What says summer like the smooth and infectious beats of Jamaican music? Warm sand, dreadlocks, and those Caribbean sounds that work their way into your body so much that you can’t help but dance! You don’t have to travel all the way to Jamaica for that experience – just head to Trempealeau! Who’d have thought this sleepy town beneath the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi holds one of the premier Reggae festivals in the Midwest? I’ve been going to it now for many years and it has always been brilliant– world class music, Jamaican beer and crafts (with New Glarus beer on tap), and of course Trempealeau Hotel’s famous Walnut Burgers!This year’s festival is on Saturday, May 16th, 2009 from 2pm to 11pm sharp. The lineup is as follows:
Uprising – 2pm-5pm (www.bayfrontreggae.com)
Natty Nation – 5pm-8pm (www.nattynation.com/
The Ark Band – 8pm- 11pm (www.thearkband.com)
A couple of helpful hints: if you plan to overnight it at nearby Perrot State Park, know that sites fill up fast for that weekend. Drive slow and pay close attention to the camping rules. The rangers and police there are very keen on fest-ers. Also, since Reggaefest occurs in that slice of time where you might find yourself too hot, too cold, or too wet, plan and prepare for all elements. The fest goes rain or shine, and has a proclivity for rain. Traditionally, Reggaefest has been on the first weekend in May. But they’ve told me it was moved back a couple weeks to avoid the vagaries of the spring weather. To that I say “Jah mahn!” For more information on Reggaefest at the historic Trempealeau Hotel and to reserve tickets in advance (which is recommended), visit their website here. Tickets are $15 in advance/ $20 at the gate.
Photo by Natty Nation
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