Upryzin interviews and gets an acoustic set from the reggae band Crooked from The Siletz…
Northwest World Reggae Festival July 28th – 30th 2017 in Sandy, Oregon
For 13 years there has been a reggae renaissance developing in the Northwest. The result is a strong musical foundation for the “Reggae” community that has formed in Oregon’s NWWRF. A community that has invited and welcomed conscious musical artists from around the globe. This 2017 , I got a chance attend the Northwest World Reggae Festival and explorer its rich reggae scene.
The Northwest World Reggae Festival (NWWRF) has showcased a wide range of up and coming bands & artists. This year the line up included Pato Banton, Sista Carol, Prezident Brown, Clinton Fearon, Kabaka Pyramid filling the air near Mt. Hood.
The NWWRF is Oregon’s only Family Friendly Roots Reggae Festival. Kids 14 and under are admitted free for the three day event. The Kids Zone is a designated shady area for children and their guardians to rest and play.
For me, it was a great experience of music & camping near an amazing river with world crafts, workshops, art and delicious organic foods from the local area.
Besides bringing talented performers, one very important objective dear to the heart of the event organizers is to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! They encourage attendees to ‘leave no trace’ and to bring reusable containers to fill up with the natural cascade spring water that is available on the site.
Bio-diesel fuel powers the stage, site and trucks. All food waste is composted and wind power is used at the office. They strive to use the most sustainable paper and environmentally friendly products available.
Every food vender as well as the staff & performer kitchens are organic and sourced locally. Through In Ticketing, a tree has been planted for each ticket sold. Over the past 8 years, this has resulted in over 18,000 trees being planted.
NWWRF’s success for 2017 was due to the creative energy, dedication, skills and talents of organizers, staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and performers.
With the continued help of the reggae community, this annual event will continue to inspire year after year. I will definitely pack my bags and be here for next years event. Hopefully, I will get a chance to meet you.
Pato Banton is a charismatic singer & toaster from Birmingham, England. He played a prominent role in the rise & popularity of British reggae.
During performances, Pato dialogues with the crowd on a range of topics including current day events and spiritual freedom while keeping the vibes upbeat and fun! The direction of the concert is totally based on the feedback Pato receives from the audience as there is no fixed set list. Many have said that the positivity generated from the stage has changed their lives forever. Sometimes Pato invites his fans to join him in a prayer circle after the show, where some have cried while sharing their stories of contemplated suicide, isolation after losing a loved one, struggles with substance abuse and how their personal connection with Pato has given them the strength to “Stay Positive” & “Never Give In.”
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