If you love great roots reggae there is only one place to be this summer. This year the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (SNWMF) celebrates its 14th year with one of its best line-ups ever.
The yearly summer solstice celebration takes place in beautiful Boonville, California at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds from June 22 to 24. Don’t forget to check out the top-notch Anderson Valley brewing company when you pull into town. (Editor’s Note: That’s an order.)
Headlining the festival this year is Bunny Wailer. A founding member of The Wailers, Bunny will be making his first appearance at Sierra Nevada. His closing set on Saturday night promises to be massive. If you are unfamiliar with Bunny’s solo work check out the album Blackheart Man. It stands out as some of the best roots reggae ever recorded.
If Bunny Wailer is one of the elder statesman of reggae than Luciano could be considered the current king. The ‘ messenger,’ as he is known, returns for his second consecutive appearance. Not just a great singer, I would consider Luciano a performer. He brings high energy, a tight band and a polished sound.
Other performers not to be missed include ‘ The King of Ska’ Derrick Morgan, Downbeat the Ruler, The Ethiopians, Clinton Fearon, Junior Kelly, Turbulence, Sugar Minott, Tony Rebel and Barrington Levy.
Every year Sierra Nevada strives to more than just a reggae festival. It’s a celebration that aims to be ‘ a semi-utopian moment’ bringing together artists and fans from around the world. In the seven years I have been attending they have never failed. The food at the festivals is as diverse as its people. The festival village becomes a market with art, crafts and cuisine from places like Jamaica, Ethiopia and West Africa. Don’t miss out on Stones Jamaican cuisine where you might just rub elbows with your favorite performer. I can already smell the salmon on the grill.
The traditions of drumming and dancing will be large at this year’s SNWMF. Kusun Ensemble from Ghana will be performing a new brand of music and dance called ‘ nokoko.’ Santa Cruz based LoCura will add what they call ‘ reggaelicious flamenkito’ to the mix. Other great performers include The Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars (hailing from New Guinea) and Brazilian powerhouse Carlinhos Brown.
Do yourself a favor this summer solstice weekend. Take in all the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has to offer. Your cup will runneth over. For info go to snwmf.com.
