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.

The extremely popular “Reeewind” stage show offers Reggae music industry greats a unique opportunity to perform in a “Rub-a-Dub” style. And it is with great pleasure that event promoters Irish and Chin welcome leading Reggae artist Richie Spice to the explosive “Reeewind” for his career-first “Rub-a-Dub” performance. Richie Spice, who has been lacing the world with conscious Reggae music hits since the mid-90’s, will have a chance to put his inspiring lyrics to work free-style. There is no doubt that the ever-so-talented Richie Spice will deliver a meaningful lyrical flow that many will rival.

In an effort to keep “Reeewind” fresh and exciting, Irish and Chin has made an effort to offer diverse line-ups and themes over the years. While it’s important for fans to experience the performances of their favorites, it’s also important to invite new blood to the stage. And based on the buzz, fans can’t think of a better fit for “Reeewind” in 2015. Richie Spice, aka Richell Bonner, will join a powerhouse line up of newcomers Freddie McGregor, Shinehead, Josey Wales and Carlton Livingston. Plus, notorious, crowd pleasing favorites Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin, General Trees and Cocoa Tea are billed for the high profile event.

When asked to join the “Reeewind” line-up, Richie Spice confirmed without hesitation, solidifying his willingness to try something drastically different from his norm. For Richie Spice, who hails from a musical family that includes Pliers, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion, taking chances is not uncommon. As sound system culture comes alive in this “Rub-a-Dub” platform, Richie Spice and other top Reggae acts will have a chance to go back in time to quite a historical and groundbreaking time, when star sound systems were headlined by artists (often up and coming talent). The early stages/precursor to Dancehall will truly shine at “Reeewind” with class act Richie Spice.

Richie Spice boasts 20 years in the Reggae music industry affording Reggae music fans with unforgettable, moving tunes like “Earth a Run Red,” “Youth Dem Cold,” “Marijuana,” “My Girl” and many, many more. Internationally respected, the popular Richie Spice has performed on some of the biggest stages through out the world. And now, Richie Spice can add “Reeewind” to his impressive resume, joining the ranks of the late Sugar Minott, Shabba Ranks, Frankie Paul, Sanchez, Beenie Man, Capleton, Luciano, Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy, General Trees and many more! Don’t miss “REEEWIND” on Saturday, July 18, 2015, going down inside the Amazura Entertainment Complex (Jamaica, New York).

Warrior King performing in Europe

One of the secrets to a successful career in show business is the degree of care and respect that the artiste shows for the main body of people who can make or break his concert – the audience. And reggae singer Warrior King is only too well aware of this. So much so that his manager, Mark Miller, the man who was also reggae icon Bob Marley’s stage manager and ex-Wailers Band business manager, has had huge words of praise for Warrior King’s treatment of his audience.

Speaking about the just-concluded tour of Europe, Miller noted, “The reaction from the music fans to Warrior King has been absolutely phenomenal. Everywhere we performed on this run had people singing along with the Warrior King tracks, encouraging King in his performance, and letting us know how much they love their hero, Warrior King. His command of the stage and the audience is amazing. Not since I worked with Bob Marley have I seen an artiste who cares as much as King about his audience.”

However, as Warrior King pointed out, “it’s just a natural flow”. He added, “I have to let every person in that audience know how grateful I am that they chose to spend their hard-earned euro/dollar to pay for a ticket to see me perform. When you stand on stage and look out and see a sea of people, it is a humbling experience. Not everybody out there came to see me, but they all bought a ticket to see an entertainer. They could have spent their money on something else. So I have to give thanks and give the best show that I can possible give every single time I hold a mic and jump on a stage.”

The tour, which kicked off on June 12, included stops in France. Austria, Germany and the UK and although all the dates went well, Warrior King and his team have extra special memories of the Rast’Art Festival in Normandy, France. “It was absolutely fantastic!” they all agree of the festival at which the ‘roots warrior’ was making his debut appearance.

“We send out our love and thanks to every single music fan in Europe and also people like Aurel and Chloe at Rast’
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Art; Maurits in Amsterdam; Bantam in Berlin; Kingsley in Hamburg and everyone else we can’t think of to name right now!” a very happy Warrior King said.

Meanwhile, the singer is reportedly working furiously on putting the finishing touches to his upcoming album, entitled Rootz Warrior. “Owing to the fact that so many people want to see him perform, we’ve had to take it a step at a time in between our touring activities. However, the album ‘soon come’ and will surprise many people,” declared Miller, who is also the author of the book “On the Road with Bob Marley”.