA), earning her a coveted place in history as not only the first artist to be nominated for so many awards in a single year, but as the first non-Caribbean born artist to be nominated at the awards. A rising star with a fresh blend of roots reggae and neo-soul and a distinctly African sound, Nkulee returns to ROTR this year after having received the IRAWMA award for Most Promising. She is focusing this year on both her music tour as well as her Nkulee Production company which joins music, fashion and jewelry design, all elements she models exquisitely in person.

The Meditations
featuring Ansel Cridland

Bob Marley’s favorite harmony trio - The Meditations - recorded their first hit single “Woman is Like a Shadow” in 1974 at Channel One Recording Studio and their first album Message from The Meditations was produced by Dobby Dobson. Instantly, the group’s vocal style captured the hearts of reggae fans around the world and led to collaborations with Lee Scratch Perry. Perry, who produced for Bob Marley and the Wailers, asked them to do back-up vocals for “Punky Reggae Party,” featuring Bob on lead vocals. Bob Marley was so pleased with their harmony that he brought them back to add their vocals to “Rastaman Live Up” and “Blackman Redemption,” just to name a few.

Like a living time capsule, The Meditations represent the golden age of reggae which showcased a three-part harmony with a backing roots reggae band. The Meditations have remained active in the recording industry, having also helped numerous artists and producers develop their musical careers.

This special homecoming performance will feature original group member Ansel Cridland and will be the first time The Meditations have performed at the festival since the very first one in 1984 and their presence helps us celebrate a return to our roots as well.

Prezident Brown

The champion of new roots and reality consciousness, Prezident Brown is known as much for his deep vibrating vocals as he is for his dancehall toasting style. He got his start performing on local sound systems in Jamaica in the 1980s and started a recording career in the mid-90s. The most formative influence on Prezident Brown was producer and sound system operator Jack Ruby. Ruby saw something special in young Slim Brown; he took Slim Brown under his wing, re-named him Prezident Brown and appointed him resident M.C. of his Hi-Power Sound System, traveling worldwide. After the sound system era changed following Jack Ruby's death in 1989, and a massive roots revival swept across Jamaica washing gun and slackness lyrics out of the dance halls, the time was right for Prezident Brown to truly be heard.

The Prez not only sings about righteousness, but strives to live it in his personal life. He is now more involved in his music than ever before. In addition to vocals, he’s now producing and playing instruments. Touting his recently released album, I Sound Is From Creation, Prezident Brown consistently uplifts and strengthens his audiences through dynamic performances grounded in Nyabinghi drum beats.

Garifuna Collective

Preserving and promoting the precious Garifuna language and culture, this group of accomplished, multi-generational Afro-Amerindian artists continues to tour and perform in their co-founder, Andy Palacio’s memory. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective’s 2007 album Wátina is one of the most praised world music albums ever released.

On the cusp of tremendous fame, Andy passed away suddenly a year after Wátina was released, leaving the world to wonder just how big he could have become. His band continues where Andy left off, sharing soul-stirring songs with enchanting rhythms and powerful melodies inspired by their unique Afro-Amerindian cultural heritage. Descendants of West African and indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples, today the Garifuna live primarily in Central America. The Garifuna Collective springs forth from their rich traditional life, adding contemporary elements that give their audiences access to the experience of exile, longing, hope and celebration that can be traced back through the legacies, folklore, and rituals of humankind.

Toussaint The Liberator
w/ Amandla

Toussaint the Liberator has grown from a boy with deep spiritual roots singing at local churches in Indiana to a man embodying the spirit of the historical rebel from whom he takes his name. His lyrics and the call and the response heritage from which he draws his inspiration spark a fire in the hearts of his listeners. Asked to join Soulive in 2006 as their lead singer, Toussaint penned all the lyrics for the group’s acclaimed album, No Place Like Soul, and in 2010 he collaborated with St.Croix’s I grade Records to release his first solo album, Black Gold. A second solo album, recorded throw-back analogue style by I Dwell Records in Sonoma, CA entitled, Where I Lead (2012), features tracks with Mikey General and Kulcha Knox.

