RRU Florida 2024

Photo by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson

Reggae Rise Up Florida always promises some of the best names in the reggae genre, from reggae royalty like Damian and Stephen Marley and Steel Pulse to local Florida acts like Ichroniq, and Joey Calderiao. Yet, year after year, the festival’s real star is the production team and the committed staff, ensuring a wonderful experience every year. Reggae Rise Up Florida sets a high standard for music festivals. Upon stepping foot onto Vinoy Park, festival goers are wrapped into a beautiful atmosphere where the love of reggae blossoms like a springtime hyacinth over the course of the weekend. From the moment the melodic tunes of the festival openers, Brothers Within, boomed through the park, a wave of energy surged through the crowd, igniting an eruption of cheers that echoed across the water, inviting the strangers of the deep to come to the surface and dance along. The infectious riddims stirred something deep within the crowd, drawing them closer to the stage with an irresistible magnetism.

Day 1 Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson and Zack Kearney

Little Stranger photo by Zack Kearney

At the iconic Rise Up Stage, the energy is electric as throngs of festival-goers surge towards the rail, eager to claim their spot and immerse themselves in the pulsating rhythms that reverberate through the air. Here, the music takes on a life of its own, enveloping you in its embrace and transporting you to a realm where worries fade away. Meanwhile, at the Vibe Stage, a gentle bay breeze whispers through the air, teasing the senses and inviting you to let go and surrender to the riddim of the moment. You can dance with abandon amidst the swaying palm trees and shimmering waters. At the Vibe Stage, cares float away into the wind as you lose yourself in the sound.

Day 2 Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson, Phil DeSimone and Zack Kearney

RRU After Party with Eli Mac, photo by Phil DeSimone

But perhaps the most enchanting of all is the Sugarshack Sessions pop-up stage, a hidden gem nestled amidst the festival grounds. Here, attendees can experience the intimate magic of a Sugarshack Session, where artists pour their hearts and souls into stripped-down acoustic performances that resonate with raw emotion and authenticity.

Sugarshack Sessions pop-up stage, Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson

Together, these three stages form the beating heart of Reggae Rise Up Florida, where the riddims of reggae music mingle with the sweet scent of freshly burned sensimilla, creating an atmosphere that feels like something out of a dream.

Photo by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson

Throughout the weekend, festival staff could be found tidying up every corner and ensuring a pleasant and safe festival experience. In the midst of the bustling crowds and pulsating beats, moments of gratitude emerged spontaneously as strangers exchanged smiles and heartfelt thanks with the staff who worked tirelessly to provide an amazing experience. Wandering through the Art Village and witnessing the birth of art in its rawest form felt like stepping into a stew of inspiration. From the initial sketches that outlined grand visions to the precise layering of paint that brought them to life, the blank canvases transformed into breathtaking murals over the course of the weekend, creating an awe-inspiring show in itself. As the weekend unfolded, the festival feet that stampeded through the grounds became like dancers on an ethereal stage, their movements synchronized with the pulsating beat of the music. Each step connected with the earth below, forging a bond with the very ground that supported their journey through this rhythmic paradise.

Day 3, Iration and Slightly stoopid photos by Phil DeSimone

Slightly Stoopid finishing up Saturday night, photo by Phil DeSimone

Each day, a hurdling wave of excitement swept through the crowd, fueled by the anticipation of the musical journey ahead. Every act presented something different, but all were equally incredible. From the wild and weird set of Little Stranger, which sent everybody bouncing, to the stoic and still set of Burning Spear, whose timeless classics commanded with a sense of wisdom and depth that left everyone spellbound. In some performances, the chords struck the hearts and brought attendees to tears, like Fortunate Youth, who dedicated “Burn One” to Travi Seeds. For many, the song served as a tribute—a way to honor Travi's memory and celebrate his impact on our lives, but amidst the tears, there was also a sense of joy, a celebration of Travi's life and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of all who knew him. Those looking for a reggaeton vibe were most likely blown away by the likes of Rawayana and Boostive, who unleashed an explosion of sound that reverberated through the crowd, infusing the air with an infectious energy that was impossible to resist. Their Latin touch had everyone moving in unison, swept up in a frenzy of dance and celebration.

Day 4 photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson and Phil DeSimone

By the time Sunday rolled around and festival headliners, Damian and Stephen Marley graced the stage, the cries of all 17,000+ in attendance barreled to the stage like a tidal wave and kindled a vibrant glow of peace, love, and unity over the crowd. As the Marley brothers began to perform, this vibrant glow burst into a powerful firework of emotion, illuminating the night sky with brilliance. Each note reverberated through the air, and the firework of emotion burned brighter and brighter. The end of their set marked the end of the weekend but every performance continued to glow brightly in the hearts of all who had attended. As festival-goers slowly made their way out of the grounds, they carried memories that would last a lifetime. Despite the inevitable end of the weekend, there was a sense of gratitude and fulfillment that lingered in the air. For in those few days, bonds had been forged amidst the music and the laughter, and connections had been made that transcended space and time.  Though the festival may have come to an end, the memories and the friendships forged within its gates would endure for a lifetime, serving as a beacon of light and inspiration in the years to come. Each year, Reggae Rise Up presents a journey, a celebration, and a testament to the power of unity and joy that lives within us all.

Review by Brendan Mcginley

Photo’s by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson, Zack Kearney and Phil DeSimone