It seems like the whole world knows that Sublime is well qualified to represent the LBC, but is anyone else? One Love Fest seems to think so. The fifth Annual One Love Cali Reggae Fest is living proof of that sentiment.
The annual rasta and ska fest is literally a pilgrimage. One Love is aptly named, it brings friends from all walks of life and corners of the planet to celebrate the music they love with the people that matter most to them. At its core that’s what the reggae and ska scene are all about, unity and one love!
As in years past, this event is held in Long Beach. It’ll take place at the Queen Mary festival grounds on the first weekend of February. Just picture it, a beautiful California sunset behind the silhouette of the famous Queen Mary, with the sweetest jams playing in the background. Sprinkle in some great food and your best friends and there you have your epic reggae weekend.
Kicking the days off are some of the hardest working and most influential reggae bands you’ll see anywhere. With bands like The Interrupters and Pepper at the top of the charts, it’s no wonder reggae and ska are as popular as ever. Pepper’s hit “Warning” (featuring Stick Figure) may be the biggest single to hit the mainstream in years. It’s no coincidence the trio are playing the festival.
Warning by Pepper (featuring Stick Figure)
Don’t let the fine print fool you, these guys pack in whole lot of noise. This year, new and seasoned acts alike are what brings the good vibes to the table. Music vets, Long Beach Dub Allstars have been known to get down with the crowd and bring the hometown sound to the masses. There are a few bands following right behind with the fusion of different styles. From the seaside of Ventura with the raddest skate-punk tunes is Kyle Smith. Up-and-coming with a tasty horn section, killer lyrics and a rhythm team that just won’t quit! Don’t miss either of these guys on Friday along with their new music coming out real soon.
Pepper LIVE
One Love also has a wicked team of female lead groups that are highly recommended. Hirie, Lelani Wolfgramm, and Eli Mac make us feel all kinds of things, the need to dance is definitely one of them. Catch these bad babes Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Other bands to get their early for are Iya Terra, Fortunate Youth, LAW, Low Budget, and Ital Vibes just to name a few.
The really exciting part about the One Love Cali Festival is the batch of roots reggae acts they have set to perform. OG Trail Blazers such as Steel Pulse, Don Carlos, The Original Wailers, and Sister Nancy amongst others will be jammin’ all weekend on the Roots and Culture Stage; a definite must see if you’re coming to the show!
Lift Me Up by Dirty Heads
In the end, the masses come to see the big guns. Headlining the festivities are a few local favorites. Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Sublime with Rome, and Iration fill that bill. They’ll be taking over the Long Beach sunsets and starry sea nights as the evenings come to an end. In a recent interview Dirty Heads lead-singer Jared Watson told us “we always love playing local shows, and this one’s in our own back yard… so it’s gonna be special.” Rome Ramirez told us “this show is always crazy-good, I love the vibe,.. it’s like a high school reunion, and it always puts a smile on my face.”
Dirty Heads LIVE
The soul of the festival may take stage in the form of Matishayu. His subtle but powerful songs always seem to touch our souls. One day of seeing him is never enough. The price of admission is worth it to see this legendary artist. Along our journey in life, we have so many beautiful memories, and Matisyahu makes you thankful for all of them and he makes you feel so happy to be alive and with with the people next to you. His passion is a gift that few artists posses and money can’t buy.
One Day / No Woman No Cry by Matisyahu
All in all, the One Love Festival has put on a great weekend for five years straight. Whether rain or shine, the show-goers still manage to enjoy the music and dance. We’re forever looking forward to the next one!
The One Love Cali Reggae Fest hits February 7th-9th at Queen Mary Park. If you want to be entertained and have the time of your life with thousands of your closest friends, this festival may just be for you.
