By Matt Grube & Todd Judd
It was a scorching and humid weekend, each from the climate and the performances. The Ithaca Reggae Fest returned for its seventh 12 months, this time as a three-day occasion. As soon as once more, the competition occurred on the picturesque Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY, with Cayuga Lake because the backdrop. This competition is like no different; it has a candy, laid-back vibe the place everybody enjoys the ambiance and has an unforgettable time. I heard somebody say that it’s like a day in Jamaica. Whereas I could not go that far, there are actually some nice Jamaican vibes flowing all through the competition.
Hundreds of individuals gathered within the spirit of reggae to advertise connection and love throughout the neighborhood. “The vibe of Reggae Fest is de facto about peace, love, reggae, and neighborhood,” mentioned Russ Friedell (one of many festivals organizers). “The message of reggae music is fairly common — peace, love, love each other, come collectively. In these instances, that message has by no means been extra vital for us all to recollect.” And that’s exactly what these three days supplied us: peace, love, and unity.
Friday evening kicked off the festivities with a free block occasion that includes Carter Van Pelt spinning reggae tunes that stored the gang dancing. We additionally loved performances from Evoevolution, Ononkwa Drugs, and the GIAC Jumpers. What a incredible strategy to begin the weekend enjoyable!
Saturday started with some yoga periods, adopted by the primary efficiency of the competition, the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Cultural Celebration. Tribal members shared songs, tales, and dances with the gang, even inviting them to hitch in among the dances. It was an awesome expertise for everybody concerned. All through the day, the Flatland Freestyle US Professional/AM Championship skateboarding runs occurred, showcasing some superb athletes. DJ Mike Judah energized the gang with incredible reggae tunes, setting the stage for a vigorous ambiance.
The Analogue Sons kicked off the occasion with a efficiency that included Cha Cha from Ghana, who contributed incredible vocals. They introduced an brisk reggae fusion to the stage, with a gifted keyboard participant and accompanying horns that added a candy contact to their sound. Private Mix later took the stage with their upbeat power and harmonious sound. Each singers complemented one another fantastically, preserving the occasion ambiance going robust.
The vibe shifted when Gun Poets hit the primary stage, bringing a hip-hop groove. These artists know methods to captivate the viewers with spectacular verse after spectacular verse, and the power soared as they engaged the gang, who danced wildly in response.
Subsequent up was SingTrece, who showcased a strong and exquisite voice harking back to Etana. Her band was incredible, bringing a cool R&B and reggae vibe to the viewers. The background singers contributed to the power with their beautiful vocals. She concluded her set with a stunning rendition of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”
Mihali, who had a major following on the competition, particularly impressed a younger fan who obtained the prospect to satisfy him and obtain an autograph. Mihali and his band delivered an unbelievable jam session, energizing the gang and taking the occasion to a different stage. The viewers totally loved his efficiency.
Black Lion from Malawi was accompanied by his band, Heatwav. Regardless of being a three-member group, they produced an unbelievable quantity of sound. Their efficiency introduced a roots reggae vibe that set the proper stage for the primary act, Kabaka Pyramid. Black Lion showcased incredible guitar expertise whereas delivering significant lyrics filled with emotion.
Subsequent up was Kabaka and The Bebble Rockers. This band is likely one of the finest to grace the stage in at present’s reggae scene. With Shane “Fyah Keys” on keyboards, Shackair on lead guitar, Jhada on rhythm guitar, Craig “Grizzlebassy” on bass, and Christopher on drums, they introduced an immense sound and power to the efficiency, able to entertaining on their very own.
As Kabaka stepped onto the stage, the gang erupted with pleasure. His efficiency was excellent—presumably the very best I’ve ever seen from him. He commanded the stage, the evening, and the viewers. He delivered a lot of his hits and even included some incredible songs from different reggae artists (mimicking their types) like Sizzla, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, and John Holt. Kabaka demonstrated why he is named the lyrical deity and King Kabaka, dominating the stage together with his highly effective presence. He has rapidly established himself as one of many prime reside performers on the scene!
It was really the proper strategy to finish the evening.
On Sunday morning, we woke as much as rain and darkish skies, which didn’t look promising. Nonetheless, by midday, the skies cleared up, and we had been prepared for the ultimate day of the Ithaca Reggae Fest at Stewart Park. Though the Yoga and Skateboard championships had been canceled for the day, the competition continued!
As we arrived at Stewart Park, the rain started to let up, so we stayed within the automotive for some time till we heard the bass resonating within the air. Metal Pulse was doing their sound verify, and we rapidly jumped out of the automotive and rushed to the stage to catch a few of their music. Metal Pulse is understood for being perfectionists, and their sound verify appeared to go on for fairly some time, which was incredible.
We seen a man standing close by, soaking all of it in, and the enjoyment on his face was evident. We ended up spending the afternoon with him and his spouse, Lynn and Patrick. They had been actually cool, and we felt like we made buddies for all times. That’s the fantastic thing about a reggae present, strangers turning into buddies.
