Ziggy Marley Headlines Reggae On The Mountain Festival

This past weekend, music lovers congregated at Santa Barbara’s Live Oak Camp to attend Reggae On The Mountain, the city’s prime hub for honoring the beloved genre. Sporting big name acts such as Steel Pulse, Ky-Mani Marley, and Barrington Levy, I attended the last day (Sunday) of the three-day festival with headliner Ziggy Marley. Along with the music, the festival offered a variety of activities. Dispersed throughout were stands selling handmade clothing and jewelry, a couple of artists painting on a huge block of wood, merchandise and medicinal booths, a variety of food stalls (including a wide selection of vegan options), and, later on in the night, a large campfire to keep patrons warm. Kids played on tree swings and made crafts in the Wellness Village, while their parents danced near the bar as the first inklings of music were heard through the entrance as we walked into day three of the festival.

Quinta Soul, known for their Barrio Roots Reggae and world sounds, started off the afternoon at the Mountain Stage. During their set and the next few acts, festival goers trickled in, some dancing with loved ones, some starting a party solo. Standout Hempress Sativa ended each song with bombastic flourishes, complete with lights flashing in unison. The band jumped to each song with energy, and their rich vocals filled the air with passion.

Hailing from Birmingham, England, singer Pato Banton was infectiously happy, closing his set exclaiming “namaste!” in glee. The band Yellowman (whose hit song “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” aided one of my favorite New Girl scenes of all time) commanded the stage with comfort and ease. Reggae guru Don Carlos played songs that are fulfilling to the soul, as the audience danced around the stage in a trance.