Reggae on the River 2008

In fact, the whole event was downright friendly. Loads of people patiently waiting for foot traffic to work itself out, or offering space for someone to go ahead of them, suggested that the crowd was in attendance for fun, rather than frenzy. Adults casually drank beer in a tent which offered a pretty good view of the stage. Families napped on blankets and relaxed in lounge chairs in the shade.

A long line of vendors and food merchants trailed the river bank. Food vendors were likely to be community groups who get a budget boost through some festival vending. Add a few dozen clothes vendors, offering almost anything one could wear in tie-dye, camouflage or hipster black and chrome. Loads of reggae-inspired marketing was in evidence. I decided to buy some raffle tickets for a quilt to benefit a local school instead of a Bob Marley thong.

Heartfelt liberal politics were in effect. Encouragements to recycle and pleas for Obama were punctuated by an eloquent explanation of the devastation of dams on the Klamath River. The organizers kept the show moving, and there were barely gaps between bands long enough for much speaking — most of the day was filled with music.

The Wailing Souls closed the show with a seasoned performance. Bass nudging the crowd left and right and crystal-clear percussion gave motivation to get down as the sunset cooled the crowd.

Reggae on the River was a return to the relaxed festivals of yesteryear. Benbow is a beautiful space, and when you add inspired musicians, a generous crowd and a great sound system you get some good times. Congratulations to the Mateel Community Center for a wonderful community-oriented and extremely fun event.

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