how to go
WHAT: Dayton Reggae Fest with Seefari, Rob Dread, Demolition Crew, Groovemaster, Dem Reggae Bon and the Andy Shaw Band
WHERE: Dave Hall Plaza, the corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets, Dayton
WHEN: 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
COST: Free
MORE INFO: (937) 878-6582 or www.seefari.com/daytonreggaefest.htm
When the first Dayton Reggae Festival was held in 1987, there weren’t any events of its kind in the area. Two decades later, this type of multiband bill is still rare in this region.
“I think the uniqueness of these festivals is what makes them work,” said Marty Romie, the music director for the Reggae Fest, Women in Jazz and the Blues Fest. “It’s a testament to Dayton. These festivals came from a few insightful people that were trying to do this and the festivals got a good grab and they seem to be growing. They knew people would come, especially if it’s free. It’s the right combination — free admission and great bands.”
The 22nd annual Reggae Fest returns to Dave Hall Plaza Park from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. Local group Seefari, which has appeared at each of the previous 21 installments, will once again headline with its stirring brand of roots music.
“I opened the very first Reggae Fest and I’ve played at every single one since,” Seefari leader Tom Carroll said. “The amazing thing is it continues to grow so that makes me feel good.”
The fest also will feature performances by Rob Dread, Demolition Crew, Groovemaster, Dem Reggae Bon and the Andy Shaw Band. Jim “Rev. Cool” Carter, host of “Around the Fringe” on WYSO-FM (91.3), will serve as emcee.
“It’s a great thing having Rev. Cool,” Carroll said. “This is the second year he’s done that for us and he brings such great energy with him. He really makes a great emcee. For people that hear him on the radio and have never seen him live, he’s a performer himself and that brings a much higher level of production.”
Instead of having bands alternate between two stages like previous years, this summer Romie decided to go with only one stage at each festival.
“We decided to increase the space up front so the one stage went with that,” Romie said. “The single stage gives more room for the audience and it also allowed room at Women in Jazz to line tents up on the side. That worked beautifully.”
Carroll is glad to see the changes.
“It’s good to shake things up,” he said. “This is the longest running reggae festival I know of, at least in the Midwest. The city of Dayton has a lot to do with that. Times are hard right now, but the city has managed to keep these festivals going and I think that’s a great thing.”
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