Reggae enthusiasts and artists hailing from the Northern California region and afar gathered together on the dusty banks of the Sacramento River at the Rio Ramaza Marina, RV and event park to celebrate the third annual Sacramento One Love One Heart reggae festival. Located at 10000 Garden Highway, notably in the same spot as this past August's first annual Sacramento Hempfest, which promoted cannabis consumption and awareness (something which has been synonymous with reggae music and Rastafari culture), it was the perfect secluded setting for such a festival. About a mile out from the event site, handmade red, green and yellow signs dotted the highway, letting festival attendees know they were close. Upon entering the festival grounds, there was no mistaking we had arrived as we breathed in the sweet smells of incense mixed with the pungent odor of ganja smoke. The two day festival, boasting over 20 regional and international artists, welcomed campers and jet skiers alike to soak up the last remaining rays of summer and enjoy the laidback vibes of reggae music and enjoy food ranging from the usual french fries and burger fare to delicious authentic Caribbean cuisine. 

Image by: H.A.S.O Live Upon arriving Saturday afternoon, I met with festival coordinator Denise Carter, a lovable and easygoing woman with an intense love for reggae and her community. Sporting long dreadlocks tied neatly behind her head and clutching a walkie talkie, she calmly surveyed the area like a hawk making sure everything ran smoothly. "There's a very laid back attitude here...any reggae, even if it's just instrumental, puts you at peace. Your the odd man out if you cause trouble here. Everyone helps their neighbor out". Carter, whom I affectionately dubbed the 'reggae mama', started the festival as a free band showcase for little known reggae artists in the area at Discovery Park in 2008. "Some of the artists I managed and some were friends of mine who believed in what I was trying to do. I wanted reggae music to be heard in Sacramento...we need it. I especially wanted a child friendly enviroment. Reggae is for everyone". Sure enough, there were barefoot children of all ages running around the campgrounds enjoying the outdoors with their families as well as two bounce houses located next to the stage for added entertainment.

Ras Indio of Belize, Central America (Image by: Meg Majors) As well as enjoying everything the festival had to offer, attendees could go home at the end of the weekend knowing they had supported several noble causes. Proceeds from the festival benefitted Opening Doors (http://www.openingdoorsinc.com/), an organization devoted to helping victims and survivors of human trafficking, refugees, immigrants, and others in need. Also benefitting from the festival were the River Oak Community Center for Children (http://www.riveroak.org/), a non-profit organization aimed at "helping children at risk, troubled teens, and families through mental health services, social services, behavioral therapy, and family counseling" in the Sacramento area; and I Am Peace (http://www.iampeace.org), an organization dedicated to 'promoting non violent resolution and conscientiousness'. "None of this would have been made possible without the sponsorship of the people who believe in the message of reggae music...and of course the Almighty himself" Carter added with a smile.
As the music continued throughout the afternoon, I decided to hunt for some food. After surveying the many vendors available (including an Italian Ice vendor with a sign on the front of their tent that proclaimed "Hippies Use Back Door...No Exceptions"), I landed on Africa Royal, a tent serving up authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine. I snagged a bowl of fried plantains and washed it back with a bottle of Mount Teman Roots, a carbonated, slightly sweet, natural beverage imported from Jamaica, boasting a variety of health benefits. With my belly satisfied, I parked myself on one of the many hay bales available for seating and enjoyed my first band of the afternoon, Dylan's Dharma.
I Am Peace, one of the many organizations benefiting from the festival, promoting "non-violent resolution and conscientiousness" (Image by: www.iampeace.org) Hailing from Chico, CA Dylan's Dharma is an eight-piece band (although Carter insists there are more members) incorporating many different instruments, from turntables to mandolins, to create a unique sound remniscent of the Dave Matthews Band with a reggae twist. Another notable performer among the talented acts, including reggae heavyweight Everton Blender, was Ras Indio, the sole artist to represet Belize. Ras Indio's high energy performance hit especially close to home because I myself am a former resident of Belize. Such a small, small world indeed.
Although small in comparison to such reggae festivals like Reggae on the River in Humboldt County and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Mendocino County, the third annual Sacramento One Love One Heart had just that...heart. There was immense love to be felt everywhere, as well as being noticably cheaper than the above mentioned (tickets for the two day festival were $35 compared to the $95 I spent for this years Reggae on the River, not including a $10 bracelet to get into any after hours party). "It's about the music, not the money" replied Carter. "There is no VIP here...we are all equal".