By Dionne Maxwell & Gail Zucker
The Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California was host to the 20th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival on June 21, 22 & 23, 2013. No wonder it is said to be one of the best world music festivals anywhere and if you’ve never been to this area, you are missing a real treat! The festival is totally organized, and the vibe is love & unity. The decorative wall hangings of colorful batiks and mud cloth make fantastic backdrop for candid photos and interviews. The array of food vendors is so plentiful, we had to plan what we wanted to eat, as there were so many delightful choices. The days are warm and sunny and the nights, fresh & crisp.
The festival begins on Friday evening, The Valley stage, the larger of the two stages featured Soja and Groundation and the Village Stage featured Sista Carol, Ras Michael, Prince Fatty and Mystic Roots.
Saturday is probably the biggest festival day and attracts the most concert goers, especially since the Damian & Stephen Marley and the Ghetto Youths Crew were headliners for the Saturday night on the Valley Stage. The Marley children are growing up nicely and are very talented in their own right. Protoje and the Indiggnation Band vibes energized the audience. Their relevant lyrics and presentation made their performance a favorite of the festival. Marcia Griffiths never fails to deliver, her hits can’t done. Luciano’s set was spiritual and righteous. Don Carlos did well. The Uprising Roots Band also gave a great performance on the Valley Stage. The have matured into one of the best roos bands out of Jamaica right now. Iqulah and Windy City performed on the Village Stage. Windy City hails from South Korea and was well received. Iqulah’s spiritual heights is refreshing to watch in these crucial times.
On Sunday Alpha Blondy headlined the Valley Stage. Windy City performed on the Valley Stage and once again gave a great set. England’s Hollie Cook’s performance was energetic. Leroy Sibbles never disappoints his fans and the audience sang along to his repertoire of hits. Gappy Rank also hailing from England performed on the Village Stage. Virgin Island massive Abja & the Lionz of Kush were well received on the Valley Stage and gave an awesome performance.
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2013 is most definitely one of the best experiences ~ Hope to see you next year ~
