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 […]

Robert Jon & The Wreck basks in a ‘Red Moon Rising’

If someone were to ask you to envision ‘archetypal Southern rock’, you’d probably spout the names of CCR, Lynard Skynard, ZZ Top. You’d think of “Born on a Bayou” origins, swamps and gators, stretching Atlanta, Georgia down to New Orleans. Not Southern California… anywhere besides Southern California. Enter Robert Jon & The Wreck — capable […]

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 […]

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 […]

Busting a mission to celebrate The Movement in Columbia, MO

On the steamy afternoon of June 12th, fueled by anticipation and a deep love for good music, I embarked on a journey that took me two hours west down I-70 from the bustling city of St. Louis to the vibrant town of Columbia, Missouri. The purpose of this pilgrimage? To join fellow reggae enthusiasts and […]