Toussaint’s latest project, Amandla, is the fruition of a quest wherein Toussaint has finally come together with players who truly represent the message of his music. Showcasing the talent and wisdom of the venerable Ras Iba, Amandla weaves together influences ranging from gospel to neo-soul to hip-hop and boasts years of experience on and off the stage working within the world of music. Soon to release their first album together, Power Link, their stage show meanwhile blazes the way with a new sound in reggae music and is an infectiously spiritual experience leaving crowds dancing and completely enchanted. Roots in a modern time!

Prestige

Born Lauriston Bruce on August 22 in Clarkstown, Trelawney (JA), Prestige is a Lion who was born to roar. Initially deejaying under the name of Presley (think Elvis Presley), he recorded his first tune in 1994 with the legendary Black Scorpio Records in Jamaica. That same year, Prestige gave up meat, focused on a healthier lifestyle and chose to live more harmoniously with people. Ten years later, he started locking his hair and decided to cut fish out of his diet and became a strict vegan.

Prestige’s life evolved spiritually and musically and he has proven to have developed an enchanting brand of modern roots reggae music. An artist who makes consistently brilliant music regardless of his producer, Prestige has shared the stage with the crowned prince of reggae, Dennis Brown as well as fellow greats, Beres Hammond and Luciano. One of Prestige’s own personal favorite tunes is "Miss You Mama" which was written in honor of his mother who passed away in 2002.

MC Zulu

Panamanian born and Chicago bred, MC Zulu pays his respects to the DJ driven Caribbean culture with a distinctive blend of electro bass grooves and dancehall vocals. The connection between all things electronica and dancehall was originally established in the mid-80s with Sly &Robbie's innovative release "Electro Reggae.” Since then, some artists have touched on the groundbreaking, hybrid material; however it is MC Zulu who has consistently reinforced the aesthetic, referring to it as his primary genre.

Having released several full length albums and EPs featuring producers of electronica from around the world, MC Zulu’s lyrics range from hard-hitting social commentaries to seductive party anthems. With trademark megaphone in hand, MC Zulu is one of the most widely remixed artists on the Global Bass scene, collaborating and making hit music with artists such as Major Lazer.

Army

Born Fritzmaurice Williams and raised on St. Croix, Army represents the roots reggae renaissance coming out of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Beginning his musical journey at the age of five in the youth choir at his local church, a love of jazz and other diverse musical styles led him to pick up the saxophone. He went on to study music in New York and grew into an accomplished vocalist before making the surprising decision to join the U.S. Army. After a stint, he chose to refocus on his musical career and returned to St. Croix, where he became actively involved in the VI reggae scene. With an eye for talent, he was quickly snatched up by Dub Rise Records, who released his debut CD, Yesterday’s News, and its follow-up, Struggler, both of which were hailed as refreshingly original. Without getting caught up in the commercialism of modern life, Army, with hits like “Rasta Awake” seeks spiritual renewal, justice for all people and universal positivity through his simultaneously soothing and invigorating voice.

Paula Fuga & Mike Love Trio

The Paula Fuga and Mike Love Trio brings together two of the rising stars from the Hawaiian Islands. Paula has established herself as an ambassador of the Hawaiian culture – having toured the world over and collaborated with artists such as India.Arie, Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley. Mike Love, a local legend on the Oahu music scene, recently released his debut album that was driven into the top-5 on the iTunes Reggae charts based on his deep local following alone. Widely appealing and accessible, the trio’s 3-part vocal harmonies and Paula’s soaring, ethereal voice and genuine connection to her Hawaiian culture bring a beauty and gentleness to reggae music.

Paula Fuga is a musician with a mission. A supremely talented ukulele player, she directs her thanks and praises to Ke Akua for giving her the gift of voice and vision, and she uses both talents to help bring about positive social change within her islands and beyond: performing at benefit concerts for charter schools and instilling the Hawaiian culture in the generations to come. She is a thoughtful voice, a beacon of meditation and healing. Standing tall on the pride and powers of their island’s people, the Paula Fuga and Mike Love Trio serves as a beacon of meditation and healing to all those fortunate enough to bathe in their music.

