The Mateel Community Center Board of Directors decided to offer an alternative reggae event after High Times cancelled the 2019 Reggae on the River Festival. Is is called Reggae Legacy 2019 and is scheduled for the first weekend in August and is dedicated to the life of Carol Bruno who recently died. Bruno was the powerhouse behind the early days of the event but her place in the event history was battered by the so-called Reggae Wars that split the Southern Humboldt community.
Reggae on the River brought thousands of reggae fans to the small towns of southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino and brought much needed income for the small businesses scrambling to fill the financial gap at a time when those communities have already been hit hard by the downturn in the cannabis industry.
Michelle Bushnell, Board President of the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce said:
It was a huge disappointment that High Times cancelled. Reggae on the River was one of our biggest money makers. Once an event doesn’t happen in our area, it is hard to get it to start back it up again. I am concerned that money making events like it are dwindling away. The festival attendees utilize our motels and restaurants and when you don’t have that influx, it is harmful economically.
She went on to say:
I am glad that the Mateel is starting the Reggae Legacy for that weekend. I was very pleased to see the Mateel Board host. Our area is so dependent on those kinds of festivals.
TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS will headline the event on August 4th after KABAKA PYRAMID’s performance August 3rd. More artists will be announced.
Mateel Community Center Presents Mateel Forever: Reggae Legacy
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mateel-forever-reggae-legacy-tickets-64478811862
Saturday August 3 & Sunday, August 4, 2019
Doors 5pm
Limited discounted tickets on sale per day online: $35
$40 at regional outlets and at the door
2 Day pass: $70
Tickets on sale through Eventbrite now and in regional outlets soon
All Ages
VIP tickets: Toots and the Maytals August 4th
1.’Funky Kingston’ Meets Toots Experience $129
Package includes: (1)general admission ticket with Early Entry to see Toots & the Maytals live, Meet & greet photo opportunity with Toots, Invitation to a portion of the band’s soundcheck, One (1) limited edition poster, signed by Toots Hibbert, One (1) commemorative laminate, Merchandise shopping before doors open to the public.
2. Toots & the Maytals Premium Ticket Bundle $79
One (1) general admission ticket with Early Entry to see Toots & the Maytals live, One (1) limited edition poster signed by Toots Hibbert, One (1) commemorative laminate, Merchandise shopping before doors open to the public.