After Metal Pulse completed their sound verify, DJ Artwork-V took over and performed some unbelievable music to get the gang energized. Metal Pulse had already accomplished an awesome job of that, however Artwork-V actually cranked it up one other notch.
The primary group to take the stage was the Infamous Stringbusters, a bluegrass six-piece that had the gang dancing. Though I’ve by no means been notably into bluegrass, I actually loved their power, and the viewers did too. What stood out was their distinctive twist on Toots songs with a bluegrass vibe—it was refreshing and attention-grabbing!
Subsequent up was Ithaca’s personal Metasequoia, who introduced a particular mix of reggae fused with rock, different, pop, blues, and a psychedelic contact that got here collectively fantastically. Star led with the keyboard and showcased a stunning voice, whereas Roo entertained the gang by strolling across the crowd and enjoying his guitar solo. Their efficiency had an ’80s vibe that everybody was actually having fun with.
Double Tiger took the primary stage with their roots reggae sound. These musicians are true virtuosos, and Jay’s reggae vocals are so good it looks like they got here straight from JamRock. He instructions the stage, and the band has full management of the gang. They had been clearly a favourite, with the viewers dancing and singing alongside to all their hits. Horns crammed the air, and the drums delivered incredible beats as New Planets took the stage, bringing their distinctive mix of a funk and reggae groove. Cha Cha joined them, including some enchanting vocals to the combo. New Planets is undoubtedly a celebration band, they usually obtained the gang celebrating.
Subsequent up was Big Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, and the thrill for Metal Pulse was palpable within the crowd. What might be mentioned about GPGDS? They’re masters of their craft, with every band member being a superb musician who delivers an unbelievable efficiency. They jammed all evening with boundless power, combining world beats and reggae rhythms with jam band aesthetics for an ideal sound. The group fed off this power, with everybody dancing and grooving to all their hits. Dylan and James sounded incredible, sharing lead vocals and creating a tremendous sound collectively.
One other band has joined the occasion: Hundreds of One takes the stage with their distinctive mix of reggae, funk, afrobeats, hip-hop, and soul. The drums and congas create an upbeat groove, whereas the bass, saxophone, and keys fill the air with pure enjoyment. In the meantime, DJ Lightyear showcases his expertise with spectacular slicing and scratching. Jhakeem not solely delivers highly effective rhymes but additionally possesses an unbelievable vocal sound that ties every part collectively. They undoubtedly obtained the gang overestimated for Metal Pulse, in the event that they weren’t already excited.
Celebrating 50 years of music, 50 years of legacy, Metal Pulse, shaped by David Hinds and Selwyn Brown, has created not only a band however a legacy that has introduced bliss to the world by their music. Their songs convey vital messages about love, respect, visionary concepts, unity, and positivity. Every member of the group is a grasp of their devices and vocals, and even after 5 many years, they proceed to attempt for and obtain greatness.
David Hinds stands out as presumably the best frontman for any band, delivering highly effective vocals together with boundless power and love. Selwyn Brown provides a mixture of toughness and seriousness on stage, particularly when he takes middle stage to showcase his personal vocals and dance strikes.
Since becoming a member of the group in 2012, David Elecciri Jr. has contributed electrifying guitar performances which can be unmatched in pleasure. Wayne “C-Sharp” Clark, who joined Metal Pulse in 2005, brings thrilling and provoking drumming to the band, incomes the title of a legend and perfectionist in his craft. Additionally becoming a member of in 2005 was Amlak Tafari, whose bass enjoying and power are unparalleled within the reggae scene. He not solely retains the beat alive but additionally dances and entertains the gang, leaping into the viewers, who circled round him in admiration. Actually and provoking second.
With superb saxophone and trumpet gamers, Metal Pulse delivered an ideal evening of music. The band’s attraction spans generations, as proven by the varied viewers on the packed competition, which included each younger followers and senior attendees. Because the evening drew to an in depth, they invited Jay from Double Tiger and Cha Cha, together with different performers from the competition, to jam with them on stage, bridging the hole between legends and rising artists. The electrifying power introduced an ideal finish to an unbelievable weekend.
As we had been heading to our automotive for the three-hour drive dwelling, we didn’t say a lot to one another. Though we’ve seen and photographed Metal Pulse a number of instances in recent times, there was one thing particular about this efficiency. There was one thing particular about this weekend. This weekend was additionally distinctive. This competition is like no different; the ambiance is completely different, the vibe is distinct, and the gang is various. It has an easygoing really feel, a relaxed ambiance, and a special form of enjoyable. Maybe it’s the picturesque setting by Cayuga Lake, the onerous work of Russ, Mike, and the remainder of the crew who set up the occasion, the fantastic individuals attending, or the gifted artists and bands performing. Perhaps it’s all of this mixed, however we left the competition with love in our hearts, peace on our minds, and a powerful sense of neighborhood. We will’t look ahead to subsequent 12 months!
By Matt Grube & Todd Judd
Ithaca reggae Fest 2025
