The Mateel Community Center Presents the 29th Annual Reggae On The River,
Back Home at French’s Camp
From August 1st through 4th, 2013, Reggae On The River produced beautiful history.
It’s been 8 years since the festival experience was delivered to the reggae massive at French’s Camp, Reggae On The River’s original home. Nestled right next to the mighty Eel River off US 101 in Southern Humboldt county, this year’s homecoming was pure fyah!!
Doug Green, Emcee and President of the Mateel Community Center, Begins the Opening Ceremony at Reggae On The River 2013
The 29th Anniversary of Reggae On The River… and the vibes were through the roof!! To be able to come home, to French’s Camp, and share that special space of time with the family of friends we’ve held so dear all these years is more than priceless and is something to really treasure as we all move forward in this movement of One Love Unity.
I arrived across the street at Richardson Grove State Park on Wednesday night. The good friends I came with got the spot dialed in last minute so we could be up & at ’em bright and early on Thursday morning. The gates to Reggae opened at 8am, but we knew that our best bet was to get up around 5:30 in the morning and get in line to grab a choice camp spot.
Nkulee Dube Performing on Friday at Reggae On The River 2013
The next day, while we waited for the gates to open, me and my bro wandered up to press check in to see if anyone was awake and able to help get us our passes. People and volunteers were already buzzing and looked ready to rock, so I introduced myself to the first person who threw a smile my way, Charity Green.
Charity had been one of my contacts prior to the event, so it was nice to get that face to face meet and greet. Although it was barely 6:45 in the morning, and I could tell they weren’t really ready to start checking anyone in, Charity took care of us very kindly and professionally. Next thing I knew, we were all banded up and officially on our way to one of the best weekends of our lives.
Chronixx Performing on Friday at Reggae On The River 2013
As you pulled into French’s Camp, the Eel River is on the right and the concert bowl is to the left. General camping is from beginning to end, and all around, encasing the concert goer within a Reggae City full of Love.
I took the day off Thursday. We set up camp about 5 minutes walk from the south bowl entrance, near the river. Ended up camping next to some friends I had met years before at this very same spot. I felt like I was where I was suppose to be, when I was suppose to be there, like everything had come full circle. All the people that made the extra effort to get onsite a day early deserved to have that special moment out of the public eye. So I shelved my camera on Thursday to enjoy the irie times only my eyes and the eyes of 2500 other early birds were allowed to see.
Tarrus Riley Headlining with Dean Frazer on Sax on Friday Night at Reggae On The River 2013
As the Friday morning sun lit up my eyelids, I knew it was going to be a kick ass kind of day. Big, BIG acts on the bill for today, and I was looking forward to all of them, especially a few I had never seen live before: Nkulee Dube, Chronixx, and Tarrus Riley.
I’ve been a huge fan of Tarrus for a long time, but never got the chance to check out his live act. Give thanks to the wise minds at Reggae On The River for having Tarrus Riley & Black Soil headline on Friday night! They absolutely astounded the masses with their spectacular and energetic stage presence. I was completely blown away at the depth of the musicianship that Tarrus and the band displayed. Dancing feet don’t fail me now!!!
The Dancehall Massive Doing It Up Right Friday Late Night at Reggae On The River 2013
No, but for real: Dancing Feet. Do…Not…Fail…Me…NOW! It’s time for the Dancehall!! Yep, that’s right. After Tarrus Riley & Black Soil’s scorching set, it was time to shut things down in the bowl, and heat things up in the Dancehall!!!
On the beach by the river, in a prime location about halfway between everything, the Dancehall lit up the night. It was after 1:00am, but people weren’t tired… they wanted to party! First time back on the river in years…gotta keep the fyah blazin’…Riiiite??
Fun In The Sun at Reggae On The River 2013
Saturday arrived quickly. Another day in Reggae Paradise and another lineup of fantastic musicians! I was really hot to catch Rockamovya, Natural Black, Anthony B, and Julian Marley. Anthony B I have seen many times and not once have I been disappointed with his performance. Natural Black, however, I have never seen… and I was floored by his performance…BIG Time!
When I’m shooting a show, I have to feel what the artist is expressing in order to capture the true vibration of the moment.
Natural Black Performing in the Air on Saturday at Reggae On The River 2013
Sometimes, those feelings are so intense that I have no recourse but to let them penetrate my heart, put a smile on my lips, and dance. My camera becomes nonexistent, like my eye is the shutter, and my mind is the film. Moments like these are life changing and are not to be taken lightly.
Natural Black‘s performance on Saturday night was one of these moments… and I don’t think I will ever be the same. He delivered what is known as heart, what is known as passion, and what is known as wisdom. My personal favorite performance of the entire weekend, Natural Black and his band took the vibes to a whole other level… Respect.
Anthony B was up next, and gave one of the fiercest shows I have ever seen. He played all his big hits as well as several tracks off his new album “Tribute To Legends”, which he released Saturday exclusively at Reggae On The River 2013.
Anthony B Going for the Gold on Saturday Night at Reggae On The River 2013
It was really awesome to watch everyone getting into the music and singing along. Some much love, so little time…
Julian Marley came on just after midnight on Saturday, headlining the show after a full day of excellent music. I was getting tired, but still kept on keeping on. When Julian finished about 1:30am, I headed off to bed. The Dancehall was bumping, but so were my feet. I got back to my tent and dropped off almost instantly.
When Sunday woke me up, I realized this was it. It was the last day of an intense emotional experience… I didn’t want to leave. I got up, drank some coffee, took a look around and said “Let’s do this!”
One of my favorite musical acts, Paula Fuga & Mike Love Trio, were opening up the stage and I was not going to miss it. It had been sunny and warm all weekend long, and Sunday morning was no exception. I hid off in the shade while I shot their performance.
Paula Fuga is Awesome and Sounded Beautiful on Sunday at Reggae On The River 2013
Every single time I see these beautiful souls it makes my heart swell up. The love Paula, Mike, and Sam project is so pure that I shiver with warmth. Mike’s guitar work is freaking phenomenal and Paula’s voice is totally captivating. Combine that with the smooth percussion of Sam Ites and you got some of the sweetest tunes to ever reach the world by way of the Hawaiian Islands.
The rest of the day was nothing short of amazing. I’m a big fan of Rootz Underground and Junior Kelly, and couldn’t wait to see Morgan Heritage too… And they all delivered solid performances, just like I knew they would.
As the evening drew later, I felt like it was all going by too fast now and wanted to try and pause it a bit, to stretch it out just a little bit longer… but I couldn’t stop the time.
Stephen Newland of Rootz Underground Catching Some Serious Air on Sunday at Reggae On The River 2013
The weekend was over. I was tired, but I was happy. I had witnessed one of the single greatest moments in the history of music… and I had a grip full of epic images to remind me of it all (which you can check out in my Photo Galleries section HERE.)
When I experience something this profound, I try and take it home with me and spread it around. When times get tough, I remember what I felt at Reggae On The River… I remember how we all worked together and put forth the effort to make a difference in the world… I remember what it means to love each other… I remember what it’s like to be positive… and I remember that when we come together as a One Love Nation, nothing can stop us.
Thank you Mateel Community Center and Reggae On The River for having Rogue Agent Photo as part of the team this year. You have my utmost respect, my eternal gratitude, and my complete support… Now and Forever.
Much Love, More Strength, & Massive Respect!!!
♥ BOOM ♥
Morgan Heritage Closing Out Sunday Night at Reggae On The River 2013
