Does Sacramento have its own culture?

Sacramento's culture might be difficult to define, but thanks to the Unity and Diversity Music Festival, we at least know that it's multicultural.

"Having multiple ethnicities is a big part of Sacramento's culture," says Denise Carter, the festival's assistant organizer. "It's one of the most diverse cities in the state of California."

All in one place, local reggae, soca, and R&B bands will share the same stage. The festival will also feature Ethiopian, Indian and Mexican food vendors, handmade soaps and jewelry, and kids booths.

"We're trying to create togetherness," added Carter. "We want to bring everybody together as one."

Sacramento lacks events that promote its culture, says Akita Nichols, the event's head organizer. "With the musicians we selected, we wanted to bring awareness that Sacramento is an area with a lot of culture."

Though originally scheduled for May 2, it had to be rescheduled due to rain. The festival is a go for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Southside Park.

"Festivities were ready to get started, bands were lined up, vendors and food booths were ready to go," Carter wrote in a Sacramento Press article. "People started lining up at the gate and down it (the rain) came."

Reggae band Mystic Roots had to be replaced with reggae singer Messenjeh Selah as the headliner. Fortunately, artists such as America's Got Talent finalist Butterscotch, Double Lion reggae band, and others, were able to reschedule.

Double Lion consists of reggae duo XSample and King Hopeton, who both grew up in Jamaica. The childhood friends moved to Sacramento to promote Jamaican culture and play music.

"People are warm, and there's something to learn all the time," said XSample of Sacramento. "People really love live music."

"Sacramento has a great welcome vibe," added King Hopeton. "What we're doing [as a band], is not only playing music, [but] having a message of unity and peace, which the world needs today."

Tickets cost $13 online and at The Beat, $20 at the door. Tickets for kids ages 11 to 13 cost $6, and children under 11 are free.

Photographs courtesy Double Lion, and Sacramento Unity and Diversity Festival