Patrick “Packy” Malley speaks with pride about his Midwest Reggae Fest, celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year with a move to Clay's Park Resort in Lawrence Township.
“This is considered one of the premier reggae festivals,” Malley said. “Reggae is much more popular on the coasts, but we do our little bit here in the Midwest. It's quite an undertaking, but we have a passion for reggae music.
The festival, which features continuous live music, camping and an array of vendors, will be held August 1, 2 and 3 at Clay's Park. The full lineup for this year's concert — 17 acts over three days — includes top reggae acts such as SOJA, Morgan Heritage, Wailing Souls and The Meditations. There is also a wide variety of vendors.
Q. How has the festival evolved over the past 23 years?
ONE. “I used to go to the Rock 'n' Reggae Festival, but I thought it should be an all-reggae festival. The first (Midwest Reggae Fest) was in 1992 at Meadow Ridge Farm in Huntsburg, on Cleveland's east side. That first year I had a band from Kansas City called Blue Riddim, a band from Columbus called Identity, and First Light from Cleveland. The festival was one day for the first 15 years, then I moved it to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (in Garrettsville) because they offered camping, so I was able to turn it into a multi-day festival.”
Q. Why the move to Clay's Park this year?
ONE. “I just found out about the park. It's probably the nicest concert setup I've ever seen. I really look forward to growing the festival every year. Being in Clay's Park, it should draw a lot more people than Akron and Canton, and it's closer to Columbus.
Q. How many people usually attend the festival?
ONE. “It takes about 2,000 people. Most are there for the whole weekend. We are the only reggae festival that offers camping and swimming in a multi-day event. In California, this event will attract 20,000 people or more.”
Q. How is the atmosphere at the festival?
ONE. “People are always shocked by how family friendly the festival is. It's not just all young people. There are several old people who have been coming for years and many children. It gets a diverse audience – young and old, black and white, many Jamaicans. There was never a fight or a fight. The safety people always say it's by far the easiest event of the year. People really embrace the 'one love' philosophy and respect each other.”
Q. Who are some of the biggest artists to have played the festival over the years?
ONE. “It's mostly a lot of the biggest names in Jamaican entertainment. We had Beres Hammond, arguably one of the most popular Jamaican reggae singers. Yellowman, the dancehall deejay. Etana, a very popular Jamaican artist. Lucky dude, who was sadly murdered in Johannesburg a month after our concert.”
Q. Can you give me a preview of some of the acts playing at Reggae Fest this year?
ONE. “SOJA is one of the most popular reggae bands in the world right now. They attract 20,000 people in California and sell out in Europe. Their new video features Damien Marley and they're touring with Michael Franti and Spearhead.
“Morgan Heritage is one of the most popular bands in Jamaica. Their nickname is “the royal family of reggae”. There are five brothers in the band, all successful in their own right. Their father is Denroy Morgan, a singer.
“Wailing Souls are a legendary Jamaican vocal-harmony band from the 70's. Uplifting, positive reggae. Bob Marley was said to be his favorite reggae group.
“We have bands from California, Hawaii and Florida. This is one big reggae festival!”
Contact Dan at 330-580-8306 or dan.kane@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @dkaneREP
WHAT: 23rd annual Midwest Reggae Fest
WHEN: August 1, 2 and 3.
WHERE: Clay's Park Resort, Lawrence Township.
TICKETS: $100 includes all three days of fun, swimming and camping. $85 (at the gate Saturday) includes two days of the above. Sunday one-day pass is $65 at the gate. Ages 12 and under go free. Available online at www.midwestreggaefest.com.
ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM:
August 1: Human Nature, 1:30 p.m. Umojah Nation, 3:30 p.m. Josh Heinrichs & Skillinjah; Milton Blake, 8:15; Morgan Heritage, 10 p.m
Aug. 2: SowFlo, 1:30 p.m. Pure Roots, 3:30; Natural Vibrations, 5:30 p.m. Meditations, 7:30 p.m. Wailing Souls, 10 p.m
Aug. 3: Clifftones, 1 p.m. Thamnos, 3 p.m. Taj Weekes & Adowa, 5 p.m. Flex Crew, 7 p.m. Marty Dread, 8 p.m. SOJA, 10 p.m
