Get ready to cleanse your lungs with that fresh Green Mountain air! Wash all of your troubles away in the glistening river. Unwind soaking in the sunshine. Let the music heal your soul! The SUMMER SOLSTICE is only days away…

We’ve been hard at work to provide you with the most energetic, inspirational, educational and uplifting musical experience to kick off your summer right. Each and every one of these bands has a positive message to spread.

We’re so excited to share this year’s music schedule with our ZionTific Family. From regional up-and-comers to international acts, we truly believe this bunch is bound to keep you movin’ and groovin’ non-stop all 3 days and nights.

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Rootz Underground represents Jamaica’s most recent contribution to the International Reggae & World Music scene. While undeniably rooted in reggae the six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes boundaries and defies being boxed into a single genre. Electric yet organic, gritty and soulful; the band manages to harness the essence that the reggae aficionado was captivated by in the 1970’s while connecting the youth to the pure messages of Rastafari with explosive live performances that are a positive and emotional musical journey.

With over a decade of sharing the stage together they have built a strong International fan base that spans across and beyond the 22 countries they have visited in not just reggae but also rock and jamband circles. While also managing to maintain their popularity in the underground music scene with regular appearances as they mould their touring shows against Kingston’s discerning audiences.

With the continued rise of reggae music across the world being played and embraced by all cultures Rootz Underground ensures an undiluted dose of what is happening at the root, transporting audiences to Jamaica from a half-a-world away. With a firm grasp on the foundation as well as influenced by the resurgence of the band format out of Jamaica, Rootz continues to grow consistently building on every show.

Moving forward you can expect only positive energy from Rootz Underground. Lyrically conscious and aware of the blessing of the musical life, the band strives to create songs that uplift energized by grooves that engage and melodies that connect. They are always in the lead when it comes to bringing their fans along for the ride and sharing the experience.

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Rock, Reggae and Hip‐Hop: Each is definable, recognizable and at once familiar to people the world over. But never have those three forms of musical expression been so effortlessly blended into one sound that is as indefinable as it is recognizable and familiar. Enter The Movement.

Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, the reggae-rock group The Movement was formed in 2004 by a trio of Sublime and Pixies fans. Joshua Swain, Jordan Miller, and John Ruff, aka DJ Riggles, launched The Movement with their “alternative reggae” debut album, “On Your Feet.” In 2008, the group met Chris DiBeneditto, a Philadelphia-based producer who had worked with like-minded acts such as Slightly Stoopid and G. Love & Special Sauce. Relocating to Philadelphia, they recorded 2008’s “Set Sail” at DiBeneditto’s Philadelphonic Studios. The album has sold over 10,000 copies to date. The Movement expanded with the addition of Gary Jackson on drums and Jason “Smiles” Schmidt on bass. In 2012, Miller left the group, and the trio, now fronted by Swain, released their fourth album “Side By Side,” debuting at #2 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. In 2014 The Movement released “Beneath The Palms,” a surprise acoustic album as a free gift to their fans, and announced plans to record a new full length album in 2015.

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Signal Fire is a powerful rock/reggae quintet offering the sounds of brighter musical horizons. From the coast of North Carolina, the band stokes the flame of conscientious rock/reggae with danceable rhythms, fervent melodies, and feel-good vibes. In their first two years, Signal Fire independently toured the eastern seaboard sharing the stage with acts such as The Wailers, SOJA, Dirty Heads, Fear Nuttin Band, Fortunate Youth and more. Signal Fire released their debut album “Ignite” in September of 2013 which charted at #8 on the iTunes US reggae charts. Lit from the embers of reggae, rock n’ roll and thoughtful lyricism, Signal Fire has quickly become a musical beacon for a growing number of audiences on the east coast and beyond.

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Lucid was born and raised in the diverse musical culture unique to the City of Plattsburgh, New York, nestled high in the Adirondack Mountains.

The area’s mix of local musicians, college students, out-of-towners and rural regulars brings together music fans from all walks of life. Nearly a decade of progress and development has established Lucid as one of the most dynamic, hard working, finely tuned bands in the North Country.

