Reggae 2004 — The Junior Year

http://reggaeontheriver.com/artist.htm

Fresh from my trip to Brazil I quickly turned around and headed north for this year's Reggae on the River festival. This year Alexis joined the fun making her camping debut. She did great considering that we had to sleep in tents (what no hotel?). Anywho as always the real stars of the weekend were the bands and my friends. This was my third (or Junior) year so I was able to relax a bit and let this year's crop of freshmen (we had 6 this year) earn their Reggae merit badges.

Alexis and I arrived Friday afternoon and we were immediately greeted by Bonnie and Kevin. Alexis and Bonnie caught up with each other while Kevin helped me get my tent up. Once the tent and camping gear were in place we got ready for the evening show. As in the past our group used the two site strategy to maximize our Reggae experience. The actual campsite was across the 101 in Richardson's Grove. Real bathrooms and showers and most importantly shade trees. During the day the sun beats down hard and the abundance of shade trees kept our camp cool and welcoming. Our second spot that we called the summer home was a canopy and tarp placed on the lip of the concert bowl. This was our spot for watching the shows and keeping the sun at bay during the day. From this spot you could easily walk down and get into the pit if you wanted to Reggae with the unwashed masses or grab a chair or blanket and enjoy the show from right there. Since we used the lip of the bowl the stage was always visible and the sound was always pure.

Each Reggae is also something of a reunion. For me I get to see people that I haven't seen since the previous Reggae and I also get to meet the new partners and friends, just like going home for Thanksgiving. It had been a full year since we all sat around and laughed, but it also seemed like no time had passed. In a way it's one of our holidays. People come together and share company, food and fun. There are always a few new faces and plenty of laughter. Maybe I should make this an officially recognized Leftcoastlove holiday.

This year's line up included Bounty Hunter. Bad news for us :( While I can appreciate his flavor I just didn't think it belonged at this type of festival. Angry and hard Bounty tells stories about the dark life. Ugh! Reggae is about peace, love and unity and Bounty brought us all down. Way down. Hard beats and loud rants forced me back to the campsite early Saturday.

Pictures provided by Snowy Forest aka Bonnie and K-Dog aka Kevin

View from the summer home.

Check back as the rest of the pictures roll in.

Sunday's lineup promised to save my Reggae. The Easy Star All-Stars were scheduled along with Steel Pulse and then the festival would close with SF favorite Michael Franti and Spearhead. I set up shop at the summer home early in the afternoon. I wanted to grab some sunshine and make sure I didn't miss the Easy Stars.

As expected the final triple shot of acts brought my reggae to a full bloom. A perfect end to my Junior year at Reggae on the River Academy. Next year I am a Senior so I gotta go and study for the RAT's (Reggae Aptitude Test). I need a good score so I can get into a good Reggae College.