For over a decade, Luis Gracia-Alonso has been a cornerstone of the Southern California music scene—a seasoned trombonist, bandleader, and educator whose résumé spans ska, reggae, pop, salsa, funk, and jazz. Whether touring the West Coast with Half Past Two, locking in grooves with The Ruffolos, bringing energy to Not a Chance, or recreating Gwen […]
I’ve been a fan of Tash Sultana’s music for years and regretted missing their last nationwide tour! For that reason, attending their live show this year at The Rady Shell in San Diego was a truly special experience. Tash Sultana is not just a musician; they are a vibrant ecosystem of sound all on their […]
There’s nothing quite like Day 1 of Cali Vibes — the energy is fresh, the stages are spotless, and everyone’s walking in with a sense of anticipation that only Long Beach can deliver. This year, the festival opened with Emily Brimlow, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better call. Her set was breezy and […]
On Saturday, May 24th, Day of Two of Cali Roots Festival in Monterey came alive — and the fans were ready for it. It was going to be yet another day with a stacked lineup across reggae genres. The day started with an explosion of energy from Florida artist Surfer Girl at the Bowl Stage, […]
Bumpin Uglies have always known how to bottle up a feeling — and their new single “I-95” delivers that feeling straight from the cupholders of an east coast summer road trip. Released June 13th, the track is equal parts mixtape memory, beach-bound escape, and lyrical time capsule. From the jump, you’re riding shotgun with the […]
Day One of the California Roots Festival kicked off at the historical Monterey Fairgrounds once again on May 23rd, 2025. Reggae fans from all over the country traveled to Monterey to see friends and the stacked reggae-meets-hip hop lineup — with Day One leaning heavily into the former. The day was nice… not too cold, […]
Let’s have a chat about a band that needs to be heard across the country and then some, IRIEspect. This rad seven-piece energetic band blends Cali and Caribbean styles — we’re talking hip hop, Latin, and new and old-school dub rock reggae. They are an extravagant bunch who blow it out of the water with […]
The Aloha spirit remains strong, thanks to cultural celebrations like the Holo Holo Music Festival set to return to Sacramento and other coastal cities this fall. Featuring a dynamic lineup of top Island reggae artists — with Sacramento’s lineup including Spawnbreezie, Katchafire, Maoli, J Boog, Common Kings, Sammy Johnson, Kimie Miner, Josh Tatofi, Eli-Mac, and […]
The fourth and final day of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off with the same momentum as the rest of the weekend, showcasing Florida natives Tidal Theory and Dale and the Zdubs right out the gate all the way through The Movement and Dirty Heads closing out their respective stages. The festival was teeming […]
If you’ve ever spent a hazy summer afternoon on the shores of Ocean City, Maryland, sipping a citrusy Orange Crush with sand between your toes and no plans past sunset, Bumpin Uglies just dropped your new favorite song. Their latest single, “Orange Crush,” featuring Logan Rex of Artikal Sound System, is a tipsy love letter […]
Saturday. Day Three. Reggae Rise Up Florida was in full gear. Attendees were halfway through the event and the energy had no indications of waning. From kicking off the day with local favorites Seranation until the rockin’ after-party with Bumpin Uglies, the day was packed with amazing music and experiences. A great advantage of music […]
Day Two of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off right where we left off; the energy from the first day carrying over and amplifying throughout the next day. The crowd grew quickly after gates opened and continued to do so all the way until Slightly Stoopid closed the day out with their headlining set. […]
Music was heard echoing through downtown St. Petersburg as thousands of festival-goers filled the streets and the waterfront for Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025. The long weekend kicked off Thursday, March 13th in the fest’s longstanding home of Vinoy Park, right on the western shore of the Tampa Bay. But, this year was a landmark […]
If you’ve ever danced to ska, rocksteady, or reggae, you’ve felt the ripple effect of The Skatalites. As pioneers of Jamaican music since 1964, The Skatalites have been the heartbeat behind the global ska movement — a genre that has influenced generations and spun off countless subcultures around the world. Now, six decades deep, the […]
Released on March 7th, 2025, Kat Hall’s latest single, “You Choose,” is a vibrant, soul-soothing song that delivers more than just good vibes — it’s a call to personal empowerment through intentional living. Known for her fusion of soul, reggae, R&B, and a deep-rooted passion for conscious lyricism, Hall brings her signature authenticity and positivity […]
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