Lucid’s enlivening, powerful performances energize concert goers from open to encore. Their songs remain structurally tight and carefully woven, distinguishing them from their jam band counterparts. Still, they’re unpredictable in nature, with a knack for improv and a talent for delivery. Find yourself in the celebration that is a Lucid show, and you’ll quickly understand the infectious, unique experience that music fans are raving about. Come. Join the party.

Discography: Miles Deep – (2005) • Dewdmanwah – (2009) • Home Is Where We Wanna Grow – (2013) Dirt (2015, *To Be Released)

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In addition to producing Ziontific’s Silent Disco for the weekend — Jeff Bujak will also be performing 2 sets of ‘Silent Buj’ alongside the lovely acrobatic hoop-master Jen Dulong.

Massachusetts based performance duo ‘Bujak Live’ is Jeff Bujak (on the keys) and Jen Dulong (on the LED hula-hoop). Jeff Bujak is a solo experimental/progressive music producer from Massachusetts who creates instrumental songs centered around classical composition, progressive rock and dance music that dives deep in the waters of complex live electronica.

Jen Dulong performs on stage alongside Jeff with an LED hula-hoop and other shapes providing beautiful lighting and movement with a visual depth to the solo musician.  Bujak is carving a new path in the live-music scene one show at a time. Continue reading →

Forming in 2010, American Reggae Jam Rock band TreeHouse! has performed hundreds of shows a year throughout the country, introducing established reggae, rock and jam band scenes to a brand new fusion of sounds. These road warriors have shared the stage with top names and international acts in both genres, including 311, Dirty Heads, Steel Pulse, SOJA, Pepper, Stick Figure, Kung Fu, The Mantras, The Wailers, Tribal Seeds, and more.

The TreeHouse! single, “Blessings” was picked by Stephen Marley and Ky-Mani Marley as one of the top 10 songs out of hundreds of contestants in the Marley’s Music Uprising, because they felt this song exemplified the spirit of Bob Marley.

TreeHouse has released two official studio albums, “Growth” (2013) and “Lifted” (2015), with another on the way, thousands of US fans and growing, and solid touring across the country.

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Joey Batts & Them are a five-piece alternative hip-hop band based out of Connecticut. The band, comprised of Joey on vocals, Tony Volpe on guitar, John Dotson on bass, Marty Wirt on keys and Mike “Beatwiz” Spellman on drums and percussion, is taking the live hip hop scene by storm, Joey Batts never takes no for an answer – you either love his sound right away, or his voice kidnaps you until you change your mind. A lyrical genius and an amazing front man with impeccable crowd control, rolled into, one Joey Batts has proven to be an asset to CT’s growing underground hip-hop culture.

With funky grooves and plenty of hooks, Joey Batts & Them can turn any show or event into an outright party. And with shows all over New England, the Northeast, and beyond, be sure to check them out, and you can be the best of friends!

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IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

Benny Black is a multi-dimensional artist with a serious focus on the creative and business oriented aspects of today’s music industry.

From a very young age, Benny Black had a strong interest in creating music. As hip hop began to spread throughout the tri-state area, he was exposed early to the new culture by hearing songs like “Rapper’s Delight” and “Planet Rock” on the radio and on tapes. A new concept in television would cause his interest to peak. Run DMC’s “King of Rock” video influenced him for years to come. He was fascinated by the art of MCing and DJing. The straight forward yet witty lyrics combined with hard, gritty beats and aggressive attitude was adopted and imitated by a young Benny Black.

Benny continued to write rhymes and record music throughout his life. With too many successful releases to even count, Benny Black has been busy diversifying his passion. From mixtape to mixtape and a combination beat tape/mixtape to a hip hop instrumental album to Djing for Tableek and The Political Animals to working as the Urban Music Director on the radio, starting a record label, writting a few books, and continues to further advance his career as a DJ/Producer.

