RRU Day 3
Roots of Creation - “Guided Light” One Take
I awoke on day three of Reggae Rise Up to gray clouds above and a threat of thunderstorms on my phone, typical Florida weather patterns. Sunny and blue skies one day, and an overcast sunless sky the next. However, upon getting to the festival grounds, the good vibes seemed to evaporate the thought of rain right out of my head.
Again, well before doors opened, festival goers lined up all down the avenue to guarantee their spot within the scenic Vinoy Park. With many still amazed from the night before, and the commentary from the line spiced up the morning chatter. Upon opening the gates, the mass spread through the park like wildfire to seek shade and a nice view of the stage of choice.
While walking through the vendor village, live artists Ania Amador and Chris Morphis, combined they make Anamorphis Art could be seen setting up their canvas, envisioning what will come of it. Watching their process throughout the festival is always hypnotic and inspirational as they work together to create something beautiful, while the bass rumbles their canvas, breathing the musical essence into the paint soaked cotton fibers.
Around Venue Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson
Drifting Roots - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson
When the music of Florida’s own Drifting Roots took control of the Vibe Stage, the crowd shifted over to catch a glimpse of the rocking crew, sending everyone into an early Saturday frenzy. Sierra Lane followed, aweing the crowd into a tranquil groove. The voice of frontwoman Sierra Fitzhugh gently wafted between the smoke of midday spliffs and sat easily within the eardrums of everyone around.
At the end of Sierra Lane’s set, the crowd jaunted over to the Rise Up stage to catch Grateful Dead reggae tribute band, Roots of Creation, who provided the people with a grooving set. Young bass prodigy, Matthew James put on a masterclass of what it means to jam out on four strings.
Sierra Lane - Photos by Phil DeSimone
Roots of Creation - Photos by Phil DeSimone
In between the two stages, Sugarshack Sessions housed smaller, more intimate sets, and after Roots of Creation, many stopped to check out Kyle Smith at the Sugarshack stage. The Ventura punk rocker always creates something memorable within his music by pouring every bit of his energy into his performances, and his execution at the Sugarshack stage was no different. Drummer Scotty Brown and bassist Chris Nishida beamed their love onto those who stopped to check out the set.
Meanwhile Cas Haley strummed along at the Vibe stage, causing a subtle sway through the crowd as they danced to his fun take on the reggae genre. Though at the Rise Up stage, Arise Roots electrified the air and those who wanted it came and got it. Guitarists Chris Brennan and Robert Sotelo played off each other, causing the crowd to step forward and jam out in unison.
Arise Roots - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney
As the music of Arise Roots played on, the clouds slowly dissipated, and the sun broke through the sky, casting a warm glow over the festival grounds. Festival goers erupted in cheers and applause, as if they had willed the sun to come out with the sheer force of their collective energy. Everyone continued to dance on their way back over to the Vibe stage with the threat of rain completely forgotten. Tropidelic rocked the Vibe stage through the hazy 4:00 hour. The shredding of guitarist Bobby Chronic entranced all in attendance, gearing them up for the always charismatic Collie Buddz. As Collie Buddz played, thick sticky sensimillia clouds billowed above and my stomach rumbled, hungry for food, but my appetite for live music played on. Luckily, Island Noodles provided exactly what I needed, before washing it down with some fresh Koffee back at the Rise Up stage. The Spanish Town phenom jumped around in her fresh Nike’s and got everyone dancing and moving.
Tropidelic - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney
Collie Buddz - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney
Koffee - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney
Before The Movement came to the stage, a small burst of rain poked through, cooling everyone down from Florida’s infamous heat and prompting a quick conversation with Matt Goodwin, keyboardist of The Movement. When asked his thoughts of the festival, a giant smile stretched across his face and told Nature Studios, “The vibes here are top shelf as they are anywhere in the world, some of my favorite acts are here, and it’s such a treat for us as musicians and hopefully the fans as well and we’re just counting our blessings being here.”
As The Movement rocked the Vibe Stage, the sea of people stretching throughout the crowd seemed to be infinite. The power of The Movement’s set proved to be a true testament to the power of good vibes and positive energy, and a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of music and a lot of love to keep the clouds away.
The Movement - Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Zack Kearney
Before I knew it, I was wandering back to the Rise Up stage to catch the mythical and legendary Damian “Jr Gong” Marley who always puts on an experience like no other. With his powerful and distinctive voice, he effortlessly commands the stage and takes his audience on a musical journey. The energy he produces is electric as he blends reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall to create a sound that is like no other. Throughout the set, his message of love, unity, and social justice rang through my ears and into the sea of people. With each hammer of the drums the intensity built into an everlasting climax of dynamic changes, harmonies, rhythms, and melodies.
By the end of the night the music had created a sense of community and belonging and it felt as if time stopped. Nobody wanted to leave the magical atmosphere that had been created, but eventually the park became vacant and still, only to come back to life a couple of hours later.
Review by Brendan Mcginley
Photo’s by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson, Zack Kearney and Phil DeSimone
Video by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson, Zack Kearney and audio by Badda Skat