If you missed Reggae on the River 2024, you missed out on one of the most magical weekends the California reggae scene has ever seen. Held in the heart of the Emerald Triangle at the Mendocino/Humboldt County, this year’s festival was a sun-soaked celebration of roots, culture, and irie vibes.
By Mia Moore
The Venue
Tucked in between the tree-lined mountains, alongside the Eel River, the festival site provided a picture-perfect backdrop for this reggae retreat.
The river itself was the ideal respite for cooling off, with many festival-goers taking refreshing dips in between sets. The natural beauty of the area is the perfect complement to the vibrant culture that filled the air.
One of the best parts of coming to the Triangle for this event is the fact that you get to leave your worries behind, turn your phone off and be immersed in the community in such a stunning location which really makes the trip worth it in a major way.
The Lineup
Reggae 2024 brought together an incredible lineup that honored both the legends in the scene and the new wave of reggae artists while having reverence for the local artisans. There were far too many performers that blew me away to mention everyone by name! So here are my highlights of highlights:
The festival’s opening ceremony performed by the Round Valley Feather Dancers was a powerful reminder to have reverence for the original land stewards who inhabited the region long before Reggae was a concept. Perfect Giddimani lit up the Stay Positive stage. Chuck Fenda showed em how it’s done with an energetic performance of the classic tunes. Anthony B’s legendary headlining set was the perfect way to welcome Reggae back proper night one and set the tone for the rest of the weekend!
Saturday gave way for a day stacked from local talent, newcomers on the scene and the legends. The main stage did not quit once it got started with Lila Ike, Lutan Fyah, Konshens and Capelton all gracing us with their musical talents and conscious messages. Lila was a vision walking through the crowd and giving love to all the people.
Sunday kicked off with the smooth sounds of Bobby Hustle followed by Iba Mahr. Sister Nancy did not disappoint with her righteous afternoon performance. Marlon Asher is a crowd favorite for good reason, his down-to-earth vibe gets everyone going! J Boog brought us into the evening with his smooth Hawaiian reggae sounds. The reggae reunion would not have been complete without Collie Buddz and his infectious beats that proved to be the perfect way to wrap up a blissfully irie weekend.
The Vibes
The sense of community at Reggae on the River was palpable. People from all walks of life came together and from all over the world to dance under the new moon in Leo. United by their love for reggae music and the messages of unity that it conveys. The festival grounds were adorned with colorful flags, psychedelic art installations, smiles and laughs galore! While the vendor booths offered everything from delicious vegan treats to handcrafted jewelry and dope headwear.
The Cannifest Marketplace and Lounge was stacked with the best weed in the world plus more. There were innovative products and generous souls sharing their life’s work with the festival goers. A little preview of the festival to come next month.
The Soundclash at the River Stage echoed into the night while the renegade throwdowns gave them a run for their money. These sound systems were the idyllic canvas for the daily river parties that provided a much needed respite from the 90°+ weather.
The Memories
Reggae on the River 2024 was more than just a festival; it was a soulful celebration of life, love, and legacy. The seamless blend of stunning natural beauty, legendary performances, and a warm, welcoming community made it yet again another unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of reggae, this festival is a must. Mark your calendars for next year, because Reggae on the River is back for decades to come.
A special thanks to all the volunteers, staff, promoters, artists and patrons! It was a pleasure to commune with you all in the stunning Emerald Triangle. Stay irie and see you next year!