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Original Vermont Grass Roots and Culture. Heirloom Seeds is a band that lives for tradition and culture from the organic heirloom food that they grow to the Roots Reggae music they’ve learned straight from the elders in Brooklyn, Jamaica, and West Afrika. The Spirit that is ‘Reggae’ or ‘Regal’ music is an education of agricultural and nutritional self-sustainability, rural independence, multicultural unity, art, and mysticism. That is the message of His Majesty Haile Sellassie I of Ethiopia in his speeches and writings. Heirloom Seeds stays true to the old school sound and philosophy a refreshing listen for all ages.

The rhythm section is locked with Drummer Brian West and bassist Jay Cook running the dancehall Kingston style. Composer and Multi-instrumentalist Daniel Rosow chants in honor of cultural diversity and biodiversity. Both he feels are being threatened by GMO cross-pollination and pesticide use. Instead he redirects us toward sustainable localized living and the boycott of non-organic produce and products.

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A four piece Hip Hop group out of Connecticut. Consisting of an MC, Bassist, Drummer, and a D.J./Turntablist/Live Sampler. While Boom Bap, Funk/Soul Breaks, and Electro are the foundation, they are NOT the perimeter. The themes to the songs vary just like the sound. Ranging from traditional party rockin’, social commentary, satire/toungue and cheek, story telling and Battle rhymes. They refuse to waste your time. Concepts, whether abstract or concrete are aimed at making you nod your head, dance, and think. Live shows differ from recordings. Political Animals describes our humanity and how we interact with each other and the universe. Continue reading →

Philadelphia-based reggae outfit Kings & Comrades began as an acoustic duo in 2006 and has since evolved into a prominent 7-piece band, including a full horn section. With conscious original music and an authentic, soulful sound, the band aims to bring their uplifting message to the masses.

The group has two EPs and recently released their first full length album, “Get Away”, which debuted at #7 on iTunes reggae charts. They’ve shared stages with bands like Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Matisyahu, Tribal Seeds, Stick Figure, The Green, Ballyhoo, Mike Pinto, Three Legged Fox, and more.

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The Feel Goods are a ska and rocksteady band specializing in tight vocal harmonies, innovative song-writing and producing a spectrum of styles that pays homage to the great originators of Jamaican ska, dub, dancehall and reggae of the 1960s and 70s.

With influences of ska, punk, soul, rocksteady and dub, this band puts on a show that is unlikely to be seen anywhere else. Hailing from the seacoast of New Hampshire, The Feel Goods have spent the last three years honing their sound, bringing an energetic performance to every audience it entertains. With luscious four part vocal harmonies, monstrous horn lines and intoxicating live dub, The Feel Goods are a band not to be missed!

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The Romano Project hails from the Merrimack Valley, a group of cities and towns, just north of Boston, Massachusetts. The band was pieced together with a refreshing new sound in early 2010 by gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Eddie Romano. Eddie has a high attention to rhythm and a pop-aggressive vocal style. He constructed a group of talented musicians that share a common musical vision, now known as The Romano Project. Or simply, TRP

Since their auspicious live debut as a trio in 2010 they have kept their regional fan base’s feet moving. Drummer John Elliott, who has an impeccable knack to keep any crowd dancing, and his longtime friend, proven song-smith, rhythm junky and multi-talented musician Chris Taillon, have been playing together in various bands for almost 2 decades prior to TRP. Chris, who was the original TRP bassist back in 2010, (currently the lead/rhythm guitarist) along with Eddie Romano have made some tasteful additions to the band. Tim Dunning aka DJ Icculus now layers infectious sax grooves and his un-matchable scratching styles over TRP’s sound. The band received a helping hand along the way from two talented local musicians, Steve Gofstein on bass, and Ryan Goodhue on keyboards.

While TRP was racking up miles and miles of hard earned respect through relentless touring, they soon after acquired bass player Ben Siwak, a musician well versed in the art of jazz, funk, and blues music, and his longtime friend Brian Cogger, a creative trumpet player with energetic hooks and a unique approach to music. They have met so many amazing musicians on tour they frequently have been known, on many occasions, to host special guest musicians, live and in the studio. With a long list of some of the best local talent on the scene, StraddleDaddy’s bass player & singer – Shawn LaRochelle & Syme, The Alchemystics front man – Garrick “Force” Perry, The Hornitz, Johnny Bongos from Stealhead, TRP always strives to bring something new to its sound and keep the songs fresh and exciting. This promising young band continues to demonstrate their trademark, catchy music hooks, brash rapid fire vocals, slow build of chords and non stop energy that culminate into intoxicating and infectious sing-alongs.

