Warm glimmers of sunshine rest upon the soft waves as they wash onto the shores of the South Bay. Seals lounging on buoys, while boats cruise by in hopes of catching a whale of a show. The skyline behind, ominous with a golden glow as the sun stretches over the peaks and towers. Each day starting with its own self-made music consisting of boat horns, fast cars, and the creatives that inhabit it. So much life and wonderment can be found in the busy city of Long Beach, California.
Rich mainly in commerce, yet also flourishing with art and music; so much so that many reggae, ska, and punk bands we all know and love started off here. With this being one of the main epicenters for “California Reggae” and that special brand of “Surf Punk,” why not have one of the biggest festivals showcasing theses genres right here, in Long Beach?
That’s where Cali Vibes comes in! Promising a weekend full of music, entertainment, and “vibes” that’ll make anyone, even the furthest traveler, feel at home.
The festivities are set to happen from February 4th through the 6th (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with gates opening at 12 p.m. each day.
Music lovers of all ages are welcome to partake and those under the age of five are free with a ticketed guest.
When the gates open on Friday, guests will be met with sounds ranging in all kinds of styles. One of those acts is Vana Liya – originally from New York and now a California resident – will be jamming as the first bits of the crowd walk in. A few years ago, she started off doing covers of reggae songs on YouTube, catching the attention of the band Pepper who then signed her to their record label, Law Records.
PEPPER LIVE | PHOTO by RON LYON
Now Liya graces the stages all over the country, accentuated by her band and enthusiasm.
Also bringing extra energy to the stage on Friday is Arise Roots from Los Angeles. This band is heavily influenced by roots reggae and a passion for community, this band has its hands full of the vibes the festival is promising to deliver.
Also slated to plan on Day one are fan favorites, Iration, Rebelution, and Steel Pulse. This trio are only a few of the heavy hitters closing out Friday evening. The lineup for Day One is sure to make any fan ecstatic.
Saturday is set to be a special treat on its own, but it is also Marley’s birthday! Ziggy, Stephen, Ky-Mani, and Julian Marley are set to perform in honor of one of the greatest musicians and humanitarians the community has to offer.
Not to be over shadowed though are the acts throughout the day including Kyle Smith, Sensi Trails, Fortunate Youth, Slightly Stoopid, and Barryington Levy himself!
Closing out the exciting weekend on Sunday are some of music’s finest!
Concertgoers will experience the sights and sounds of Dirty Heads, Iya Terra, Hirie, and Pepper are favorites, while Long Beach Dub All Stars and Sublime with Rome bring Long Beach love to the crowd.
The set no one will want to miss, straight from Staten Island, New York is Wu-Tang Clan.
They are sure to put on an amazing experience for the fans on the very last night of the festival!
Get your passes now because you don’t want to miss this! Be ready for the time of our life!
