Dust off those tents and get your camping gear ready, the 2007 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is just around the corner. This northern California festival has been giving the west coast amazing world and reggae music to start of the summer season since the mid nineties. Moving from base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the heart of the Coast Range mountains, “Sierra” has always had nice venue sites. The Booneville, California site is no exception, and the Mendocino county fairgrounds provide a great outdoor concert experience.
The small hamlet of Boonville is in one of Northern California’s most beautiful coastal valleys, Anderson Valley. Just get yourself a six pack of the areas celebrated and award winning micro-beers from Anderson Valley Brewing Company. The picture on the label of their Boont Amber, or Hop Ottin’ India Pale Ale shows you what the valley looks like, never mind the funny looking bear.
Besides the natural, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings, the promoters of SNWMF always create memorable festivals due to the solid, all-star artist line ups. This year is once again setting new standards for a great weekend full of even greater music and nice vibes, all in the serene Mendocino county hills.
Coming to Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is the legendary, original Wailer, ”Jah B”, Bunny Wailer. The always energetic and entertaining Toots and the Maytals, “Jah Messenger” the blessed singer Luciano, roots foundation band, The Ethiopians, Sugar Minott the Dancehall star from the early eighties and beyond, and were just getting started. The line up goes on and on with a wealth of talent that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning reggae fans.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All stars are going to be a very welcomed addition to the Sierra family of artists. Their story is amazing and their cd, Living like a Refugee, is receiving critical acclaim. Queen Ifrica, the daughter of Derrick Morgan will be gracing the stage this year bringing her righteous empress vibes. Tony Rebel, the Rasta entertainer/promoter(Rebel Salute Festival) will be taking the stage, as well as Turbulence, Chezidek, and Junior Kelly, all humble lions will be bringing di roots and culture vibes, seen?
From St. Croix, the Virgin Island fire haffi bun, NiyoRah, and Abja will be there to present their heartical and spiritual sounds from their corner of the Carribean. Clinton Fearon, who sang with the original gladiators will be there with his band. A longtime Sierra favorite drummie and front man performer, Wadi Gad is going to be there, and Malika Madremana with her lioness vibes and energy.
There are of course many more bands on the line up, which can be viewed on the SNWMF website. Other information about camping, tickets, directions, and other miscellaneous tidbits can be found there. Be sure to bring shade has it can be very warm during the daytime. Nights can be cool, so dress accordingly. Sun block and water are essential items to bring as is comfortable footwear.
The staff and volunteers of SNWMF are working hard up until the end of the festival to give the attendees a great experience. Smile and give thanks when you see a staff or volunteer working during the weekend for all of their hard work. On your trod to the emerald hills of Mendocinco be sure to take your time on the winding, narrow country roads.
Jah guidance and protection,
M. Patton
staff writer, bigupradio.com