Cali Roots 2023: Day Three

Despite the May grey weather, Cali Roots XII festival goers exuded nothing but sunshine! With two days already behind them, day three at the Monterey Fairgrounds boasted one of the most impressive lineups to date in the realm of reggae rock. The morning kicked off with a high-energy set from Santa Barbara based band, Cydeways, […]

Cali Roots 2023: Day Two

On Day Two of the Cali Roots Festival 2023, the attendees returned to the Monterey Fairgrounds, eager for another day of music and festivities. The morning started off with a mix of relaxation and invigoration as people laid down blankets, enjoyed a cup of coffee from returning vendor NitroCycle831, and were serenaded by the rocking […]

Cali Roots 2023: Day One

Entering the gates of the Monterey Fairgrounds for another Memorial Day Weekend at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival is always a cathartic experience. This year, however, the anticipation was soaring as it marked the 12th anniversary of the notorious annual event. What sets this year apart is not only the extension to a […]

An “Opportunity” rises for Luis Dreadlocks, Shakamon and Rik Jam

The most random and perfect opportunities can literally spring up from just about anywhere. Getting fired can lead to you landing your dream job, and getting dumped could lead to you finding the love of your life, or even sparking a new love for your life. A simple vacation could drive you to discover a […]

Collie Buddz does it again with latest single “Take It Easy”

Add this one to every summertime 2023 playlist ASAP. Collie Buddz has done it again with the catchy, lazy afternoon single “Take It Easy”, giving off big “skip work, go to the beach” energy. Released Friday February 3rd, on the heels of two back-to-back shows in Hawaii at the end of January, rumors are swirling […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Joe Samba “Boomer Economy”

This rising artist, native of Massachusetts, songwriter and musician is turning heads all over the world right now from the United States to Australia. This hardworking, proud family man is ready to conquer whatever stands in his way with his multiplexity of music blends from rock, punk, reggae, funk, metal and even more! He’s got an upcoming tour with […]

Cali Roots finalizes jaw dropping lineup for 2023

California Roots Music and Art Festival, the genre’s most anticipated, prolific, and environmentally-friendly reggae event of the year, has officially dropped the final three acts to complete their Memorial Day weekend roster. Recently announced 2023 Coachella guests Rebelution and Stick Figure join genre-bending icons Thievery Corporation, finalizing the bill for the all ages festival as […]

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for BALLYHOO!

Raging since 1995, BALLYHOO! has become the music OG’s not missing a beat. Staying true to its own vibes and style, BALLYHOO! creates unforgettable and mind scrambling blends of ska, punk, reggae and even metal. If you have never seen these bad boys, you’ve got to add them to your list. Unstoppable hits one after […]

California Roots 2023: a true bucket list event

Music festivals are a big undertaking. For many, months of planning and budgeting goes into the experience. At times, there is stress, setbacks and logistical nightmares before even getting to the gates. And I’m not talking about the music festival itself. People travel from far and wide to attend such events and the premiere music […]

Dry Diggings Fest 2022: Day One

Labor Day Weekend spanned four days this year for those lucky enough to spend it camping at the Dry Diggings Music Festival in Grass Valley, California. Thanks, Jeff Monser! September 1st started with the arrival of campers ready to pitch tents and decorate campsites. Anticipation rose as quickly as the temperature that day! The excessive […]

California Roots 2022: Day Four

The fourth and final day of Cali Roots 2022 was one for the books. We laughed, we cried, we danced, we loved, we sang, we vibed and we all connected on a level that no one can describe quantitatively without sounding a little ‘woo-woo’. Simply put — it was magic. We were magic. Day Four […]

The Elovaters talks with Top Shelf at Cali Roots 2022

Top Shelf Music journalist Allie Adams interviews The Elovaters at California Roots Music and Arts Festival 2022. The Elovaters formed in 2014 and have released two full-length albums and an award-winning EP. Defy Gravity was the group’s first big record in 2018 after signing to not-for-profit record label Rootfire Cooperative. Debuting at #1 on the […]

California Roots 2022: Day Three

Cali Roots Day Three arrived with a bang Saturday. Despite Rebelution’s blow-out 90-minute light show spectacular of a set the previous night, over 14,000 reggae lovers of all genres and walks of life lined up on Fairground Road and entered with newfound energy, fresh outfits and all the love in the world. The sun was […]

A chat with Cydeways at California Roots 2022

Top Shelf Music journalist Allie Adams interviews Cydeways at California Roots Music and Arts Festival 2022. The band talks about upcoming projects, tour and are even surprised by Atmosphere‘s own “Slug”! You never know who’s gonna walk into the Cali Roots media room! From the band’s website: “Cydeways [is] an alternative band out of Santa […]