Jamaican brings back reggae festival to US state of Maine

During his early upbringing he was privy to many reggae shows but in the latter years the quality and quantity of reggae staged events in the Pine State has fallen dramatically in his opinion.

It is one of the main reasons why Wilson has launched the Culture Reggae Festival, a renaissance of the genre in the northwest of the US.

The event is slated for August 3, 2024 at the Worumbo Riverfront Entertainment Center in Lisbon, Maine - appropriately coinciding with Jamaica's Emancipation Day and Independence Day week-long celebrations which millions of Jamaicans will mark back home and in several places in the Diaspora across the globe.

This inaugural showpiece, which Wilson says will become an annual affair, has Warrior King and Turbulence as the headline acts for the eight-hour event which begins at 2:00 pm sharp.

Wilson, speaking to Old Harbour News exclusively, says in both reggae stars fans will be treated to three hours each of roots rock reggae from their catalog of musical hits.

“We've put in a lot of work. We expect everybody enjoy the food trucks but most of all the music and the line-up of artistes. Maine is excited for Turbulence and Warrior King, they've never been here before and we've put in every bit if detail to make sure their act is executed professionally and just amazing so the people can feel the energy and the vibe that we are trying to bring; and that's the reason why we call it culture reggae festival because we are trying to bring back the culture,” said the US citizen who grew up in the Bath area of Maine.

He added: “I've been here since ‘96 and I've been to several reggae shows and back then you cannot get to the see the stage. You got to stay almost a mile to see the stage.

“Over the years that died down. I feel like people are trying to cut cost but because I'm not doing it for the money and I've lived here for 30 years I know Maine loves reggae so I'm putting my heart and soul into it for the people of Maine and also to put Jamaica on the map right here in Maine.”

As a first attempt Wilson said planning for this event comes with its own challenges but he and his Positive Vibez Entertainment team in collaboration with compatriots from Florida-based Art of Reggae are doing this for the love of the music and culture.

While getting himself settled for a gig in Durham, he tells Old Harbour News: “Years I've lived here and seen what reggae used to be and it died down so I feel like I have the opportunity to bring it back.

“(Promotion) has been picking up speed as it goes.  Actually it's surprised me to see actually how it has reached out and people actually responding to it. The response is overwhelming.”

Leanna Cain is a member of Wilson's planning committee. The born and bred Mainer says she has been hooked on reggae since she heard it for the first time and has fallen in love with the “message” it promotes.

She tells Old Harbour News that the event will cater for everyone irrespective of race, color or creed.

“I wasn’t exposed to reggae music until later in life but once I was it stayed with me and I want to share it with my neighbours,” she said.

“We've been around the state promoting, going to other events and its being well received by people here in Maine and from all people and all culture.

“For me the biggest thing is that it is family friendly. Everybody is welcome. We have activities for the kids so you can come with your family and have a good time.”

Meanwhile Warrior King told Old Harbour News what the people of Maine can expect from him. 

“Performing in Maine for the first time is a wonderful feeling. I've a song called ‘Breath of Fresh Air’. It's one of my earlier songs. And there is a line in that song that says ‘wherever there is life my music will be there’, so once my music is there I have to be there to represent. Me is a lover of people and doing my Father's work is always an honor and pleasure to do the Creator's work.

“The people of Maine can expect a spiritual vibe and energy, positiveness and they're going to be inspired and educated.”

Tickets are now available online at culturereaggefestival.com with special discount on offer for early purchases.

Among the other notable reggae performers booked are Mighty Mystic, Nate Winter and the Stream Reggae band.