County Line Ranch to host weekend of reggae August 2- 4, 2024
Garberville, Calif. – Happy Reggae! The oft heard jubilatory mantra that echoes and reverberates throughout “The Bowl”, a natural 360-degree amphitheater that plays host to Reggae on the River (ROTR). The free free-spirited Reggae on the River returns this August 2024.
This year’s lineup and full information can be found at the links above and below. The previous Reggae on the River was held back in 2018, Roseville Today was there to capture and share the experience. An experience it was!
Recap
The 2018 ROTR, presented by High Times in conjunction with the local Mateel Community Center. High Times, a New York–based magazine that has been pushing for marijuana legalization since 1974 would be aiming its efforts toward helping refocus and re-energize the long running festival toward profitability. Mateel Community Center has been the recent focus of reported attention and controversy.  Our mission was simple, enjoy the music, vibes and as it turns out, one hell of a sweet camping spot on the Eel River. Happy Reggae!
Rastafari
Peering off Highway 101, we slowly made our way down to a tent city bursting with symbolic colors and flags representing Ethiopia and the Rasta Lion. Haile Selassie, was an emperor of Ethiopia who the Rastafarians worship as the Messiah. Rastafarians believe that Selassie’s lineage can be traced back to the Israelite Tribe of Judah, which itself used the lion as a symbol. Reggae on the River is a wildly colorful event in many ways.
Arrival
Due to our late arrival, the biggest challenge we faced was finding a camping spot among the tightly packed masses along the river and tucked into the redwoods. After some searching, we struck camping gold. An island in the middle of river overlooking “The Bowl” was vacant. Wiggling through the masses, then fording the slippery river with all our gear was well worth it. Located on the beach, we enjoyed easy access to the venue entrance and a short walk to South Beach, making it the ideal spot.
Atmosphere is Laid-Back
In Humboldt, things are a little more free-spirited and ROTR embodies the throwback hippie spirit. As expected, heavy ganja smoke billows everywhere here 24/7, so expect a very friendly and laid back crowd. Music kicked off each day at 2:45 in the afternoon as campers avoided the summer heat by chillin’ on the Eel River. Clear, cool and slow moving, it was the perfect remedy for just about anything that ails you. Those who opted out of clothing, proudly floated and swam by in their birthday suits. We appreciated the free-spirited nature. Happy Birthday!
Food & Drink
An abundance of food vendors were arranged in the venue as well as alongside the campgrounds. Options covered everything from Jamaican and African based foods to more standard festival fare. Our taste buds were happy with delicious Jamaican Jerk Chicken and some smoked salmon Killa Dilla we noshed on. Cold craft beers were just $6.
Ambassador Lounge
An upgrade to Ambassador tickets receives our nod of approval. The atmospheric lounge tent sits just to the left of the stage. Providing a bar, ultra comfy couches, air-conditioned restrooms, it offers a great temporary retreat from the heat. After grooving with the crowd, fans ducked into the lounge to refuel, roll and relax. A great place to mingle and socialize among new friends.
The Music
Outside of Bob Marley & The Wailers and a few other artists, our reggae knowledge is rudimentary at best. Naturally, The Original Wailers were one of our highlights. We enjoyed all the bands, taking special note of Katastro!, Casa Rasta Sound and the evening’s crowd rejuvenating headliner, Iration.
SLEEP
Don’t expect much sleep during night time hours. Long after the official festivities concluded, massive parties with concert level volume raged all around the wilderness until around 6:00 AM.
Takeaway
While the free spirited and free wheeling Reggae on the River may not suit everyone, for the open-minded and adventurous, it’s nearly impossible to not have an incredibly positive-filled weekend of fun in beautiful Humboldt County.
An opportunity to catch some new music in a magnificent setting and make a few new friends, is always a worthy adventure!
2024 Reggae on the River – Tickets, lineup & more!
For the 2024 ROTR info and & tickets visit https://www.reggaeontheriver.com/
2024 Lineup
- Anthony B
- Konshenz
- Capleton and the Prophecy Band
- J Boog*
- Collie Buddz
- DeMarco
- Stylo G
- Skarra Mucci
- Lila Ike ft. Wurl Sound
- Lutan Fyah
- Chuck Fenda
- Sister Nancy
- Chezidek
- Marlon Asher
- Pressure Busspipe
- Iba Mahr*
- Perfect Giddimani*
- Boomyard ft. Yaadcore and Yaksta*
- Nattalie Rize*
- Bay-C
- Xyclone
- Chico
- Bobby Hustle
- Mystic Roots Band
- Arkaingelle
- Ishi Dube
- Topshelf
- Soul Medic
- Kailash
- Tuff Like Iron
- Reggae Angles
- Rocker-T
- Soul Ska Band
- Tropicali Crew
- Lake Anthony
- Paapa Wastik
- 9LFE
- Checkered Past
- MC Radioactive
- Mista Chief
- Rising Signs
- Binghi Ghost
- Eli Fowler and Mikasun
- Collective Elements
- Blue Luke’s Dub Rock ft. Mean Gene, Stevie Culture, & Mike Marshall
- Dub Propulsion Artist Showcase ft.
- Tanasa Ras, Prince Levy, Ras Gabriel
- Joey Roots
- Lion Issachar
- Xedous
- Kyla Rose
- Keith Batlin
- King Addies
- Killamanjaro Sound + 35 more DJs and West Coast Sounds
- Kings of the Earth Soundclash:
- Featuring Dynamq Sound vs Renaissance Sound vs Heavy Hammer Sound
