Reggae On The River This Weeend! July 17-18, 2010

What: 26th annual Reggae On The River

Where: Benbow Lake State Recreation Area (Benbow, CA)

When: Saturday & Sunday, July 17-18, 2010

Why: Internationally renowned celebration of reggae & world music!

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the news of the passing of one of reggae music’s true legends and one of Reggae On The River’s headlining artists, Sugar Minott.  He passed away suddenly in Jamaica on Saturday, July 10, just before he had planned on embarking on a US tour highlighted by a performance at Reggae On The River. This is a great loss for Jamaica and the international reggae community and our hearts go out to all his friends, family, and fans.

Minott was known for nurturing young talent with his own Black Roots record label and Youthman Promotion company. Reggae and dancehall artists such as Junior Reid and Tenor Saw began their careers under his tutelage.  “Sugar Minott was a man who gave a lot of strength to the music” Reid said.  A new album from Minott, “New Day,” is scheduled to be released in coming weeks. As a tribute to his ever-lasting musical legacy, the 26th annual Reggae On The River will be dedicated in his honor.  On Sunday there will be an all-star tribute to Sugar Minott lead by Don Carlos and friends. May you Rest in Peace Sugar. You will be missed by all.

Understandably, Sugar’s daughter, Fire Pashon, will also not be performing at the festival.  Due to this unforeseeable change of events, the Mateel Community Center will now welcome a champion in the new roots and reality consciousness reggae movement, Prezident Brown, along with a warm up set by Cali favorites, Reggae Angels.  Please check the artist page at www.reggaeontheriover.com for the revised festival line-up on Sunday, July 18.

Prezident Brown entertains, informs and inspires. His message is pure rasta conscious vibes. A distinct and powerful stage presence, a Prezident Brown show is a transcendant spiritual movement that leaves audiences satiated, sweaty and smiling. Born in the hills of Jamaica, he rose through the ranks of the Hi Fi Sound System era in Ocho Rios. He traveled the world as resident MC of Jack Ruby’s infamous Hi Power Sound System. The Prez is featured on Steel Pulse’ “Black and Proud”, and has released critically acclaimed works of his own. But for now, the Prezident focuses on the power of his live performance to convey, uplift and spiritualize. Says the Prez, “The current state of I-man career is in the ‘live’ field right now. Yeah, cause you can fire up a CD but what you cannot fire up is the live vibe of Prezident Brown, so I stay with the live for now”.

Tickets are still available but are going fast.  It is strongly encouraged you buy your tickets in advance at www.reggaeontheriver.com as this event is likely to sell out.  The 2-day festival pass is $85 in advance and single day tickets are $50.  Admission at the gate, if available, will be $90 for the 2-day pass or $55 per day.

Festival camping is still also available at Cook’s Valley Campground and reservations can be made via the camping link at www.reggaeontheriver.com.

For the daily line-ups, artist bios, parking and shuttle details, a downloadable version of the program guide, and other pertinent festival tidbits, visit www.reggaeontheriver.com and don’t miss the 26th annual Reggae On The River this weekend on July 17th and 18th.

Source: www.reggaefestivalguide.com