Felicia Santarossa

Monday Magazine contributor

Dane Roberts never imagined the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival would make it to 20 years.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 quite an accomplishment to have 20 years of the Festival,B次元官网网址� the Victoria Ska and Reggae Society artistic and executive director says, B次元官网网址渆specially since thereB次元官网网址檚 so many obstacles and thereB次元官网网址檚 so much that happens with peopleB次元官网网址檚 lives. No matter what happens weB次元官网网址檝e always managed to upkeep it.B次元官网网址�

When the festival started, Roberts says, the music was more pop-punk, based on the ska revival of the late 90s. Now, ska is getting back to its roots, with more bands from Jamaica and a more international focus, trends that extend to the 2019 festival.

B次元官网网址淭his year we have a band from Peru, a couple from Jamaica, another several from the UK,B次元官网网址� he says.

Big names include Jamaican artists Ky-Mani Marley and Sister Nancy, and Oregon-based Cherry PoppinB次元官网网址� Daddies of Zoot Suit Riot fame, along with plenty of local acts. The popular celebration kicks off with a free show at downtown VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Ship Point on June 19, with concerts and visual art spectacles happening throughout the region until June 23.

As far as local acts, the biggest excitement will be around One Drop, Roberts says, adding thereB次元官网网址檚 a personal connection to the reuniting reggae punk band.

READ ALSO:

B次元官网网址淥ne of the members who plays the saxophone, Neville Gibson, heB次元官网网址檚 the operations manager for the Society. HeB次元官网网址檚 my right-hand man. The rest of the band has contributed in one way or another over the years; theyB次元官网网址檙e always passionate about the festival and the mento (traditional Jamaican folk music) scene,B次元官网网址� he says.

The band was introduced to the festival about five years in and has been involved since, either as volunteers, performing or serving as staff.

Asked how the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival has lasted so long, Roberts explains that itB次元官网网址檚 a grassroots movement, one that keeps people involved because they love the music and the scene it creates, and the people it attracts.

B次元官网网址淲e didnB次元官网网址檛 go B次元官网网址極h! This would be a great festival to make money from.B次元官网网址� If we were trying to do it for that reason, we would have been done probably on the second year we put it on,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淭he people are just so passionate about the music. The reward is seeing the bands and meeting the people that come, and all the festivities that happen as a result.B次元官网网址�

Festival-goers can choose between , available for a range of prices. To purchase them or find more information, visit .

c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on