Diving deep into Long Beach’s South Swell Syndicate

As the end of summer winds and rains move through, so does the sunrise and sunsets. Long Beach, California doesn’t play around; they bring the best out of our reggae rock culture. Meet one of the new fave bands dropping cool waves and sweet tunes — South Swell Syndicate! As a surfer myself, this music […]

The Marley Brothers bring their Legacy to Concord, CA

It was a perfect evening for attendees at the Concord Pavilion on Tuesday, September 10th, gathered to celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley through his sons. The weather was cool and everyone was in a great mood as they made their way to their seats while the DJ played reggae music.  This is the first tour […]

Joe Boyd to release ‘And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music’

If there is anyone who knows music, it’s Joe Boyd. With a career spanning 60-plus years, Boyd is an indisputable legend; he’s has been there, done that, and seen it all. A Harvard grad, Boyd got his start in the music industry tour managing Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz, and […]

Getting irie with Iration, Pepper, DENM & more in Orange County

On August 23rd, Iration headlined the first of two nights at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, supported by Artikal Sound System, DENM, and Pepper. It was one of the last shows of the season for 2024’s OC Fair Summer Concert Series. And Artikal Sound System started things off for the night.  At the start […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ras Fraser Jr. – “Never Give Up” feat. Inna Vision

From one island to another, Jamaican artist Ras Fraser Jr. teams with Hawaiian star Inna Vision in a sizzling new single — just in time for the end of summer! Originally released on August 23rd via Rebel Sound Records, “Never Give Up” is a horn-heavy ode to all the hardworking hustlers out there… and these […]

Rising band Big West bridges coasts with upcoming EP

Big West, the musical project and persona of Dan Westerlund, embodies the expansive spirit of the American West — both in name and sound. Originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dan’s journey out west in 2017 profoundly influenced his creative direction, partially inspiring the moniker “Big West.” This name reflects not just a geographical shift but a […]

Rebelution rocks the OC Fair with Kolohe Kai, Collie Buddz & Cydeways

On August 9th, 2024, Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheatre in Orange County, CA was lit up by the vibrant sounds of Rebelution, supported by Kolohe Kai, Collie Buddz, and Cydeways. As part of the Orange County Fair Concert Series, this night was a a rager of music, good vibes, and unforgettable performances. The night kicked off with […]

Chula Vista got ‘Slightly Dirty’ this summer

The North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista was the perfect setting for a night that celebrated the best of Southern California’s reggae-rock scene on August 24th. The “Slightly Dirty” tour, featuring co-headliners Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads, brought together a stellar lineup that included The Elovaters and Common Kings as support. This particular […]

San Diego Bayfest 2024

San Diego Bayfest brought their 5th annual installment to downtown’s beautiful Waterfront Park on July 20th, 2024. Headlining the event was Sublime, with original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh reunited alongside Jakob Nowell (son of late frontman Bradley Nowell). Accompanying this legendary performance was Atmosphere, Goldfinger (with an insane special guest appearance), Barrington Levy, […]

Sublime With Rome bids farewell to OC with Fortunate Youth & Bikini Trill

On Saturday, July 27th, Sublime With Rome headlined a sold-out show at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheatre as part of the ensemble’s official farewell tour.  They were supported this night by fellow reggae friends, Bikini Trill and Fortunate Youth. It was a warm evening at the Orange County Fairgrounds and you could feel the anticipation amping […]

Ziggy Marley & Lettuce bring a funky reggae night to Costa Mesa, CA

Ziggy Marley — the second-generation, eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae icon — came through Costa Mesa, California on July 18th, 2024, in celebration of his Circle of Peace Tour that is currently taking over the U.S. all summer long. Alongside Ziggy for this date were funk masters themselves, Lettuce. As fans entered the OC arena, Lettuce […]

Stick Figure sells out two nights at San Diego’s Rady Shell

If you were anywhere near The Rady Shell in San Diego last weekend and heard a massive wave of reggae bliss, you likely experienced Stick Figure, SOJA, and Little Stranger in action. The Rady Shell, a breathtaking outdoor amphitheater with a backdrop of the San Diego skyline, was the perfect setting for these incredible bands. […]

Ziggy Marley endorses One Love at the Marin County Fair

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner, Emmy-recipient, musician, producer, author, humanitarian, and philanthropist Ziggy Marley brought his Circle of Peace Tour to the Marin County Fair in San Rafael, CA. Walking into the fairgrounds, everyone was talking about seeing Ziggy.  It was a sweltering hot day, but people came in droves for the positive […]

Tropidelic drops new beats on St. Louis

Six-piece Ohio-based reggae band Tropidelic made it out to Old Rock House — one of my favorite venues in St. Louis — on June 27th, bringing along with them electronic reggae-dub trendsetters Jon Wayne & The Pain and fellow Ohio rockers, The Quasi Kings. All three offered the people of STL their unique fusions of […]