Fall (or possibly winter) has hit Claremont once again, and what better way to warm up then to dance to some amazing reggae music this weekend at Pitzer’s 10th Annual Reggae Festival? The festival will begin this Saturday, Nov. 12, on the Pitzer Mounds at 5 p.m. and will run until 1 a.m.
The day will start off with Big Body Nation, a reggae band made up of Pitzer students. The Ambassador, a ska act from San Diego founded by singer-guitarist Stephen Gabriel Lewis, goes on next and their easy, laidback sound promises not to disappoint. Their newest album entitled New Roots was recently nominated for World Music Album of the Year at the San Diego Music Awards.
Back by popular demand, The Mother Funk Yas returns with their soulful horns as they prepare to outdo their Reggae Festival performance two years ago. As one of the highlights of 2009, The Mother Funk Yas may have bit off more than they could bargain for with this second performance; however, one of the event organizers, Emily Crystal PZ ’12, believes that they are up to the challenge.
The next act up is Fortunate Youth.
“If you haven’t heard of Fortunate Youth by now, you’re in for a treat as this is one of Reggae’s most up and coming groups,” said Marshall Anderson PZ ’12, another event organizer.
Lloyd Hemmings, next up, will energize the audience with his reggae and get everyone ready for Sister Carol, the first female headliner in history at Pitzer’s Reggae Festival.
“Sister Carol will hit the stage hard with raw dancehall messages of respect, feminine empowerment, and social consciousness,” Marshall said. “It is hard to pick six artists from a world of talent, but I couldn’t be happier with the line-up we got,” Marshall commented when asked about the selection of artists.
The fantastic lineup, however, is not the only part of the festival that should draw in students from the 5Cs. At Reggae Fest students can enjoy free jerk chicken and burgers, and for all vegetarian reggae lovers, free vegetable kabobs and veggie burgers, compliments of the dining hall and “grill masters.” Many student and off-campus vendors will be selling merchandise, and vendors will sell the student-designed Reggae Fest T-shirt and cup. Unlike last year, beer will not be served at the festival.
As of now, there is a prediction of rain for this Saturday; however, Marshall made it clear that the Reggae Fest was prepared for all weather conditions. “Though the rain was unexpected, we will be setting up tents and offering ponchos as preparation so don’t worry about the forecast,” Marshall said.
The many talented artists and the historic first female headliner should provide an excellent way to spend this Saturday afternoon and evening.
As a final word of advice, Marshall added, “Get psyched, rally your friends, and come ready to party.”