Hot Summer Performances by Shaggy, Toots & the Maytals, Steel Pulse, Luciano and More!

This summer Solstice weekend (June 17th , 18th , & 19th), the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival will embark on its twelfth journey of sound, lyric, movement, and flow at the Frogtown Fairgrounds in Angel’s Camp in Calaveras County, Northern California. Since its inception, Sierra consistently provides its audience with both legends and rising stars in reggae, African, Latin, fusion, and alternative music. This year’s lineup will prove to be in keeping with organizer Warren Smith and his crew’s tradition of serving up sizzling performances by some of the world’s best voices and musicians.

LINE-UP

This year the lineup includes some of the most celebrated artists including crossover dancehall phenom Shaggy; Toots & the Maytals with their special brand of R&B and gospel infused reggae; Steel Pulse, the British favorite at any festival; the “Messenjah” Luciano; and Denroy Morgan’s legacy, Morgan Heritage. Living legends The Abyssinians with their timeless “Satta Massagana”; Sugar Minott, Macka B, and The Maytones will grace the stage as well.

Some of the hottest dancehall artists will be performing. Every selector worth their weight in vinyl have the latest tunes from Fifth Element’s Richie Spice and Anthony Cruz; not to mention conscious dancehall phenoms Chuck Fenda, Natty King, Turbulence, and Lutan Fyah in heavy rotation. Another 5th Element member, Omar Silk, with a voice hauntingly reminiscent of his late brother Garnett, will be on hand. Veteran dancehall deejay and original “bad man” Dennis Alcapone will fire up the stage.

What are they putting in the tap water in St. Croix? There has been such a groundswell of fresh roots music emanating from this little island. Everyone take notice. Bambu Station with its driving sound and powerful message will move and educate. Velvety-voiced Army will be performing in the wake of his soon-to-be-released Rasta Awake. Prolific drummer, singer and producer Batch and electrifying deejays Pressure and Ras Attitude are sure to please.

Northern California can boast its share of reggae talent. Master drummer Wadi Gad, a mainstay of several legendary bands over his long career, will move center stage when he sings from his first full-length solo effort New Day. Another NorCal favorite, Groundation, will perform with the inimitable style of lead singer Harrison Stafford.

The lineup may seem very West Indies heavy but the festival is truly a “world music” festival. From Zimbabwe, Thomas Mapfumo will mesmerize the audience with his fusion of Shona and western influenced resistance music. Albino!, Yerba Buena, Universal Language, and Aphrodesia cross multiple cultures and languages to bring you their unique takes on sounds and vibrations across the continents. DC-based Soldiers of Jah Army make their way west for the first time.

Last but surely not least, Queen Omega, Trini roots songstress, is the only female soloist to round out the lineup. It is a powerful message about the strength and fortitude of a young woman when she can hold her own in a male dominated field. Look forward to a captivating performance from this empress’ latest album Destiny and her previous works.

VIBES

Throughout the three-day festival, the music is nearly nonstop and the entire fairground is abuzz with energy. It’s often difficult to decide which stage - the Main Stage or Village Stage - to watch because the lineup is thick with talent and so much is going on all at once. When the live music stops, you can cap off your night at the Dancehall to skank to some of the wickedest tunes and dubplates courtesy of highly respected selectors like Rory of Stone Love.

Feed your belly and your soul with wonderful Caribbean, African, and vegetarian delights from vendors traveling from as far as Los Angeles to be a part of the festivities. For those of us who haven’t quite shunned our attachments to material things, there are several rows of vendors hawking roots and culture items; cd’s; Indian, Tibetan, and African clothing; and handicrafts from all over the world.

When the official program ends each night, revelers in the campground continue partying into the early morning. Sleep is not a priority, as festival-goers are fueled on pure adrenaline from the excitement of each day’s performances.

In addition to a stellar roster, Sierra offers an atmosphere of inclusion, connectedness, joy, and spirit. Its Kids Activity Camp helps make it one of the most family-friendly music festivals of its kind. The audience is a bona fide microcosm of the world community in its ethnic and cultural diversity. The fantastic artists, emcees, and guest speakers remind us of the call for social justice, environmental awareness, and change.

What makes this all blend so fluidly? The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival team’s steadfast drive for unity, peace, and conscious vibes. Wrap that up in the glint of summer rays by day and balmy nights and you will be presented a spectacular gift.

Wonderful way to kick off your summer with a lively festival and uplifting sounds from fantastic performers. This may not be the final list of acts either because www.snwmf.com still states “More Artists TBA" on its pages. But don’t wait for the lineup to be completed. You might miss out your ticket to the most blazing music festival of the summer!

Tickets to the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival can be purchased by mail order through their website, or through all Ticketmaster or Ticketmaster.com locations.