With a lineup including the likes of Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure and Soja, there are many obvious must-see acts at Cali Roots. Here are a few of the other performers not to miss.
Friday
Who: Fiji
When: 11:30am
Where: The Bowl
Why: Without Fiji there would be no Pacific Island Sound.
Who: Citizen Cope
When: 3:45pm
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: Songs like “Justice” from his first album in
six years.
Who: Steel Pulse
When: 4:45pm
Where: The Bowl
Why: Taking a stand with their first album since 2004.
Who: Atmosphere
When: 7pm
Where: The Bowl
Why: The Minnesota kick back rappers are in their
finest form.
Saturday
Who: Joe Mersa Marley
When: Noon
Where: The Bowl
Why: Melodic riddims, lyrics that need to be heard and he’s a Marley.
Who: The Movement
When: 2:15pm
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: Josh Swain and Jordan Miller avoid the roots label.
Who: Pepper
When: 4:45pm
Where: The Bowl
Why: They love to perform and this sense of pleasure becomes palpable seeing them live.
Who: Protoje
When: 5:45pm
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: Reggae may have leapt boundaries, but Protoje brings it back to Jamaica.
Sunday
Who: Xiuhtezcatl
When: 11:30am
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: His songs are truth. And he digs environmental education.
Who: Collie Buddz
When: 3pm
Where: The Bowl
Why: He puts the integrity of his art before mass popularity.
Who: Alborosie
When: 6:05pm
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: Italian reggae with a fearless thrust and vintage soul.
Who: UB40
When: 8:15pm
Where: Cali Roots Stage
Why: Ali Campbell and Astro are back. That’s why.