California Roots Presents has finally revealed all the details surrounding their east coast event, The Carolina Sessions. Shifting south of the Boarder to Myrtle Beach and pushing the festival’s date back to a day in early October, one thing that has definitively not changed with this great event is its highly anticipated line-up!
The California Roots brand has become a household name for reggae-rock lovers on the west coast and beyond over the last four years. Now a seasoned Concert–Production Company, California Roots Presents has been branching out over the years. Their flagship event, the California Roots Music and Arts Festival, in its 6 years, has seen incredible growth. A momentum that has rolled into a whole host of California Roots Events featuring a handful of smaller single-day events and various shows along the California coast.
Now partnering again with Pipeline Event Management, the producers of that beloved west coast festival are bringing the show across the country a third time. This year The Carolina Sessions will focus on one day devoted to fun in the sun on the shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The music, scheduled from 11am to 11pm will alternate across 2 stages. Recently announced, the full line-up is composed of 10 bands, a true showcase of today’s top touring talent.
Playing at California Roots in Monterey last May and headlining The Carolina Sessions this October will be 311. Touring this summer in celebration of the band’s 25th year together, 311 returns to the east coast this fall, fresh out of sessions in the studio working on their 12th studio album. Supporting 311 on many shows in the past few years, rising out of Virginia, SOJA is one of the most acclaim and internationally recognized groups to represent progressive US alternative-reggae. Loved coast to coast, SOJA has played a California Roots Event every year since 2012. The Headliner at The Carolina Sessions inaugural event, after returning for a third set at the upcoming Califonria Roots festival, this October SOJA will once again pay a top the bill at The Carolina Sessions. Another group returning to play California Roots Events this year is the legendary Steel Pulse. Celebrating their 40th year, after returning a second year in a row to California Roots, these reggae originators have also been added to the top tier of acts set to perform at The Carolina Sessions.
The festival’s second tier is just as solid, filling the day with music from several national touring bands that over the years have gained a large following from fans of the genre. After moving to California, and quickly rising to popularity over the past five years, Stick Figure tops The Carolina Sessions undercard. A group known for their mellow dub sound, they’re followed on the line-up by the raging rock of Savannah, Georgia’s Passafire. Continuing to experiment in the studio and on stage, this energetic ensemble’s evolving sound is just beginning to catch on. All the way from Brooklyn, New York, New Kingston will head down south to play the festival. A talented-trio well versed in multiple genres these musicians play a modern take on traditional reggae. Playing as Collie Buddz’ backing band in the recent past, New Kingston are currently supporting their first release on the infamous Easy Star Records.
A distinguish sound with pleasingly-vexing vocals and a bold beat, The Movement plays a blend of reggae ideal for any beachside neighborhood. The Movement, originally formed in South Carolina, are not the only band playing their home state during the day. Myrtle Beach’s own reggae-jam trio TreeHouse! has also been added to the line-up. Together these groups are sure to draw out plenty of home-town fans.
Rounding out The Carolina Sessions line-up are sets from solo-artists Leilani Wolfgramm and Dustin Thomas. Both also booked for this year’s California Roots, these artists are two rising- stars quickly gaining notoriety. Based out of Orlando, Florida, after recently joining the creative combine coordinated by E.N. Young, many have seen Leilani on tour supporting SOJA, Tribal Seeds, and many of the bands on Roots Musician Records. Festival-goers may recognize Dustin Thomas as part of the medicine in Nahko and Medicine For the People. Also known by many as Little Buffalo, typically Dustin plays on stage as the group’s charismatic bassist. Though more frequently these days, a few fans are lucky enough to catch the performer’s stirring solo set.
While an official schedule has not yet been release, more details are available. Set for Saturday, October 3rd, the third annual The Carolina Sessions will take place at a beautiful ocean-side setting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After two years in Wilmington, North Carolina, the California Roots Crew will take, The Carolina Sessions just a hour-and-a-half south. The 2015 edition of the event will take place on the site of the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion. At least 5 times larger than Battleship Park, the move offers an arguably better setting than the previous venue. To read the full explanation from production-team as to why they had to make the move click below:
March 3rd 2015: California Roots Presents’ Official Statement
We strive to be transparent with you about why we make some of our decisions, so we have decided to share a bit about why we are relocating The Carolina Sessions to Myrtle Beach, SC and downsizing back to a one-day event.
