California Roots 2024: Day Three

The 13th Annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival came to a close on Sunday, May 26th at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. To kick off Day Three on the Cali Roots Stage was DMP (aka, Doorman’s Project), direct from the Solomon Islands. Island vibes were high with DMP, who proved to us just why they […]

California Roots 2024: Day Two

Day Two at California Roots Music and Arts Festival 2024 resumed on Saturday, May 25th, at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The sun was shining and folks were smiling as they lined up early for another fun-filled day, kicking off with The Wide Eyed Kids on the Bowl Stage who played songs off their album Beautiful […]

California Roots 2024: Day One

California Roots Music and Arts Festival took over beautiful Monterey County Fairgrounds for its 13th year, spanning Friday through Sunday on Memorial Day Weekend 2024. I arrived an hour before gates opened (at noon) to witness a sea of happy concertgoers eagerly awaiting to be let into the festival. Once those gates opened, everyone dressed […]

Cali Roots 2023: Day Three

Despite the May grey weather, Cali Roots XII festival goers exuded nothing but sunshine! With two days already behind them, day three at the Monterey Fairgrounds boasted one of the most impressive lineups to date in the realm of reggae rock. The morning kicked off with a high-energy set from Santa Barbara based band, Cydeways, […]

Cali Roots 2023: Day Two

On Day Two of the Cali Roots Festival 2023, the attendees returned to the Monterey Fairgrounds, eager for another day of music and festivities. The morning started off with a mix of relaxation and invigoration as people laid down blankets, enjoyed a cup of coffee from returning vendor NitroCycle831, and were serenaded by the rocking […]

Collie Buddz does it again with latest single “Take It Easy”

Add this one to every summertime 2023 playlist ASAP. Collie Buddz has done it again with the catchy, lazy afternoon single “Take It Easy”, giving off big “skip work, go to the beach” energy. Released Friday February 3rd, on the heels of two back-to-back shows in Hawaii at the end of January, rumors are swirling […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Joe Samba “Boomer Economy”

This rising artist, native of Massachusetts, songwriter and musician is turning heads all over the world right now from the United States to Australia. This hardworking, proud family man is ready to conquer whatever stands in his way with his multiplexity of music blends from rock, punk, reggae, funk, metal and even more! He’s got an upcoming tour with […]

Cali Roots finalizes jaw dropping lineup for 2023

California Roots Music and Art Festival, the genre’s most anticipated, prolific, and environmentally-friendly reggae event of the year, has officially dropped the final three acts to complete their Memorial Day weekend roster. Recently announced 2023 Coachella guests Rebelution and Stick Figure join genre-bending icons Thievery Corporation, finalizing the bill for the all ages festival as […]

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for BALLYHOO!

Raging since 1995, BALLYHOO! has become the music OG’s not missing a beat. Staying true to its own vibes and style, BALLYHOO! creates unforgettable and mind scrambling blends of ska, punk, reggae and even metal. If you have never seen these bad boys, you’ve got to add them to your list. Unstoppable hits one after […]

California Roots 2023: a true bucket list event

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 […]

Dry Diggings Fest 2022: Day One

Labor Day Weekend spanned four days this year for those lucky enough to spend it camping at the Dry Diggings Music Festival in Grass Valley, California. Thanks, Jeff Monser! September 1st started with the arrival of campers ready to pitch tents and decorate campsites. Anticipation rose as quickly as the temperature that day! The excessive […]

California Roots 2022: Day Four

The fourth and final day of Cali Roots 2022 was one for the books. We laughed, we cried, we danced, we loved, we sang, we vibed and we all connected on a level that no one can describe quantitatively without sounding a little ‘woo-woo’. Simply put — it was magic. We were magic. Day Four […]

The Elovaters talks with Top Shelf at Cali Roots 2022

Top Shelf Music journalist Allie Adams interviews The Elovaters at California Roots Music and Arts Festival 2022. The Elovaters formed in 2014 and have released two full-length albums and an award-winning EP. Defy Gravity was the group’s first big record in 2018 after signing to not-for-profit record label Rootfire Cooperative. Debuting at #1 on the […]

California Roots 2022: Day Three

Cali Roots Day Three arrived with a bang Saturday. Despite Rebelution’s blow-out 90-minute light show spectacular of a set the previous night, over 14,000 reggae lovers of all genres and walks of life lined up on Fairground Road and entered with newfound energy, fresh outfits and all the love in the world. The sun was […]