It's here. It's finally here. Ever since the first California Roots Music & Arts Festival took place on prestigious Monterey Fairgrounds soil, reggae-rock and hip hop-loving attendees knew there would inevitably be a 10th Annual. A decade is now upon us. For those early adopters who have journeyed out year over year, the simple fact that Cali Roots 10 is on the horizon is a victory in itself. For those that have only gone to one of nine, just one Cali Roots is enough magic to last a lifetime. And, for those who have yet to make the trip out to Monterey over Memorial Day Weekend: if there ever was a year to go, now would be that year.
Cali Roots X is already both a reunion and a venture into new territory.
Ten years… let's bask in its double-digit glory for a second. California Roots has steadily risen in the festival ranks to become known as the reggae-rock equivalent of Coachella – without the millennial drama and sky-high price! Every lineup exceeds the last; every year is legendary; every moment is unique. What a legacy. And, just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the Cali Roots crew hits you with the first artists attached to the big 1-0, dubbed 'Cali Roots X'. Keep in mind this is the first of three announcements, with the third generally landing mid-January to complete the festival rundown. But, what a first round!
Granted, several of these bands have performed at Cali Roots at some point or another… there are only so many bands in the scene to go round. That said, it's always an elating experience to see bands grow over the years between performances. All of the first-round 2019 headliners fall into this 'returning' category: Stick Figure, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Cypress Hill, Protoje and Common Kings. Further veteran artists include The Expendables, G. Love and the Special Sauce, Iya Terra and The Skints hailing all the way from the UK. Don Carlos, a current staple of Slightly Stoopid's set, is performing solo on this one and newcomers Fiji, Dread Mar I and Jo Mersa Marley are set to grace the Cali Roots stages for the first time ever! Another plot twist is the fact that Cypress Hill promises to perform their Black Sunday album in full – a one-of-a-kind experience! With another announcement due out before year's end, Cali Roots X is already both a reunion and a venture into new territory. This is the bleeding edge of alternative entertainment. As per usual, this is an all-ages, camping event and tickets are now on sale at the lowest tier price. To secure your passes now, visit www.californiarootsfestival.com.
Cali Roots X first-round announcement official video:
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