Ragga
Muffins rocked Long Beach
Molly Hott
Kimberlee Morrison
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writers
The air surrounding the two-day 25th annual Ragga Muffins Festival (formerly
known as the Bob Marley Festival) at the Long Beach Arena was full of excitement
and anticipation this weekend.
Arguably the best and largest reggae festival in the United States, the Ragga
Muffins Festival is a chance for anything associated with reggae culture to gain
exposure. Inside vendors boasted a variety of hand-crafted goods from jewelry
and hemp clothing to essential oils and body products. Outside smoke billowed
from various stands offering everything from jerk chicken and plantains to steak
burritos and barbecue kabobs. The real treat, though, was the music.
Typically Saturdays were reserved for dance hall reggae but according to radio
announcer and Ragga Muffins Festival veteran Roger Steffens, that style brought
out the wrong kind of crowd.
“
There were violent incidents that never happen at a reggae show,” Steffens
said. “So we stopped it. No more of the dance hall stuff. It’s all
conscious artists.”
Just because there was no dance hall this year did not mean the festival lacked
energy. With artists like
Horace Andy, Everton Blender, Gentleman, Anthony B. and Ras Michaels, there was
never a dull moment.
Andy, reggae legend and longtime member of Massive Attack, thrilled the audience
with his velvety voice and enigmatic presence.
Later in the day German-born vocalist Gentleman was a personification of the
growing diversity in reggae culture. With surprising authenticity, Gentleman
delivered a crowd-engaged performance whose energy was topped only by Anthony
B. on the second day of the festival.
When asked about his success as a white reggae artist, Gentleman pointed out
Rastafari and reggae are about unity, peace and love.
“
It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s about us,” Gentleman
said.
Although Saturday was packed with entertainment, the second day of the festival
was even more enjoyable.
The sold-out venue had an increase in vendors, attendance and even more exciting
performances.
For the first time since the first Bob Marley festival 25 years ago, reggae veteran
Freddie McGregor graced the stage at this anniversary celebration. His performance
was deeply moving and elicited audience participation, proving his longevity
as a classic reggae artist.
Ras Michaels and his band were the first performers of the day to draw a large
crowd, with covers of Marley classics along with some classics of their own.
The band’s rich sound was driven by various percussions, keyboards, horns,
a saxophone, a rocking guitar and a baseline so heavy it shook the entire building.
Spirituality was also evident in their music as Michaels ended his set with a
song commanding the audience to give thanks and praise to Ja first thing in the
morning.
The theme of peace and spirituality was continued by break-out artist Matisyahu,
yet another example of the growing diversity and universal messages in reggae
music.
The Brooklyn-raised Orthodox Jew was the wildcard of the second day, whose performance
literally filled the entire arena. His voice was ethereal and his breath control
astounding. If anyone was fooled by his look, by the end of Matisyahu’s
set it was evident he was a rising star.
After the new favorite, the audience was blessed with a performance from the
legendary band the Wailers.
They began and ended covering classics recorded with
Bob Marley such as “Exodus,” “Get Up, Stand Up” and the
renowned “One Love.”
Unfortunately for those who left early, the best was saved for last. Anthony
B. delivered an energy infused performance that woke up what was left of the
audience. But as the up-and-coming artist jumped around on stage, the arena lights
came on and signaled the conclusion of the annually anticipated Ragga Muffins
Festival in Long Beach.
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