Sierra Nevada 2008 showcases musical explosion

It was a rainbow gathering in Boonville California when reggae fans of all stripes streamed from all corners of the globe to witness superb musicianship unfolding on 20 June 2008. The festival kept revelers on their toes through out the three-day event as adults and kids switched between the Valley and Village stages at Boonville’s fairgrounds in the heart of Anderson Valley. Vendors with their tents and stands across the grounds made the place even more colorful. Stage set-ups were immaculate and the sound that beamed from numerous speakers stacked around the main stage was a clear vindication of prior thorough preparations by sound engineers for the three-day event. Friday the 20th of June was hectic with visitors setting up their tents where they would stay for the rest of the festival. Before the first act showed up on the stage, entertainment came in the form of music that disc-jockeys shared with reggae fans that were now streaming to the main stage in twilight. In Mendocino County where all this was happening the weather was marked by the usual high summer temperatures in the valley. It was awfully hot. But that did not deter the young and the old that toiled across the fairgrounds in skimpy attires, waiting to enjoy live music. The line-up reflected the entire spectrum of reggae music from artistes that sang ska such as Stranger Cole to DJs such as Buju Banton of modern dancehall. That meant that there was something for every fan of reggae music. The Sierra Nevada festival was a show case for relatively unknown artists but it was also a celebration of oldies that were belted before adoring crowds by veteran groups such as The Wailing Souls and the enduring trio, The Mighty Diamonds. Friday kicked off with a gathering of the Conscious Party posse at a restaurant near the fairgrounds where light moments where shared before dispersing in different directions. Most of the Conscious Party posse got their press credentials and most were ready to capture the exciting moments with their cameras. When the Master of Ceremony climbed up the metal stairs to the center of the Valley Stage he introduced Wisdom which was immediately followed by Maldita Vecindad and later Namka Rinpoche. Later the Master of Ceremony returned. He seemed to assess the crowd’s anticipation before he summoned the representative of the Tibetan sage, The Dalai Lama to the stage. After his speech in his native language that was translated to listeners, Michael Franti took to the stage. Michael Franti, a talented guitarist did not disappoint. He rocked fans with his unique blend of hip hop with genres such as rock, jazz, reggae, funk and folk. The festival attendees danced the night away as Michael Franti concluded the night with his energetic stage presence. The Village stage had good things going on too. This writer had to sneak to the other stage in order to become a more accurate eyewitness. The Lost Coast Marimbas graced the Village stage as the introductory act. After a spirited performance by the first group then Rebelution followed with an inimitable performance. As they walked off stage Rootz Underground came to the stage and reminded listeners that roots reggae was still alive and well. The group SOJA concluded the performance for the night before revelers converged in the dancehall to be treated to roots, rocksteady and modern dancehall by the indefatigable British DJ David Rodigan who jumped and danced along with listeners as he selected both oldies and current top of the charts reggae songs. Those who had gotten tired of dancing and standing retired to their respective camping spots or motels.

The next day had a fascinating line up and many looked forward to experience the sweetness of reggae and to witness a fine execution of stage performances by some of the most accomplished reggae acts to co me out of Jamaica. It was the 21st of June on a Saturday that I saw Stranger Cole hanging out with Rocky the reggae MC. I even had the opportunity to hang out with The Mighty Diamonds and Buju Banton early Saturday. We drove through a winding road from Ukiah to Boonville where Yami Bolo was to take stage as the opening act. With his trademark scatters that are indistinguishable from those of Michael Rose and Junior Reid, Yami Bolo had his guitar strapped around his torso as he belted out roots reggae to the joy of reggae fans that danced and sang along. His superb performance was followed by the unmistakable reggae diva, Sister Carol. The fruits of Brigadier Jerry who encouraged Sister Carol to learn dancehall style chatting were evident. The sister can ride the rhythm and the crowd appreciated her tunes. After Sister Carol the Mighty Diamonds took to the stage. Tabby Shaw was in military fatigue, a symbolic appearance of a fighter. The band that backed the Mighty Diamonds was tight and the crowd sang along hits such as I need a roof. Their stage presence was reminiscent of the seventies when they released some of their everlasting hits. Judge and Bunny gave exquisite backing vocals that blended well with Tabby’s. After the Mighty Diamonds left the crowd was treated to more roots music with the Wailing Souls proving to the world again that roots music can not be extinguished. The musical experience with the Wailing Souls brought memories of positive vibes that one can dance to, yet provoke deeper introspection in the listener. Later Morgan Heritage, the royal family of reggae took the crowd by surprise.

Peter Morgan was on leading vocals as usual and Grandpa mesmerized listeners with his hoarse voice while exhibiting his skills on the keyboard with his practiced fingers.

On the Valley stage the concluding act was Buju Banton who was preceded by another DJ before he walked onto the stage in a white outfit. As expected camera men rushed to have a glimpse of the 35-year old singer/DJ who had trimmed locks. He played his most known songs including those he performed as duets with the likes of reggae crooner Beres Hammond. His performance was absorbing, entertaining and the cheers from the dancing crowd were a clear testimony that they appreciated his performance. Even as Buju left the stage amidst cries for an encore, the crowd did not immediately disperse as they anticipated more. Stone Love took care of dancehall way into the wee hours of Sunday. The last day of the festival concluded with veterans such as U-Roy and Cornell Campbell on the Valley Stage. Not to be overshadowed, the Village Stage boasted of remarkable icons such as Stranger Cole of the Bangarang fame, Pat Kelly the Ska legend and the late Roy Shirley who passed on not long after his last performance at the festival. Other acts included Tosh Meets Marley an outfit that featured Junior Marvin of the Wailers and Fully Fullwood. As the event was winding up, some reggaes fans were assailed by smoke that emanated from wildfires in the valley. Even as the people departed Mendocino County fire fighters continued to do their best to extinguish the destructive fires. The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival was a way for many to relax but also a musical experience that satisfied those who wanted to witness reggae history unfolding. There is no doubt many look forward to experience another musical extravaganza in 2009!