Cali-Roots ’15 Artist Announcement (Rnd. 2)

The bill for the 6th annual California Roots Music and Arts Festival is starting to look pretty thick. Following a strong list of acts revealed in the initial artist, California Root’s Presents Inc. has now revealed the second round of artists with acts that continue to push the boundaries of the Monterey gathering.

Back in early October, festival organizers made their first artist announcement, revealing 14 acts set to play the upcoming 2015 California Roots Music and Arts Festival. Slightly Stoopid was the first headliner announced, and other returning bands like Tribal Seeds, Nahko and Medicine for the People, and Fortunate Youth also appeared on the line-up. This first announcement also listed several bands playing Cali-Roots for the first time, such as renown east coast acts John Brown’s Body, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, and G. Love & Special Sauce.

[Related: Cali-Roots ’15 Artist Announcement (Rnd. 1)]

Now, the 6th annual California Roots Music and Arts Festival, taking place at the historic Monterey County Fairgrounds from May 22-24, 2015, has announced its second round of artists. As expected, it’s another impressive and eclectic line-up ranging from artists with legendary status, from fan favorites to great up-and-coming artists. The announcement features 16 more acts, including 12 artists making their California Roots debut.

Topping the list is the “most legendary hard working band around,” Philadelphia’s The Roots. Currently the official house band of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, festival Co-Producer Dan Sheehan, explains the big booking: “We are extremely proud of the California Roots brand, but continue to push the boundaries of our festival programming and experience year after year… The addition of The Roots brings a fresh yet classic sound to our headlining slot. They influenced many of the artists who have performed at our festival, so they are a natural extension of the California Roots experience.”

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Along with the pioneering hip-hop group, also playing the festival for their first time will be Michael Franti and Spearhead, the bay area poet, musician, composer, and activist. Another band taking the stage at California Roots for the first time, will be none other than the legendary ska Funk Punk Band, Fishbone. Many fans will be excited to hear of several returning favorites. Back again, after a stellar appearance last year, are UK Reggae legends Steel Pulse, and returning after performances in 2013, are southern Cali Reggae rockers know as Dirty Heads and Bermudian dancehall superstar Collie Buddz.

Other artist include a contemporary cast of progressive roots artists. Artists like Jamaica’s Chronixx, one of Reggae’s newest rising stars, who will be performing tracks off his recently released record, the Dread And Terrible Project. Out of London, England, The Skints, will play their first booking in the US at California Roots.

Off the east coast, several acts have been announced who have been making an impression on the scene. The Fear Nuttin Band will be returning to the west coast after a boomblazin’ performance in 2013. Following a great set at this year’s California Roots Carolina Sessions, Sun Dried Vibes will make their way out west for the first time this summer. Via E.N. Young and his Roots Musician Records label, a handful of fans out west may have already heard of Reggae’s newest female singer-songwriter, but for many, Cali-Roots will be their introduction to the beautiful voice of Florida’s Leilani Wolfgramm.

Also traveling all the way from the sunshine state is another act many on the west coast may have not heard about. Beebs and Her Money Makers have been known in the festival and Ska scenes for years now. The Ska-Funk-Soul outfit was filmed for the 2nd season of Warped Roadies on the FUSE Network and performed on the most recent Vans Warped Tour as well as recently touring the country supporting Reel Big Fish.

Rounding out this second artist announcement is the Urban Roots of Australia’s Blue King Brown, the high grade Roots-Reggae of Los Angeles’ Arise Roots, Costa Mesa’s Common Kings, and the solo-acoustic of Dustin Thomas, who also plays bass in Nahko and Medicine for the People.

For a complete list of the artists that have been announced, please read below, or click here for a link to the Spotify Artist Playlist.

General and VIP tickets went on sale on Friday, November 7th. Over 40,000 fans are expected to converge on the bay area over the Memorial Day weekend. Click here for ticket to secure your spot today.

Be sure to check back with us as the California Roots’ Round Three Artist Announcement will take place Friday, December 5th, 2014.

For more about California Roots Presents Inc., their events, or information about any of the artist performing at the 6th annual California Roots Music and Arts Festival, check out the details listed below.

California Roots Presents Inc. Links:
Cali Roots 2015 Facebook Event Page
California Roots Presents Inc. Website
California Roots Presents Inc. Facebook
California Roots Festival Website
California Roots Festival Facebook
California Roots Festival Facebook Event
California Roots Festival Twitter


Article By: Aaron Solomon