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This nine-piece battalion features Her Ladyness: Miss. Andrea Beladi, accompanied by eight charming young men. They play regularly sold out shows on the New Hampshire Seacoast, and have a spotless track record of raising-the-roof abroad. Their original music traverses the modern funk, jazz, and hip-hop gamut; with a lyrical style punctuated by some MC swank. They enjoy an strong glass of single-malt, the occasional corn dog, and makin’ fellas dance.

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It is the dawn of a new era. Future funk has come back in time to present day funk monkeys! William Thompson has got that confidence, and the funk flows.

Once upon a time they started out as a joke band called What the Funk. After a few shows people started to really dig what they were doing, so they moved away from the joke and began a trek through absolute seriousity…

William Thompson Funk Experiment has become quite the spectacle. A uniquely interactive show experience featuring a group of musical talents that put high stock in making sure you leave feeling uplifted and truly entertained. The band delivers tight hard-hitting original tunes that have a way of pulling fans right into their fantasy laced world of fun and bewilderment. WTFeX invites you to leave your worries at the doorstep and come and get down.

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IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

For Massachusetts bred lyricist/producer Tonio Sagan (formerly Cheatcode), progression in music was gradual. What started as a quest to find dope beats to rap on transformed into a love for production. Digging for samples became an appreciation for the great records of the past. An aspiration for originality evolved into sound design and synthesis manipulations. Tone releases are the result of an ever expanding love for the process of creating and recording music. Whether appearing as an emcee or producer, the aim is to keep the party moving with a conscience.

In 2007 the young Rapper/Beatmaker formed Massachusettes hip hop group the Problemaddicts, in conjunction with Mystika Music, the production company that would release their music, a partnership with long time friend and musical teacher, Deejay Theory. Tone and Deejay Theory co-produced the Problemaddicts debut release the first step that same year. In 2008, Tone conceptualized and released his first mashup project “The Dark Side Of Oz”, under the Problemaddicts franchise. In 2010 he collaborated as an Emcee in the duo Moke & Tone and released “Shot Heard ‘Round The World”, boasting production by Team Genius, the production collaborative of Tone, Garrett Sawyer and Jason Metcalf. Tone was present for every mixing session with his engineer Garrett at Northfire Recording Studio learning the art of studio mixing.

“Being the control freak that I am, I had to be there. It was a blessing in disguise. Osmosis, when I finally bought my own copy of protools I knew how to navigate the program with ease.”

Growing from a thickly accented hip hop background, Tone has carried the ideas and concepts of the genre with him to his latest stage of modern production and performance. Sagan seeks to implicate much more than just hip hop inspiration though; fusing in an expansive blanket of various modern, and sometimes future electronic music techniques, his sound has become impossible to pin down to a single, encapsulating phrase.

A frequent collaborator, with the likes of beatbox deviant Honeycomb, among others, Tonio Sagan continues to develop musical relationships and further press the boundaries of his own sound. In 2016, Sagan was officially announced as a member of Wakaan, the newly founded label from renowned artist Liquid Stranger.

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IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

Nicholas (Live!) Court was born in Western Massachusetts and by the age of 8 moved to Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay area with his mother, stepfather, and brother. He and his brother were raised between parts of Virginia Beach/ Norfolk, and Brooklyn, New York where his biological father lived. Growing up in the tip of the south traveling back and forth to New York’s Pen Station or Port Authority is where the inspiration for this producer extraordinaire’s years of original and ground breaking urban production were developed.

