irieview Reggae On The River 2002 Review Well, here I am again! A whole year has passed, and it's another Tuesday afternoon. I am once more back at work , sitting at my desk, reflecting upon the most recent weekend that I have just spent at the 19th Annual Reggae On The River. It was my fourteenth year in a row of doing so, having first made the journey when it was a one day show, way back when. I'm just now realizing that what I'm doing right this minute has also become a time honored tradition. I'm staring at my computer screen trying to figure out how I'm going to write something to convey in mere words the total fun and amazing emotions I feel every time I attend People Productions' irie festival. Once again, it took me far too long to shop and get my camping gear and food all together. I keep vowing to do it earlier every year, but it never seems to end up happening! I had someone riding up with me this year, too. Anyway, we ended up arriving too late to go into the festival on Friday night. I still heard reports from other people that the music and vibe were awesome as usual! When I entered the festival on Saturday, I wondered what exactly I was hearing for a moment - then I remembered the long standing policy of diverse genres of music that are always at the show - not just reggae, despite the name of the festival. Sudden Rush, a hip-hop band from Hawaii was onstage, doing their own version of artistry, followed by a female hip-hop princess named Mystic doing her rap. The next performers that followed were more traditional. 3 Canal , a trio from Trinidad and Tobago, sang their own version of calypso style reggae. Detour Posse, a respected band of young men from LA was next, followed by the smooth tones of Kat and The Revolutionary Dream Band. Sean Paul contributed his dancehall patter next. One of my favorite parts of the evening had now arrived The Ghetto Youth Showcase, featuring Julian, Steven and Damian Marley. Bob's three sons put on a fantastic show, taking turns singing and showing what they can do so very well. I'm sure their dad was watching over them from wherever he is with complete and utmost pride! The smooth sounds of Michael Rose echoed out over the valley. His voice is complete reggae magic, I love it every time I hear him. Ini Kamoze a.k.a "The Hotstepper" had the crowd singing the chorus along with his repetitive dancehall rhythm. Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, some of Jamaica's best dub and session instrumentalists, rounded out Saturday evening's entertainment. I went to my campsite and gratefully and totally crashed out exhausted on my newly purchased airbed. It had been a long but enjoyable day. Sunday came early, and I managed to arrive as local San Jose reggae band Dub FX was finishing up their set. This is one band that is totally near and dear to my heart - I've known most of the guys and listened to them play for years now in previous incarnations. They still sound in some ways basically the same as they did in some of those now defunct groups, and it doesn't feel so bad to me that they're gone. Their music and message is still powerful and alive, and punctuated by a completely efficient horn section and tight harmonizing vocals. The rootsy Prezident Brown came on next. I was fortunate enough to see him up close and personal in the press tent after his performance, and besides being talented, he has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen! He spoke about feeling an obligation to present a positive and entertaining message in his lyrics. Scott Huckaby and his drumming partner Edou came on , and wowed the crowd with an amazing mix of tribal world new aged guitar playing and drumming, along with some whirling low level high energy dancing. At least, that's as close as I can describe it, but it was pleasurable and interesting, enough so that I bought one of his CDs. Amadou Et Miriam followed. This male/female duo from Mali, Africa was very interesting to hear. They sang in French and several other languages, and they had some distinctly upbeat African rhythms, which are always a joy to hear. Amadou plays several instruments which is remarkable in itself, but their performance is even more so because both he and Miriam are blind. Next came one of reggae's largest and most beloved families, Morgan Heritage. This tightly knit clan of five siblings are an excellent example of familial love and cooperation. These American born musicians moved to Jamaica to fine tune their music, and it sure shows in their fantastic performances! My favorite artist of the whole festival ( and in general, pretty much one of my favorites ANYTIME!) was on next, Lucky Dube. This extraordinary man from South Africa with deep , meaningful musical messages always puts on an amazing show, and his band also does everything to help out with their sychronized dancing and harmonies. The very close of this year's festival was Burning Spear. Whatever can I say about this legendary man that hasn't already been written? His performances are always over the top. But , it was a candid moment I was privleged to see backstage that was most precious to me. He was sitting with several friends beforehand, playing a board game that I'd never seen before. The well used game board and playing pieces looked kind of like backgammon, but they were different - Africa was in the middle - and the markings on the board were red, yellow and green! Just a quiet moment between some good friends, but the vibe was oh so cool! The other experiences of the festival are always dear and memorable to me, too - the plentiful and unique shopping opportunities and eating delicious ital food. There was also a tree planting ceremony this year, and I got to listen to Julia Butterfly Hill talk of her experiences in Ecuador with the people there peacefully resisting the petroleum companies. I always love to camp, too, up in the redwoods - I just dread the preparation for it! And then, there's always the fourteen or so T-shirts that have been added to my wardrobe! And no, I still haven't completely unpacked my pickup truck yet - I get to do that wonderful chore later tonight! But - we all know I'll be sure to do it all over again! Next year will be # 15 for me! 'Til that time comes, stay irie! One Love, Leigh Crutchfield Irieview Productions R.A.W. #388