We loved being in Wilmington, NC however; Battleship Park is no longer allowing concerts to be held on their property. The Battleship Park venue also had its challenges – no onsite parking, tons of shuttles needed, and who can forget the rising tides last year! We searched high and low for another venue in that area but couldn’t find something that suited our needs. So, we expanded our search and came across this great spot in Myrtle Beach. With tons of space to spread out in, a bunch of nearby parking (no shuttles needed!) and a bazillion hotels in walking distance, we are super excited to welcome y’all to our new home. We know together we can bring the good vibes to Myrtle Beach!
The first year for The Carolina Sessions was a one-day event and it was fantastic. Last year we expanded to a two-day event, and we didn’t have the crowds come out to support that. So, for this year we are scaling back to a one-day event. But fear not! We are stacking our lineup so you’re getting the most out of that one day!
We’ve got to say thanks to all of our Cali Roots supporters for the past two years as we nurture this event on the east coast. We hope you follow us to Myrtle!
Much love,
Cali Roots Crew
This new festival site spans approximately 11 acres of coastal area from the ocean to North Kings Hwy. Situated between North 8th Ave. and North 9th Ave., the area uses two plots of land located in the city’s renowned downtown entertainment district. On the land of what used to be the city’s historic Pavilion Amusement Park, currently an empty green space, the Pavilion grounds have been made available for several special events throughout the years, making the lot in the heart of the city seem less vacant. From the boardwalk to Ocean Blvd. a 2 acre area allows for one stage to be built right near the beach. Promising an unprecedented view while fans enjoy their favorite bands! A second stage sits closer to the 501, near the Adrenaline Adventures Zip Line. A 4-acre portion of the grounds, the area has plenty of room to dance as well as space for VIP areas, concessions areas, merchandise booths and more.
One of the biggest advantages of the new location is its ample amount of parking. Less than 100 feet away, directly across the street from he northwest corner of the grounds, is a 1000-spot parking deck. The Pavilion Parking Garage at, 9th Ave. N. Kings Hwy, charges about $10 to park throughout the day. Metered-street parking also surrounds the area. Look for meters clearly marked with green 24-hour stickers as these offer the all-day option for just $6.00. For more details about parking around the city, check out the information at CityOfMyrtleBeach.com
Offering over 30 non-stop flights to cities around the north and southeast, whether fans fly into the Airport that’s just minuets away, or drive from afar, Myrtle Beach has tons of lodging options. Many are in walking distance, another big benefit! Not looking to walk?…Myrtle beach transportation is a breeze. Check out the city’s great bus system, available taxis, and don’t forget that the city even has Uber.
Boasting over 100,000 hotel rooms, condos and beach houses, the area even has a nearby KOA and a State park for anyone that would like to camp. For those who what to make the entire weekend the perfect festival-beach getaway, Myrtle beach offers 14 premier resorts, with many located just minutes from the festival. Providing a wide variety of accommodations from rooms and efficiencies to five bedroom condos and everything in between, there are also spectacular amenities such as waterparks, pools, lazy rivers, restaurants, pool bars, a bowling and entertainment center. These are great spots for that special family vacation. For more details about lodging around the city, check out the information at VisitMyrtleBeach.com.
In the middle what’s known as the ‘Grand Strand,’ there is so much to do along this 60-mile stretch of wide white soft sandy beaches. Go surfing off Pier 14, or experience many of the other available aquatic activities. Take a morning and try one of the area’s 100+ golf courses. Spend a day shopping or eating around the city. There are a plethora of options all over town, or check out Broadway at The Beach, a huge outdoor mall. From amusement and water parks to multiple museums and even an 187ft. tall Skywheel, Myrtle Beach is filled with awesome attractions.
This is one of those events that you don’t want to miss! After selling out the first round of tickets back in mid-March, the next limited amount of ticket, go on sale Thursday April 9 2015 at 10am est. These Early Bird Tickets are listed at $60.00 for General admission, and $120.00 for a VIP pass, plus fees. The Advance Tickets on sale Monday April 20 2015 tickets are listed at $70.00 for General, and $140.00 for VIP access, plus fees. Click here to secure a spot at the third annual California Roots The Carolina Sessions by clicking here.
For more about this or any other California Roots Events, or for more information on the bands play these events, please check out the details below.
California Roots The Carolina Sessions Links:
Carolina Sessions Website
Carolina Sessions Twitter
Carolina Sessions Facebook
Carolina Sessions Facebook Event Page
California Roots Presents Inc Links:
California Roots Website
California Roots Facebook
Article By: Aaron Solomon
WATCH:The 2014 California Roots The Carolina Sessions Montage
