Reggae Festival Guide catches up with Charles Byrd, a San Francisco Reggae Promoter and Founder of Reggae Town Music. These questions highlight his history, mission and vision for the future. https://reggaetownmusic.com
Five Questions with Charles Byrd of Reggae Town Music
Q1: Charles, how did you get started as a reggae promoter in San Francisco?
A: I founded Reggae in the Park in San Francisco. It successfully ran for ten years as a major community fundraiser. What I’m most proud of is that in its final year, we had the honor of headlining the late, legendary Jimmy Cliff. That experience cemented my commitment to bringing world-class reggae to the Bay Area and making sure the culture stays visible and respected.
Q2: You’ve worked with some major reggae artists over the years. Who are a few that stand out?
A: I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the greats—Sugar Minott, Sister Carol, Don Carlos, Frankie Paul, and Jah Big. Each one brought something unique to the stage and to the community. Those experiences helped shape my approach as a promoter. It deepened my appreciation for the history and evolution of reggae music.
FUTURE PLANS
Q3: What are your future plans for Reggae Town Music?
A: The big vision is to launch Reggae in the Park 2.0 in San Francisco. We’re building what will become San Francisco’s largest reggae festival—celebrating Bay Area reggae artists and featuring authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine, arts, and crafts. It’s not just a concert; it’s a cultural experience. It will be designed to honor both the music and the community that supports it.
Q4: You’ve mentioned collaborating with cultural institutions. Why is that important?
A: Reggae is community music, and it thrives when it’s rooted in the spaces that represent our culture. That’s why Reggae Town Music plans to produce concerts and festivals in collaboration with local cultural institutions—historic arts centers, community organizations, and cultural landmarks. These partnerships help ground the music in the communities that helped shape it.
Q5: What role do you see Reggae Town Music playing in the future of reggae music?
A: Music genres naturally evolve and sometimes decline—just look at what has happened with jazz, blues, and even R&B. Reggae deserves a strong presence in the mainstream. Reggae Town Music intends to be one of the promoters who keeps the culture alive and visible. Part of that future will be embracing the growing connection between reggae and AfroBeats, creating fresh opportunities to reach younger audiences while honoring reggae’s roots.