Reggae Angels

Currently based in Oakland, CA, the Reggae Angels have one of the most extensive discographies of any American based reggae act. Their 12th and most recent CD dropped in November – Turn on the Light, is agreed to be their strongest album to date. The Reggae Angels – the messengers - see their work as offering musical guidance to themselves and others for righteous living.

With proverbial words and lyrics affirming good character, entailing the positive human qualities of love, hope, chivalry, gratitude and generosity, they clarify and exalt the teaching of the prophets. The Reggae Angels’ live show is well groomed after years of touring and recording with an ever dynamic and spontaneous live presence full of happy, uplifting sounds.

Woven Roots

The music of Woven Roots is inspired by living close to the earth in the deep wilderness of Humboldt County. The group of life-long musical visionaries is on a quest to create original music channeling powerful lyrics over a harmony of roots reggae and dub styles. Choosing to step away from the mainstream path of the exploitative and destructive technologies of advanced industrial economies, Woven Roots seeks to use music as a vessel to spread a message of reciprocity for the natural systems on earth.

Their most recent release, Respect All Things, finds them further communicating about changing toward environmentally sound methods for providing our basic human needs of food, energy and shelter. We are proud to present to you, Woven Roots, modern day, real rebel music straight from our northwest mountaintops serving both as the backing band for Army, as well as playing a set of their own.

PLUS - An all-star cast of DJs and Vocalists from the Emerald Triangle and beyond...
...including the following Featured Vocalists....

Wisdom

Progressive music artist, Wisdom, has been in the forefront of the Bay Area’s hip hop/reggae culture for well over a decade.

Committed to a path of self-mastery through meditation and spiritual growth, Wisdom has just released his third full-length album, Full Spectrum featuring Sizzla and Michael Rose.

Stevie Culture

Rastafarian born, Stevie Culture has been chanting on the microphone in Jamaica since he was a youth and provided backing vocals for the likes of Garnett Silk and Dennis Brown.

Currently residing in Humboldt County, CA, Stevie’s new album, Conscious Step is now available on iTunes.

Ishi Dube

Born in India and raised in northern California, Ishi Dube’s is a seasoned musician whose sweet vocals carry a melodic roots sway, but neither is he a stranger to a rougher tougher dancehall deejay delivery.

From the days of Massagana to his more recent work on Lion Camp and the 2010 riddim release, Like Rain, Ishi Dube is here to stay.

Joseph Israel

Guided by reggae music since he was a little youth in Arkansas, Israel will be playing an acoustic solo set mixing rock, jazz and folk to a rockers reggae bass.

In 2004, he was invited to open for a sold out Ziggy Marley show in Arkansas which prompted the making of his debut album, Gone are the Days, recorded at Tuff Gong Studios.

Ras Indio

The man who put Belize on the musical map, Ras Indio combines traditional African elements with the edgier side of roots reggae.

Releasing more than four albums since 1999, Indio has continued to keep the attention of reggae fans with his unique vocal delivery and energetic stage presence.

Jade Steel

Singer songwriter from San Francisco and raised in rural Humboldt County, CA, Steel loves what he does and consistently reinvents himself through music.

A world beat artist, he has performed in Brazil, Jamaica, Thailand, South America and India.

His latest CD is entitled, Children of Humboldt.

Madi Simmons

Passionately creating music for over 20 years, Simmons is a Rasta born and raised in the United States and is ever ready to spread the good message of reggae.

He currently resides in Humboldt County, CA and fronts the ensemble the Mighty Redwood Ambassadors.

Travis B.

The lead singer for the dub roots reggae band, Woven Roots, Travis B. was born in the mountains, raised in the hills, and is a real roots man, farmer, and permaculture advocate.

Having created hundreds of songs, he is a powerful presence, guaranteed to pump the crowd with his explosive authenticity.

