Reggae music evokes all things summer, sunshine, sand and, for some, dancing by the sea. At the fourth annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival there will be a ton of sun and summer fun; instead of ocean waves, festivalgoers can dip in the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. The one-day event showcases some of the best in reggae sounds from a variety of talented artists.
Aug. 20 | 4 p.m.
$55-$100 | $10 12 & younger | Free 6 & younger
Hard Rock Hotel Casino | Stateline, Nev.
Headlining the festival is Pepper. Originally from Hawaii, the band is currently based in San Diego. The group is comprised of Kaleo Wassman, lead vocalist and guitarist, along with bassist, Bret Bollinger and drummer, Yesod Williams. They have released five studio albums and one live album to date. The reggae band draws from ska, dub and alt-rock genres to create their own melodic sound.
“Through music, we can connect with the spirit
we are all connected to. Strip away the layers of control and manipulation and overcome obstacles.” -Mike Love
Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary artist Bob Marley, also headlines the fest. Marley was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, and grew up in Miami. His sound is authentically reggae, yet Marley breaks genres by incorporating world music, hip-hop, blues, rock and grassroots into his music. With his smooth silky and upbeat voice, he is bound to get the crowd up and dancing.
There is plenty more Jamaican energy to move to. Israel Vibration & Roots Radics shake it up, drawing you in with their island vibes. Don Carlos, one of the original members of famed reggae band, Black Uhuru, brings his classic roots reggae sound with a message of peace and love. Squarefield Massive will bring their explosive sound to Tahoe along with DJs Dinga and Casa Rasa.
Connecting with the spirit
Rounding out the lineup is Hawaiian Mike Love, whose songs are a journey of healing and inspiration. His music offers a message that shines the light on world issues while offering solutions and ideas to affect change. His lyrics inspire people to seek knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
“The two things that define me most are my family and my music,” he says. It is tough for this father of four to be away from his wife and children, he says, but playing music is important. The music is about connection; its mission is to spread positivity and healing; the core message is love.
“Through music, we can connect with the spirit we are all connected to. Strip away the layers of control and manipulation and overcome obstacles,” says Love. He has released three albums to date — last week, he released a seven-song EP entitled, “Love Overflowing.”
Love has shared the stage with artists such as Michael Franti, Trevor Hall, Nahko & Medicine For the People, Xavier Rudd, Rebelution, John Butler Trio, Groundation, Steel Pulse, Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson. He plays in circles that promote conscious, roots music.
“It’s an opportunity to become one with the music,” says Love. He connects with the audience, which he considers his extended family, when he plays. “Music is a meditation, as well, and it creates a higher vibrational state to help get out of our minds and experience the connection around you.”
Feeling those irie vibes yet? Get ready, Tahoe.
“We look forward to being in Tahoe and sharing our music,” says Love. “When we play, we have this one moment to open people’s hearts to feel the music. Music is always changing every opportunity, an opportunity to share and be part of the music.”
Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival is on Aug. 20 at the Hard Rock Outdoor Arena. Gates open at 4 p.m.
For more information, visit hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com.
