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THE RETURN OF
March 18th, 2025 by Amber Crouch
Making its epic return to the quiet little city of Monterey is California Roots Music and Arts Festival May 23rd through the 25th. The Memorial Day weekend festival always delivers an incredible time with fantastic music, for locals and fans from all around.
Held at the historical Monterey Fairgrounds, California Roots is a festival that stands its ground with those that came before it. Providing top of the line musical acts from reggae to hip-hop, creative artists with different ranges of skills, food vendors that will have you craving their treats all year long, and a support staff that will keep you feeling safe and secure while you let loose with your friends. All three days are set to bring the “Fyah” so let’s break down the weekend!
Opening day (Friday) is always a big one! Fans rush to be the first through the gates, on the grounds, and in “The Bowl” to scope the stages and lineup.
So many fantastic artists from all over the planet are set to start the festival off, including Massachusetts artists Dubbest, Joe Samba and The Elovators, Buju Banton, Protoje, Rik Jam and Lila Ike from Jamaica, and Bumpin Uglies of Maryland,
The Hip Abduction from Florida, with Collie Buddz of Bermuda, and California’s very own Rome Ramirez and Rebelution to end night one.
Day two brings in the extra crowds of those who couldn’t make it on Friday but who are there and ready to party the rest of the weekend.
Local artist Estrella out of Salinas starts off the day with Boostive, a 7-10-piece band out of Santa Cruz trailing behind, while Surfer Girl with its chill beach vibes out of Florida make way for Fia and their soulful sounds of the Hawaiian Islands.
Tarrus Riley, known for his fusion of styles, will be jammin’ throughout the afternoon along with Anthony B of Jamaica, while the afternoon comes to an end with The Movement, J Boog, Atmosphere setting up Cali Roots vets Iration and Slightly Stoopid for the evening.
Day three always brings the best of the best for the final go. Sensory Tribe, a band local to the Monterey area, will be providing reggae fusion beats to start the day.
Cydeways, an alternative band from Santa Barbara, plans to get weird in all the best ways, along with Aurorawave and their heavy reggae rock sound.
Bringing the West Coast vibes from Malibu, we have Shwayze, reggae legends Steel Pulse and Matisyahu, and Cali Roots first timer T-Pain, ending the night off with California’s best, Dirty Heads.
This festival is one of the best in California – from its incredible lineup to its attentive staff, to the art on display.
It truly does bring a sense of unity to the quiet little community of Monterey every Memorial Day weekend. Get your tickets now to be part of the magic!
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SID 250318 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
