Over the course of its existence, the Monterey Fairgrounds has hosted its fair share of incredible musical acts and festivals – from the annual Monterey Jazz Festival to the legendary Monterey Pop Festival, and a little bit of everything in between. One of the big favorites over the last 13 years has been California Roots Music and Arts Festival which is held on Memorial Day weekend.
Bringing a revolving door of genres to the Monterey Bay, the festival herds massive crowds of music fans from all corners of the globe.
With the stages set, the vendors ready to go, and the banners hung high in the bowl, the gates opened to the line of awaiting fans eager to step foot inside once again.
Security was on point, strapped with smiles, and it was “wrist out, bags open” and you’re in.
Showgoers poured into the grounds making their way to their spots, some just for the set, some to ride the rail all day for the headliners.
Friday opened up with Arise Roots in The Bowl, amping up the crowd with their roots sounds with Grammy-nominee Kabaka Pyramid waking the Cali Roots Stage Up shortly after.
Hip hop group Living Legends gave an epic performance actively participating with the crowd, especially the young fans who knew the words.
Coming to hang out all the way from Massachusetts were The Elovators with their soulful surf rock vibes that had everyone moving and swaying. Bringing messages of togetherness from Down Under, we had Xavier Rudd with an eclectic collection of instruments that brought a good message along with a hypnotic sound.
Returning to the Cali Roots stage, J Boog and his band of skilled musicians had us all feeling like he brought a little bit of the islands to the bay.
Gathering a crowd of Cali Roots vets, Fortunate Youth had us all singing of peace, love, and unity while the sun went down. Back in The Bowl, the crowds packed it in awaiting the hip-hop double header featuring E40 & Too Short while the rail riders of the day got the treat they had been waiting for when Stick Figure took the Cali Roots Stage setting not only the world, but the evening on fire.
Making sure we remember it’s the roots reggae that brings us together, the evening finished off with a powerful set put on by Ziggy Marley, son of late great Bob Marley.
Saturday started out with a mad dash through the gates again as the excitement woke people up from the night before. Nineties rap collective The Souls of Mischief got down at the wee hours of the festival, definitely a rally cry to those who hadn’t made it in yet, letting them know they were missing the party already.
An international group out of Venezuela, Rawayana had a very fun, groovy way about their set, getting the whole crowd to dance and move. After years of being away, Santa Cruz-based band The Expendables returned with new singer Jose Picazo and got the crowd excited for sets to come. Tribal Seeds set the mood for the evening, playing songs off their new album, “Ancient Blood,” while throwing in a few old favorites making sure the audience was well satisfied.
Having made sure the fans were over the top with excitement to finish off the day, the final act of the evening took the stage.
What a privilege it was to end night two off with the “Traffic Jam” that is Stephen and Damien Marley.
Both are incredibly talented in their own way and even more of a spectacle when seen together; playing their own material and singing songs their father performed as well.
Sunday called for sunny skies and even greater vibes. Pennsylvania duo Little Stranger took over The Bowl in the afternoon after having had the smaller stage the year prior. It was definitely needed as the crowd was massive and ready to start the day with them. Coming through from the 808, Cali Roots veterans The Green made it feel like a movie with their sweet sounds of love and good times.
Collie Buddz being the showman he is not only put on an epic set, but as he always does, made sure to feed the crowd that waited for him all day with delicious pizza; literally thousands were ordered and handed out to the crowd.
Big ups to the fan who had the crowd going wild with their successful second verse challenge.
Pepper had the Ohana partying over at the Cali Roots Stage for the final time of the weekend with their “Kona Town” style. The final two acts of the evening were a tremendous treat for the fans that braved through the crowds and pits all weekend.
Back for his second time, Ice Cube had everyone overly excited and singing his songs back at him; truly a recipe for “A Good Day.”
Finishing off the festival with a light show and music to match was Rebelution, who is no stranger to closing out the Cali Roots festival.
Their music is so touching; they always find a way to get the crowd to go through multiple emotions before their set is done.
Cali Roots is always a wonderful opportunity for those who not only enjoy music, but like-minded people to come together. A place where you’ll never feel alone, even if you traveled by yourself because you’re sure to make a friend. With the festival headliners and over-all welcoming vibe, it makes for a great place to be on Memorial Day weekend.
Big thank you to all of those who actively participated in making this festival the wonderful event that it is, from the performers to the vendors, staff, crew, media teams, volunteers and the fans. We’re excited to see what next May has to bring.
