The third annual Irie Reggae Fest’s “For the Love of It” tour comes to the mellow Long Beach breakwater beaches this month with another killer lineup of reggae and Caribbean-inspired singers and spinners. Headlining once again is Beres Hammond, hailed by fest promoters as “Jamaica’s greatest practicing singer/songwriter” and considered the island’s reggae Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding all rolled into one. Joining Hammond are the legendary 1970s Jamaican reggae rockers, Inner Circle, roots icons Culture as well as singjay master Mr. Vegas, who’ll pump out his monster hits, “Nike Air” and “She’s a Ho.” The bill is filled with a dozen more acts, but keep an ear out for Pato Banton and his “call and response” beat-laden testimonials—and later, a prayer group to Jah—and newcomer Lenya Wilks. With a special appearance by Belizean Vixen and the spinning Caribbean beats of Tazmania Sound, there’ll be plenty to groove to as you peruse the myriad food and merch vendors. Try the rice and beans and veggie food things, and add that retro, woven fabric friendship bracelet, some toe rings and incense to your lifestyle. Above all else, remember the peace and love that is the heart of reggae, and commune blissfully with your bredren in the glow of it all. (Jane Mast)
IF YOU GO
What: Irie Reggae Festival.
When/Where: Aug. 28-29 at Queen Mary Park, 1126 Queen’s Hwy., Long Beach.
Info: www.iriefest.net.
