As we all wait in anticipation for summer to begin here in Northern California, one annual event that follows right after summer solstice is the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. Now in it’s 19th year of production, and seven years at it’s current location at the Mendocino county fairgrounds in Booneville, California.
What sets “Sierra” apart from other music festivals is the overall family vibe that is usually lacking at others. Also SNWMF has a good reputation for being a highly professional production on all aspects including stage, sound, security, and camping. Now that they have been holding down the festival in Booneville for while you can count on the volunteers and staff to put on a proper organized show.
Throughout the many years the crew of long time volunteers, staff and local supporters and have made the event into the success it is today. Also the many unique vendors of both crafts, and food, the overall nice vibe, along with the many loyal returning attendees are what make this a special festival worth returning to.
When I attended Sierra Nevada World Music Festival for the first time in Marysville, California (one of it’s previous homes), I had no idea how much the world of reggae music and this festival would become such a big part of my life. From the time I was in Marysville taking in roots reggae bands like Burning Spear, Culture, The Congos, Yabby You and more, to now getting my first opportunity to see Prince Alla, Linton Kwesi Johnson, and Katchafire, and I am eternally grateful to experience such amazing music.
I have to say I give nuff thanks to the staff at SNWMF for all the memories… past, present, and future. The quality of the musical experience is evident as it’s always been a priority for the SNWMF crew throughout the years.
This year’s three day event begins on Friday June 22nd, and ends on Sunday June 24th. This is going to be one not to miss, with an impressive artist line up, nutritious international and local food vendors, and as always a late night dancehall with music playing until the early morning hours. What else do you have going on that can top this for a way to kick off the beginning of summer?
This really is something you and your friends and family will want to be apart of, if you are not already. I don’t know about you, but I plan on being front and center taking in the foundation roots when Prince Alla, Sings “ Black Rose in Jah garden grows” or The Twinkle Brothers Chant “I and I sit on the mountaintop and watch how Babylon falling” or when Johnny Osbourne, belts out “partiality has no place in this judgement, remember the words of prophecy” and when Israel Vibration has us all singing the “Same Song.” Praise Jah, what a joy to be had!
The younger generation of reggae artists has me equally enthused about their upcoming performances. I know the fans are ready for Lutan Fyah to sing all his hits, I am especially looking forward to hearing the Baltimore riddim play loud in Anderson Valley has he sings “ she’s the world’s breadbasket, calling her children home, thirteen months of shining sun… her name is Africa!”
How about my Idren from Bamboo in St. Ann parish…Giddimani! Perfect will bring perfection to the stage with his large catalog of tunes, from Hand Cart Bwoy, to his newer songs, and I hope we get a piece of “Eye wata fall like rain, who feels it knows the pain” Romain Virgo must’ve have left a great impression with the audience, last June because he his returning again this year. I look forward to hearing him perform his new material live, songs like “System” and “Take It Too Far” are getting big forwards in Yard right now.
Now I can’t leave out my Polynesian Bredren, Wash House recording artist J-Boog, is a huge crowd favorite all over the Pacific Islands, Cali and the west coast, I know he’ll keep the ladies in the crowd satisfied with hits like “Let’s Do It Again” while dropping some knowledge on the youth with newer songs like “Low the Gunz” Fiji is going to keep the Lover’s rocking in time with his signature smooth vocals on songs like “Alright”, and “Morning Ride”
What a “Bam Bam”, when Sister Nancy get a mic inna her hand, representing the feminine side of the reggae music spectrum. Also bringing her heartical sound to the stage we are set to receive the blessing from Della Grant. Uplifting the massive with “Lord’s Prayer” and hopefully a classic like “Rootically Your’s”
Many more singers and bands are slated to perform, and more are still being added, although the line-up is mostly complete, expect a few more surprises. To get the full artist line up, details on camping, ticket prices, directions and more, go to www.snwmf.com.
Let’s keep the vibes positive out there, look out for each other, stay hydrated, and remember to thank a volunteer or staff member who is doing their part to make this a memorable weekend for us all.
M.Patton
BigUpRadio.com
SISTAH FIYAH
HOW CAN ONE LINK WITH THE ORGANIZERS TO GET OUR ARTIST IN THE LINE UP?? WHAT REGGAE FEST WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT THE ULTIMATE FIYAH? h