Music festivals are a big undertaking. For many, months of planning and budgeting goes into the experience. At times, there is stress, setbacks and logistical nightmares before even getting to the gates. And I’m not talking about the music festival itself. People travel from far and wide to attend such events and the premiere music festivals are common ‘bucket list’ vacations for many fans. Top of that bucket list for most reggae rock fans in the U.S. is likely to be California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey, CA. Entering its twelfth year, Cali Roots has consistently delivered exciting lineups. Leaving little up for speculation, the heavy-hitting and diverse lineup announcement delivered today revealed almost the complete rundown. If this event is on your bucket list, this is a great year to check it off…
Or check it off for a second, third, or fourth time, if you have been in the past.
Over four jam-packed days — spanning May 25th through May 28th, 2023 — bringing together great names in reggae rock, hip hop and ska. Newcomers to the Cali Roots family of performers include the legendary hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, ska-punk mainstays The Interrupters, and Mr. Boombastic himself, Shaggy. Some Cali Roots favorites return to these familiar stages as well, including Dirty Heads, HIRIE, Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Iration, SOJA, Dispatch and many more. In a great representation of the international reggae community, Cali Roots is also a great opportunity to catch the live performances of some international acts, contributing to its status as a stand-out event. These artists include Collie Buddz, Jesse Royal, Kes, Lila Iké and Mykal Rose from the Caribbean; Gentleman, Alborosie, Dub Inc., and The Skints from Europe; and New Zealand’s L.A.B. and Katchafire. Cali Roots also deserves credit for the opportunities they allot to up-and-coming musicians. From Charleston, SC-based Little Stranger to California’s Kyle Smith, the early sets are sure to delight festival-goers.
In addition to a lineup that is sure to be unforgettable for those who attend, Cali Roots brings unique curated experiences to the Monterey Fairgrounds as well, which are guaranteed to stimulate the senses for all festival-goers beyond just the music. “Every year, we sit down as a team and brainstorm how we can continue to connect with the fans and create an original experience,” says festival producer Dan Sheehan. “It’s not only in the overall big details, like ground-breaking performances and collaborations that fans have come to enjoy, but it’s also the little details, like partnering with local small businesses.” There is a lot to be excited about the 12th Annual California Roots Music & Art Festival, with still two headliners yet to be announced. If this festival was on your bucket list, this should be your year! If it wasn’t, this is the year to add it to your list and make the trip. Limited Early Bird three-day and four-day tickets (as well as Fuse Travel packages) go on sale on Monday, November 7th at 10am PST on the Cali Roots Website
California Roots 2023 Announcement Video:
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