How better to start off the last week of August than with an appearance at the 25th Annual Reggae On The Rocks, in Morrison Colorado? For the past twenty five years, this has been the premiere Reggae concert of the summer and this year was no different. It was a day of reunions and reconnections, as we shared a festival with friends from the various bands represented on the day. There were also the usual photo and autograph requests, in addition to the general mingling of performers and fans…an irie way to establish the energetic flow of the day. And all of this is on top of the great music showcased throughout the day.
True to tradition, this year’s lineup consisted of top end performances from the likes of (Denver) Colorado’s own Judge Roughneck, bringing their unique Ska sound and Washington D.C.’s Yellow Dubmarine, as well as Rebelution, from Santa Barbara. The audience was also treated to a rare appearance by the Meditations, who took the day’s proceedings to a conscious changing of gears. By the time Steel Pulse finished their crowd pleasing set just after 10pm, the audience of some 10,000-plus fans could feel that the time was fast approaching when they would once again be treated to the arrival on stage of Burning Spear and his Burning Band.  As is often the case, it was Burning Spear that a large part of the crowd came to see and hear. They let that be known any time his name was mentioned throughout the day.  And as is every bit as often the case, they got what they had waited for and more! Right from the moment the band hit the stage, the crowd was in a different zone! And Mr. Rodney took them to that next level that concert goers travel miles to experience. From the opening lines of ‘The Youth’ to the final notes of ‘African Postman’, he had the audience hanging on his every word and gesture. This was indeed a Burning Experience!
Be sure to keep to eyes open; you never know when Burning Spear may be in your area.
The World Should Know
Jah is Real!!
Micah ‘Prof’ Robinson