With years also spent in one of the west coasts most musically influential areas experiencing San Francisco’s mission districts then heavy poverty and gang activity was a complete opposite view from either of the not so easy walks of life he was a custom to in the east coast. This life experience is what has created his diverse ear for music and his “Hard Work No Play” ethics that set this producer ahead of the rest. Live! Has produced for hundreds of hip hop, R&B, and reggae artists including: Buckshot of Black moon, Moke&Tone, Grafh, Slash of unusual suspects, Block McCloud of Brooklyn academy, Roosta & Prowla of Fear Nuttin Band, Stash, Rap-p feat Ty Nitty of infamous mobb, Tony benefit of Earatic Statik, all of Hardtimes Records artist roster 2001-2012, Nature, C-Rayz Walz, Vorheez, Hostyle of Screwball, Young Dirty Bastard, Whosane, the whole Comparable To None Entertainment Roster 2002-2009 and much more.

One of his most recent projects, a collaboration with Albe Back and 2dopeboyz.com titled Raphael Dela Ghetto in which he Produced all but two track’s was well received with over 10,000 Downloads and numerous blog mention’s. Plan to see, but most of all hear a lot from him in the near future.

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I Anbassa delivers high energy, all original World Reggae grounded in roots island music, laced with rock, funk, and afro-beat. Bringing forward a fresh, new and infectious sound, they ignite on stage with intuitive hooks and bubbling rhythms that instantly get the crowd moving and singing along. Their songs promote self-awareness, consciousness, positivity and, above all, Jah love.

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Connecticut-based band, The Juicy Grapes play songs filled with dance-inducing rhythms and sultry harmonies led by the soulful Tara on vocals. The music seamlessly blends funk, rock and soul, with an old-school sensibility that embraces concepts like “love,” “peace,” and all those other written-off ideals. Somehow, The Juicy Grapes can sing about believing in love, respecting one another, reaching for the stars and even skinny dipping without sounding corny. It has something to do with their style—songs that encourage bouncing and coerce even reluctant audience members onto the dance floor—and something to do with their emotional investment. The Juicy Grapes love to create a scene that’s high on good vibes.

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Hailing from the green hills of Burlington Vermont, the Lynguistic Civilians have been making music together since 2010 being voted “Vermont’s Best Hip Hop” by Seven Days VT four years running. Since their initial debut in 2009 Walshie Steeze, Mike Fulton, LC and Mr. Burns have performed all over New England. They are a focused group of individuals with a passion for Hip Hop and expressing it through their music wherever they can.

With all in house production and lyrics The Civilians have an approach on making music that allows everyones individual talents to flourish. A family of MC’s and DJ’s they have captivated crowds of all ages while having the honor of sharing the stage with some of hip hop’s greats. They have three releases, 2011’s A Hard Act To Follow e.p. 2013 full length album Better Late Than Never and 2014’s collaboration with The Mangroves, Urban Priorities.

Bringing all four personalities together, The Lynguistic Civilians bring a upbeat and engaging live show that convinces you why these crazy fools were suppose to be doing what they do.

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Reef’d is a six-piece Reggae/Rock/Hip-Hop band from Philadelphia, PA. The band was created in 2011 by Derek Donato (drums), Chris Kwasnik (Guitar), and John Diamond (Frontman), shortly before they released their first EP entitled “Brighter Days”. After the release of ”Brighter Days”, and following the departure of their original guitarist, Reef’d added members Kevin Pitkin (Bass), Colin Young (Lead Guitar), and Matt Diamond (Trumpet, Vocals). The group has played many notable Philadelphia music venues including World Cafe Live, The Legendary Dobbs, and Hard Rock Cafe. Most recently, the bands first album, “On Our Way”, which was independently released, debuted at #8 on the Itunes Top 100 Reggae Albums chart.

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THE EQUALITES are a staple in the pioneer valley reggae scene, the band has been performing in the region for over 25 years! With four part harmonies and excellent songwriting, sizzling guitar work, deep percussion, and a deep pocket of bass n drums… this is truly ‘a great band with killer reggae groove’. The music is at once reggae, roots music, blue beat, has jazz sensibilities, and much more!

