This is a Community Announcement. It was not written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit community announcements, please email them to Matt Butler at mbutler@ithacavoice.com.
After three years apart, Ithaca Reggae Fest, dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a conscious celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history, is very excited to return to Stewart Park in Ithaca, New York next weekend, June 17 and 18, 2022.
The festival weekend kicks off on Friday, June 17th with a free Welcome Party from 5 to 9 PM at the Large Pavilion in Stewart Park featuring internationally-renowned UK producer Mad Professor performing a tribute set to his recently departed friend and fellow legendary Jamaican producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry with local all-star DJ Double Tiger opening up alongside special performances from Mohawk peoples’ Ononkwa and the GIAC Jumpers.
The following day, Saturday, June 18 from 9 AM to 10 PM Ithaca Reggae Fest returns with a full day of reggae, yoga, water education, skateboarding, art, food, dance and more. Setting the intention for the day starting at 9 AM will by festival partners Yoga Farm leading 108 Sun Salutations followed by a Qi Gong breakfast & tea ceremony before a Gayogo̱ hó꞉nÇ«’ Cultural Celebration and Community Drum Circle with Otha Day to lead into the beginning of an incredible lineup of music.
Culminating with headlining performances from internationally renowned Ithaca-based roots reggae & dub masters 10 Ft. Ganja Plant mixed by legendary Jamaican producer Scientist and the conscious revolutionary Jamaican artist Kabaka Pyramid, both making their Ithaca debuts, Saturday’s lineup includes some of the best reggae bands from throughout New York State. From Brooklyn-based lovers rockers The Far East and vinyl aficionado JonnyGo Figure to Syracuse reggae favorites Root Shock, Saturday at Ithaca Reggae Fest will include the debut of Ithaca’s own Sim Redmond Band alongside the return of festival favorites Mosaic Foundation and Thousands of One.
Dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake, throughout the day Ithaca Reggae Fest is proud to feature its Education Village, which will showcase numerous water protectors from throughout New York and the United States including the Audubon Society, Community Science Institute, Cayuga Nature Center, and many others with interactive exhibits for all.With a focus on family, the Youth Village presented by the Childhood Development Council, New Roots Charter School and YEM, will feature youth programming throughout Saturday from family yoga and storytelling to drum circles and a special performance by Hangar Theatre’s ‘Three Little Birds.’
And focusing on art, Ithaca Reggae Fest is excited to partner with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and famous artist Jay Stooks to host its Art Village featuring numerous local, regional and national artists creating art throughout the day Saturday raising proceeds to benefit the 50th Anniversary of GIAC.
Throughout all of this Ithaca Reggae Fest, in collaboration with USA Skateboarding and Etnies shoes, is very excited to present its Skateboard Village hosting the 1st Annual Flat Attack US Pro/Am Championships of Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding. Free to attend and open to all to register, Qualifying Rounds take place on Friday, June 17 from 11 AM to 5 PM before the Championships on Saturday, June 18 from 2 to 7 PM all at the Tennis Courts in Stewart Park.
Bringing the community together, tickets to the triumphant return of the 4th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest are on sale now with children under 16 admitted free of charge with a parent or guardian.
Tickets and information can be found at IthacaReggaeFest.com.