Coming up on the weekend of July 30^th-August 2^nd, the 31^st anniversary of Reggae On The River will grace the shores of the majestic Eel River at French’s Camp in Humboldt County, CA.  The longest running reggae festival in the U.S.- and the only one known simply as “Reggae”- the event is presented by and for the non-profit Mateel Community Center.  It is also an important fundraiser for numerous other local groups and global causes- and this larger purpose is at the heart of what makes Reggae On The River much more than just a music festival.

Started in 1984 to rebuild the community center after an arsonist’s fire burned the original building- from these humble beginnings the event has blossomed into one of the most iconic festival gatherings, offering an experience that is simultaneously world-class and grass roots.  Transforming a raw and rural piece of land- French’s Camp- into a public ready concert venue is no small feat, but this sacred location, the beauty of its natural environment, the blending of global cultures with the unique Humboldt community, and the positive message embodied in Reggae music that is truly at the core of Reggae On The River’s staying power!

A celebration deserving of an annual pilgrimage- the 2015 edition will continue this legacy, inviting artists and attendees from around the globe to share once again in the collective ROTR experience.  Representing the evolution of reggae music from the far corners of the Earth will be… Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Cham, Alborosie & The Shengen Clan, Tarrus Riley & Blak Soil, Protoje & The Indiggnation, Ce’Cile, Collie Buddz, Nahko and Medicine For The People, Ghetto Youths International featuring Jo Mersa, Christopher Ellis, Black-Am-I, & Wayne Marshall; Emmanuel Jal, King Jammys, The Congos, Katchafire, Stick Figure, Exco Levi, Alerta Kamarada, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Fortunate Youth, Mr. Williamz, Aaradhna, HIRIE, Empress Unification, Lior Ben-Hur, and more- plus top DJs and Sound Systems, over 60 vending/non-profit booths, the ever-lively KidLandia, and the camping, community, and irie vibes that made Reggae On The River famous!

3 and 4-day tickets are still available.  Or better yet, go big with the new Ambassador Pass to enjoy unprecedented perks and access, while also supporting two Jamaican non-profits- the Alpha Boys School and Lil Raggamuffins Summer Camp.

And having fun while helping others is one of the mantras of ROTR, so whether you are coming as an Ambassador or with the regular 3 or 4-day ticket, don’t forget to bring a tool to donate to the Tools For Change program- an outreach project conducted in partnership with communities in rural Burkina Faso, West Africa- and just one of the many ways you can tap-in deeper by coming to ROTR.

To discover more about these programs, buy tickets, or to check out all goings-on at Reggae On The River 2015- visit the festival website at http://www.reggaeontheriver.com.  It’s happening July 30th-August 2nd at French’s Camp, in Garberville, CA- heart of the Emerald Triangle- and your portal to a higher vibration!

Though she is new on the scene, singer/song writer Stushie has been capturing the attention of many key personalities in the Reggae industry. She has already gotten endorsements from top promoters in the UK as well as the Queen herself, Ifrica. One of Stushie’s most recent nods of approval came from the CEO/Owner of Righteous Youths Records, Asha Heights, who decided to add her to the lineup of stellar artists already on his popular Heights Riddim.

Approximately two weeks ago, Stushie laid vocals to an amazing lover’s rock song on the rhythm and got some assistance from fellow artist, Trenz. The song, entitled “Rock & Come’een” will be available on iTunes shortly. In the mean time persons may stream it via MJE YouTube channel: DJs should send an email to mariajacksonent@gmail.com to get access to the promo download link.