The second annual Truckee Reggae Festival was a two-day event June 24-25 at the Truckee Outdoor Amphitheatre.
This is a beautiful location with a 2,000 person capacity that this festival filled. The sun was shining all weekend and the love and good vibes were in the air. The lineup consisted of mostly original roots reggae with local DJs between sets and some of our favorite local Tahoe reggae bands to add to the mix.
Saturday started out strong with new Tahoe reggae band Pipe Down. This newly formed band was created in 2021 and has been thriving since playing shows all around Tahoe. Lead singer Donny Beck, has a unique sounding voice that was able to hit high notes as well as taking it down low. Their laid-back vibe was clear as day and can be seen by all the bare feet on stage.
Arise Roots was an obvious crowd favorite and played some of their hit songs such as ” Cool Me Down” and had a cover of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” Karim Israel on lead vocals was inspirational, uplighting in his insight of world views, combined with his smooth sounding vocals and obvious excitement of playing onstage was a treasure to watch.
Lutan Fyah, Jamaican singer and musician brought the heat straight from the Island with guest singers such as Al Poncho and Andy Heights. His stage presence was soulful, gracious, and his words hit with force. His set was nothing short of fantastic.
Bob Marley’s band the Wailing Souls played and it was with honor and amazement that we were able to watch this set and see these legendary members in action. With two original members,Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald, they stood strong and sang in unison about the rising sun and justice for the people. Headliner Third World has been celebrating 49 years of touring and is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. With nine grammy nominations spanning more than four decades including a hit single with Damien Marley titled “You’re Not The Only One.” Third World’s stage presence was charismatic and electric. All the band members were smiling and so stoked to be playing at the Truckee Reggae Festival. Hit songs were played such as “96 degrees in The Shade” with the crowd singing in unison. Lead guitarist Cat Coore pulled out an electric violin near the end of the set creating a sound unlike you’ve ever heard, coupled with lead vocalist AJ Brown singing opera for a song. It was unexpected and it solidified the undeniable talent of this band.
-Rachel Lopez
Third World
Wailing Souls
Arise Roots
Lutan Fyah
Pipe Down