The original compositions are performed in unforgettable fashion, and the covers they play of classic reggae and soul music have the Equalites polished unique stamp on them that make them sound like fresh goodness.

The band is lead by the prolific and accomplished David Boatwright, on lead vocals and guitar. Dave was a founding member of Loose Caboose and has played guitar and vocals in many other groups, he has released original music with the Equalites and is a true one of a kind musician. His melodies resonate deep with his voice, as do his unparalleled guitar snarl.

Percussionist Boo Pearson has studied diasporic rhythms, songs and dance whose origins emmenate from sub-Saharan West Africa and have spread to the Americas and places such as Brazil, the West Indise, Louisianna and beyond. His kit includses congas, congalettos, timbales and djembe, as well as a broad selection of instruments from around the world. A singer and lyricist, his tenure with The Equalites exceeds a quarter of century.

Philippe grew up in Boston and was originally drawn to West Indian culture, following the Caribbean Carnival floats that played live soca and calypso music when he was a child. He brings the precision and soul of reggae drumming to the band along with his enchanting backing vocals and stirring lead vocals.

Adam Zucker controls the bass with a booming deep groove and plays with melodic sensibilities at the same time as precise hard hitting rhythm. He is also a talented songwriter and sings his tunes like ‘where there is love’ and ‘love zone’ with a fiery passion from his soul. Adam has has played guitar, bass, and composed music for various reggae bands in Western Mass.

Edward Reddonett is the founding member of the band and can get dubbed out with his range of effects peddles. A truly ‘jammin’ guitarist , Ed’s guitar adds an exciting colors n shades to the music that makes you feel really nice….

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Originally from Miami, FL these now Bostonians are a rock band with heavy reggae, jazz, soul, and funk influences. The band consists of Paul Garcia (Drums), Frank Vasallo (Guitar/Vocals), and Branden DeCaso (Saxophone); along with a keyboardist, percussionist, and horn section.

Their first and self-titled album “Fulah” features a variety of original tracks. Fulah wrote, composed, and produced the record together. It grew to be influenced by a variety of backgrounds in music; jazz, rock, reggae, funk, among many others. Once finished recording, they mixed and mastered themselves, keeping everything in-house. What they have delivered is a full-length debut record with spunk.

Fulah delivers a fresh sound that always draws a positive response from a steadily growing fan base.

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Hailing from Portland ME, The Yeti is a hip-hop group of rappers Syn The Shaman & Dray Sr. plus DJ/producer TheLin.

They formed based around their mutual respect for authentic hip-hop and honest music. The Yeti takes a difference approach by pushing the music to fit the song, not just dropping vocals on existing beats like the conventional verse-chorus-verse-chorus type platform.

Teaching himself to beat box, rap, break dance, and paint jean jackets from a young age, Dray Senior has been a mentor to a lot of artists that have had great success. Syn’s long history from the early days in the well acknowledged hip-hop group Live Poets to now has also helped lay ground work for the vocals against producer theLin’s musical background. Their music is raw and unforgiving, but also draws you in with it’s constantly changing landscape.

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In their music and their lives, Rebelle is an intergenerational and intercultural band from Africa and America. Their story is rich in a foundation of love and powerful musicianship. ReBelle plays all original music, sung in four different languages, English, Wolof, Creole and French. Their eloquent composition runs along limbs of rasta, elements of jazz and folk, poetic insurgence and ardent rhythms. Vocalists chant meditations on liberation while the band propels roots reggae soul. The band’s mystical mix of pulsing tribal rhythms, guitar and tight harmonies is internationally acclaimed. ReBelle is committed to aligning in love, unity and freedom throughout the world.

If you want to dance as you dream; chant on the move; find yourself in the compelling atmosphere of origin, then come to ReBelle.

They’ll more than meet you there.

They’ll take you there.

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Lessons throughout the weekend on the core elements of Hip-Hop.

Performances by:
Honeycomb
DJ Benny Black
Blue Collar
DJ NEB
Ryan Augustus
Breaks by Poptart and Moses
More to be announced . . .

Stay tuned here for additional artists and information on the Elemental Lessons as the fest draws near.