Long lines, expensive concessions, overzealous security, and corporate attitudes are just a few reasons why people are turned off from mainstream music festivals. A few musicians in Washington State originally decided to simply get together and play music. This idea resulted in the Northwest Roots Festival, a collective of local and national acts with the focus on the people, not the profit.
The Pacific Northwest has one of the most dedicated and ambitious local reggae scenes I have ever witnessed. Seeing the same faces at local shows and national tours makes it more of a family. The support these artists give each other makes the region stand out amongst areas that claim bigger musical markets. The full scope of their dedication can be seen on July 24 and 25, 2015 in Carnation, WA.
Many of the same organizers from last year’s Homegrown Northwest Reggae Festival have reunited under the new banner. The two-day festival includes over 30 bands, camping, munchies, and plenty of smiling faces.
[Related: The Homegrown Northwest Reggae Festival 2014]
Josh Heinrichs and Skillinjah will return to the Pacific Northwest for the second year at this same location and are sure to bring their irie message to the masses in attendance. Washington native Ethan Tucker will also be sharing his shredding guitar to his hometown crowd, promoting his latest album Misunderstood. Southern California’s True Press could be heard blasting on speakers all weekend last year and will be gracing the stage this year. And there will be no shortage of aloha spirit when Big Island-based The Steppas and Maui-made Inna Vision hit the stage as part of their When We Forward Tour.
They will be joined by over twenty Northwest bands including a few The Pier has seen, heard, and covered over the last year including Stay Grounded, Valley Green, The Approach, Tribal Order, and Two Story Zori.
If you are within driving distance of Carnation start packing and get there early Friday morning to avoid delays entering the farm. Get your campsite set up and enjoy the long weekend of reggae music to a beautiful and lush setting with access to the nearby river.
Check out Northwest Rooted Radio for a preview of the up and coming acts Washington and Oregon have to offer.
Purchase tickets by clicking HERE!
Ticket price includes 2 nights of on-site camping with parking, live music, late night festivities, beer garden, and the best local food and craft vendors.
NW Roots Festival Line Up:
Josh Heinrichs & Skillinjah
Ethan Tucker
The Steppas
Inna Vision
True Press
Kore Ionz
Black Salt Tone
The Hooky’s
The Dabtones
Stay Grounded
Valley Green
Rise N’ Shine Band
Longstride
The Approach
Tribal Order
Two Story Zori
The Mystic Arrows
Indigitize
Adrian Xavier
Essential I
The Lights
Big Blue Van
Perfect By Tomorrow
Juice Band
Sarah Christine
Blessed Coast Sound System
DJ Sticky
Selecta Element
DJ Marley Kleen Kut
Selecta Matsui
Related Links:
NW Roots Festival website
NW Roots Festival Facebook
Article by: Blake Taylor