7. Reggae On The River (Humboldt County, Calif.; July 31-August 3)
PHOTO: Lee Abel
This year is the 30th anniversary of Reggae on the River, held at French’s Camp in lovely Humboldt County, California, and organizers have assembled an appropriately large lineup to celebrate. The roster is heavy on classic legacy acts (Jimmy Cliff, Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang Alpha Blondy, Gyptian, Third World, Israel Vibration, Michael Rose, Mutabaruka), but there’s a few current (Gentleman, Etana, Gyptian) and rising (Jah 9, Iba Mahr) stars, as well as X-factors like Fishbone and Los Rakas. U.K soul reggae great Bitty McLean also makes a rare U.S. appearance, as do Mega Banton and Marlon Asher.