Tuning Up for Myrtle Beach’s California Roots Reggae Festival

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Get ready to rock the reggae way when the California Roots: The Carolina Sessions Reggae Festival rolls into Myrtle Beach on Saturday, April 9. After being rescheduled from the fall when massive flooding in South Carolina forced the postponement of the event, the Cali Roots showcase and the city of Myrtle Beach are prepared to put on a great show in a great venue.

Held on the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion site on 18 oceanfront acres in the heart of downtown, the Cali Roots Festival presents 11 big-name reggae and crossover acts on two stages for a full day of nonstop reggae. Tickets are still available but are going fast as music fans are flocking to book their spots for the major event.

The Cali Roots Festival features the same big-name headliner in rock/reggae band 311, which brings its unique brand of music to the main stage to cap the all-day event. 311 — known for its hit songs “All Mixed Up,” “Come Original,” “Down” and “How Do You Feel?” — promises to bring big fun, rocking tunes and a good vibe to an expected crowd of 30,000 fun-loving fans.

Other acts scheduled to appear include SOJA, a Grammy-nominated reggae group out of Virginia; Stick Figures, a reggae quartet that hails from Southern California; Passafire, a regional reggae act based out of Savannah, Georgia; and The Movement, a local band based out of Columbia, South Carolina. Also on the undercard are Fortunate Youth, the Fear Nuttin Band, New Kingston, Sun Dried Vibes, Treehouse and the Moska Project — all with their own unique sounds and cult followings added to the musical mix.

Initially scheduled to be held in nearby Wilmington, North Carolina, the Cali Roots Festival decided to migrate south to Myrtle Beach to provide a laid-back beach vibe and attract more folks who are down with the island sound. Patrons receive armbands good for re-admission, which allows festival-goers to take a break from the concerts and head to the beach just a few steps away. The venue also features a zipline and ropes course for some added fun, as well as concession stands and souvenir vendors.

The gates open at 10:30 a.m., allowing early birds to set up camp close to the stage and spread out beach towels and blankets. Entry into a special VIP section is available for an additional charge, but the vast majority of the seating is open and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The good news is that there really isn't a bad seat in the house, and the fun and free-spirited atmosphere is expected to create a sea of humanity jamming to the tunes and enjoying the peaceful environment.

If this event sounds like your idea of paradise, stick with the theme by staying at the nearby Paradise Resort. Located on Myrtle Beach‘s downtown oceanfront, Paradise provides a relaxing and luxurious setting for folks in town for the Cali Roots Festival, and guests can save money on both accommodations and tickets by taking advantage of Paradise's special offer. Guests can walk or catch a shuttle down to the festival's main entrance and return home after the show for a relaxing stay.

Festival 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, and patrons can add money to their event armband, which serves as a sort of debit card for all things purchased on the festival grounds. For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets online, visit www.californiarootscarolina.com.