Reggae on the River Celebrates 37th Year Legacy
Reggae on the River returned to County Line Ranch this past weekend for its 37th year, bringing thousands of music lovers together along California’s Eel River for three days of reggae, dancehall, dub, community, and
connection.
Presented by the Mateel Community Center as a fundraiser supporting local community initiatives, the festival once again transformed the banks of the Eel River into a gathering place for generations of reggae fans from Humboldt County and beyond.
The weekend opened with a blessing ceremony led by local Tribal members, grounding the festival in the history, culture, and spirit of the land. Under a hot Humboldt sun, thousands made their way to the river throughout Friday, setting the tone for a weekend defined by music and
community.
Friday’s highlights included a powerful main stage performance by BLVK H3RO, followed by a high-energy set from Ding Dong & Ravers Clavers. After dark, the festival’s sound system culture took over with a heavy dub session on the Basscraft Sound System featuring O.B.F and Iration Steppas.
Saturday brought cooler temperatures but no shortage of heat on the stages. Subatomic Sound System delivered one of the weekend’s most unexpected collaborations, featuring Screechy Dan and Norwood Fisher of Fishbone. Jah9 brought her distinctive voice and deeply positive vibrations to the festival, while Perfect Giddimani packed the Stay Positive Stage with a massive performance.
The main stage reached another level Saturday night with a performance from Kabaka Pyramid before reggae legend Burning Spear took the stage, delivering the roots reggae sound that has helped define generations of the genre.
Sunday became a celebration of the reggae family, with an atmosphere that grew increasingly communal as the weekend came to a close. Prezident Brown brought conscious sounds to the festival, followed by Samory I performing with the One Wise Band. Dezarie then captivated the main stage audience with her soaring, crystalline melodies and sharp rhythmic chants.
“ROTR to me is an experience, not just a festival,” said dancehall legend Cham. “It has always been this way. The scenery, the people, the vibe, it’s just different. You have to experience it.”
Cham brought peak energy to the bowl with a celebratory set before reggae icon Don Carlos brought the weekend back to its roots.
Beyond the stages, Reggae on the River once again brought together families, campers, artists,vendors, musicians, DJs, and longtime festival attendees in an environment centered on music,nature, and community.
The Eel River remained at the heart of the experience, with attendees cooling off in the water and making the most of a Humboldt summer weekend.“Reggae on the River has always been about more than music,” said the Mateel Community Center. “It is about community, culture, the river, the land, and the generations of people who have helped make this festival what it is. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came together to make this year possible.”
Now in its 37th year, Reggae on the River remains one of Northern California’s lingering festivals and a deeply rooted part of Humboldt County’s cultural landscape.The Mateel Community Center and Reggae on the River extend their deepest thanks to the artists, musicians, DJs, Tribal members, volunteers, vendors, production crews, staff, sponsors, campers, local businesses, and, above all, the Humboldt County community whose continued support has helped carry the festival forward.
Reggae on the River is more than a festival. It is a legacy built by community, carried by music, and rooted in the river.
All photos by Marcial Dominguez @Humco707Images
About Author
