“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.”
That classic Jimmy Cliff tune is a fitting one for the upcoming California Roots: The Carolina Sessions Reggae Festival. The show was originally set for October 2015, when record rainfall and flooding in South Carolina forced the cancellation of the event, Cali Roots organizers and fans are hoping for a “Bright Sunshiny Day” for the makeup date on April 9, 2016.
And just as reggae music has its roots in the Caribbean Islands, it only makes sense you should plan your stay for the Caribbean Resort and Villas on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront. Guests can ride the shuttle that delivers them directly to the festival gates, or you can soak up the atmosphere by taking a walk down the beach, Boulevard or Boardwalk to see the show.
Held in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach at the site of the old Pavilion Park, the Cali Roots Reggae Festival is bringing 11 big-name acts and lots of good island vibes to the Grand Strand for an all-day concert. Headline act 311, which has had international success with hits like “Down”, “All Mixed Up”, “Come Original” and “How Do You Feel”, will close the show.
Undercard bands include SOJA, a Grammy-nominated group of Virginia; Stick Figures, a Southern California quartet; Passafire, a regional band based out of Savannah, GA; and The Movement, a local favorite that hails from Columbia, SC. Fortunate Youth, the Fear Nuttin’ Band, New Kingston, Sun Dried Vibes, Treehouse and the Moska Project round out the bill.
Originally held in nearby Wilmington, NC, the Cali Roots Reggae Festival is relocating to the Sun Fun Capital of Myrtle Beach to create a more free-spirited atmosphere in an oceanfront setting. With the main concert stage set up with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, guests can jam to their favorite bands while enjoying the great view and good vibes.
When the gates open at 10:30 a.m., fans can take advantage of the open seating policy and find a great spot close to the stage. For a slightly higher price, patrons can upgrade to VIP tickets, which includes special seating and hospitality options. But there's not a bad seat in the house as guests are encouraged to bring beach blankets for comfortable seating. The spacious grassy lawn area provides plenty of room for relaxing to the rhythms.
Of course, most guests will be too busy dancing to sit, and there's plenty of room for other leisure activities, such as hula hooping, shopping at the on-site vendor tents and enjoying food and beverages at the festival's concessions area. Caribbean-style favorites like jerked chicken and meat pies are available alongside favorites such as hot dogs and burgers.
Beer and wine tents are also open to festival-goers, including a wide selection of Caribbean-based beers such as Red Stripe and Corona. Patrons must purchase pre-paid arm bands to purchase any food, beverage or merchandise on the festival grounds. Guests are allowed to bring one empty water bottle, which can be filled and refilled for free at on-site water stations.
Tickets are $70 for general admission and $140 for VIP passes if purchased in advance. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the gate on the day of the show. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.californiarootscarolina.com.
