3. Rototom Sunsplash (Benicassim, Spain; August 17-24)
The family-oriented Rototom Sunplash celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, its fourth since relocating from Italy to Benicassim, Spain. Performances are just one element of the multi-faceted cultural event, which hosts percussion classes, photo exhibitions, seminars, debates and film screenings, among other community-building events.
Notable names on this year’s performance roster include Damian Marley (making his only European appearance of the summer), Konshens, Busy Signal, Mr. Vegas, Third World, U-Roy, John Holt, Leroy Sibbles, Ini Kamoze, Ranking Joe, Richie Spice, Anthony B, Ce’cile, Protoje and—most encouraging of all, in our opinion—Israel Vibration backed by the Roots Radics.