Love Cali Roots? Can't get enough of the reggae-rock festival scene? Well, lucky for you, from the founders of Cali Roots comes the 1st Annual Arizona Roots Music and Arts Festival this February in Chandler, AZ. A suburb of the greater Phoenix area, Chandler offers a diverse atmosphere for music and more with a younger demographic living in an artsy end of town. Naturally, considering it's in the middle of the desert, a Cali Roots sister fest will probably play into a 'Wild West' theme with temperate February temperatures to boot! We shall see. Assumptions aside, Arizona Roots promises a similar experience to Cali Roots – the premiere reggae-rock and hip hop fest, now in its 10th year – as an all ages event emphasizing music and art amongst the general theme of honoring the growing alt-reggae movement. Plus, for west coast and east coast lovers of Cali Roots, the southwest relocation meets somewhat in the middle.
“We are always looking to expand the California Roots brand and bring the movement to other communities,” comments festival Co-Producer Dan Sheehan on the new location. “The Arizona market has been a very good market for all of the bands in our scene, so it made sense for us to make the move to Arizona to launch Arizona Roots Music & Arts Festival.” This isn't the first time Cali Roots has voyaged away from its NorCal home; remember the Carolina sessions out east? After several successful years in North Carolina, it's apparent that the 'Roots' brand can branch out pretty much anywhere.
They all rocked it once, twice, five times in Monterey… chances are these bands will do it all again in AZ.
Geography is one thing, but who's attached to Year One, you ask? After an extensive “Have a Little Faith” ticket campaign, the AZ Roots crew decided it was dire time to reveal who will be performing this upcoming February 9th and 10th, 2019. Get ready to see some familiar names. Of course, one of the main bands who started it all for Cali Roots is headlining, Rebelution. The rising stars of Stick Figure is also set to headline with hip hop legendary duo Atmosphere (both acts veteran to the Cali Roots' stages). GRAMMY-nominee J Boog brings his island style to the desert, while Dispatch – following an explosive performance at Cali Roots Year 9 – will bring their high-energy indie-folk to the forefront. More Cali Roots past players include Trevor Hall, Collie Buddz, Katchafire, Mike Love, The Movement, Iya Terra, Xiuhtezcatl, and Synrgy. They all rocked it once, twice, five times in Monterey… chances are these bands will do it all again in AZ.
More acts on the bill include Black Bottom Lighters, Clint Stevens, Rilen' Out!, Kill Babylon Coalition and The Yoties. It is unclear at this time that live art will take place onstage or around the grounds as it does at Cali Roots, but one can assume there is a high chance of both. As an all ages event, it's great to bring the kids although there will be adult libations available for those 21 and over. What could be different though (and don't quote us on this, as information is still rolling out) is that AZ Roots may be a NON-CAMPING fest. To be determined. What is known at this time is that early bird sales go public this Friday, November 9th at 10pm MST. That's mountain time, folks! Passes are divvied up into three tiers: General Admission Weekend, Saguarro Weekend (VIP) and Camelback Weekend (Platinum VIP). What's the difference between the two VIP? Saguarro promises early entry, premium restrooms, a commemorative lanyard, as well as the standard VIP lounge and viewing areas; Camelback gives you all of that plus a full-fledged festival gift bag, free drinks, catered dinners and exclusive access to the Platinum VIP viewing deck (cough, cough side stage). It doesn't get much better than Camelback although those baller passes are solely reserved for ages 21+. Sorry, kids.
With pre-sale done and early bird on the way, now is the time to plan your trip out to Arizona this February. For more information or to buy your tickets this Friday, visit www.arizonarootsfestival.com.
Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Share this article
or
Get music updates in your inbox