Tito Minott

Tito Minott originally hails from San Diego, CA and has just released a new solo LP on vinyl only, Mon, Keep it Crucial, that speaks to all walks of life.

Recently transplanted to Humboldt County, he is a bright new light on our local reggae scene.

Reggae Dub Poet
Ras Marcus Benjamin

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin has been writing and performing poetry for nearly three decades.

In the lineage of Jamaican Rasta culture, Benjamin will release Dub Talking, a live recording of his spoken word over nyabinghi drumming this summer 2013.

PLUS the following
DJ's and Sound Systems...

Second Nature Sound

A Southern Humboldt County based DJ crew with roots in hip hop/reggae production, live music and radio. This local sound is on the rise and plays the best reggae, hip-hop and remixes everywhere from mountain tops to packed clubs.

I & I Vibrations

Founded at the turn of 2006, I & I casts a crew from NoCal to NoVA playing dub to roots and hip hop to Latin, along with mash ups, remixes and breaks as needed.

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Blessed Coast Sound

A growing stack of vinyl birthed Blessed Coast in 2006 and they now provide a firm foundation for the reggae scene that thrives here in the Pacific Northwest (Santa Cruz, CA to Bellingham, WA).

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Massive Sound International

Massive Sound Int'l consists of DJ's Robert Rankin & Spliff Skankin who have been spinning Reggae music in the Bay Area on radio (KKUP, KFJC, KPFA), in the clubs and at festivals for almost 30 years and they’ve been DJing Reggae on the River since the 80's.

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Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi

Originally based out of New York and now located in the Bay Area, JWS holds over 12 sound clash trophies and is operated by Rocker-T, Jah Yzer, King I-Vier and Irie Dole.

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DJ Stepwise

One of Latin America’s most well-known reggae selectors, Stepwise hails from Argentina, currently resides in the Bay Area, and splits his time between the American continents heading up Galang International Sound and the Guiding Star Agency.

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Rude Lion

Started in 1996 on the banks of California’s Eel River, Rude Lion is a high energy, dance-friendly DJ who has opened for every major reggae act to pass through Humboldt County.

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One Wise

One Wise Sound has been representing the Humboldt County Reggae scene since 2001. With a diverse arsenal of original productions, remixes, mixtapes, deep crates, and dub plates they won the Club Dread Sound Clash in San Francisco back to back in 2010 and 2011.

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WBLK

Started in California in 2000, this sound is operated by DJ Jacques and DJ Guacamole. They host a weekly party in Sebastopol, play festivals throughout the state, Cannabis Cup events in Amsterdam, and a series of mix CDs by DJ Jacques have garnered attention to their sound by the public and industry folks alike.

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Red Rasta

Conscious reggae DJ residing in rural Humboldt County, Red Rasta is the host of The Reggae Revival radio show and podcast, owner of Conscious Selections Sound System, Oneness Creations Graphic Design, and Ital Corner Jamaican style vegan food.

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Guerrilla Takeover

Armed with exclusive dub plates and remixes and the biggest tunes out of Jamaica, Mendocino County’s Guerrilla Takeover always turns up the heat with some rude boy tunes and something real for the ladies, too.

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Brimstone

At the controls is DJ Crown, who spends vast amounts of time in his home studio each year recording reggae mixtapes titled, Big Tunes, putting out three out in the past five years. Based in Oregon, Brimstone plays every week in Eugene.

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Dub Cowboy

Since 1999, Dub Cowboy has been on the bill for over 1,000 local events and is currently spinning five nights a week and produces the #1 reggae radio show in Humboldt County, the Reggae Jamdown on KHSU.

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Selecta Green B

Green B hosts Dancehall Saturday Nights on The Joint on Sirius XM42 radio and is part of Coo-Yah! Ladeez Sound System, through which she keeps a regular reggae party in San Francisco.

Don't delay in planning your pilgrimage to the 29th annual Reggae On The River's™
highly anticipated August 1-4,2013 return to the festival’s original French’s Camp venue!