Sierra Nevada World Music Festival Brings Premier Reggae and World Music Acts to Boonville, CA for an Unforgettable Three-Day Music and Camping Weekend
Celebrating its 27th edition, the beloved Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (SNWMF) will take place on Summer Solstice weekend of June 21-23, 2024. It will be held at the beautiful Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California. Known as the premier Jamaican roots-reggae music festival in the US, the programming also includes eclectic world music artists. Two stages, plus a late-night dancehall party keep the vibes high.
The 2024 lineup is stacked with international reggae legends alongside newcomers that continue to propel the genre into the mainstream.
True roots fans will revel in the presence of these pillars of reggae music…the internationally popular Steel Pulse, Thirdword and Beres Hammond, and also the classics such as The Tennors, Eric “Monty” Morris, Terry Linen, and Ranking Joe!
Barrington Levy, Leroy Sibbles (best known for his work with the Heptones), and Half Pint round out the heritage artists known for identifiable riffs and anthems. The younger generation will be thrilled with ground-breaking artists such as Koffee, Busy Signal and Blvk H3ro.
KOFFEE
“Me? I’m just a down-to-earth, 24-year-old musician,” says Mikayla Simpson aka Koffee. She may be small in stature, but her modesty and height belie a venerable talent. The 5’0”, self-described “sing-jay-guitarist” is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking, globally focused talents to emerge from Jamaica in recent years. She has reshaped, modernized and revitalized reggae for a whole new global audience. This bona-fide breakout star has collaborated with A-list artists from many genres, played mega festivals across the US and Europe, fronted global campaigns for the likes of Nike Air Jordan and Clarks. She performed the title track to the acclaimed The Harder They Fall film on a stacked soundtrack that featured the likes of Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Barrington Levy, Cee Lo Green, Backroad Gee and Lauryn Hill. Her feel-good music appeals across the generations. It has an ultra-relevant, youthful flair. This will be Koffee’s debut performance at SNWMF and we lift her up as she continues her rise into greatness!
WORLD MUSIC
To complement this first-rate roots-reggae line-up, the festival also has world music offerings. Natu Camara, a native of West Africa, is a luminary in the world music arena. She promises to mesmerize the audience with her electrifying performance as she advocates for social justice through her music.
The exciting, late-night Dance Hall will feature well-known “Selectors” such as Channel One, Ranking Joe, Rassarella, and Warrior Sound International. The mainstage will feature BBC’s Radio One giant personality, David Rodigan.
GENRES
Roots reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, Afrobeats, dub, Latin-fusion, rocksteady, and more…Sierra Nevada World Music Festival offers it all! With artists from India, US Virgin Islands, Germany, England, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and of course, Jamaica — there will be something special for everyone. For the full line-up, visit www.snwmf.com.
INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION
The festival will open with a land-acknowledgement by Pomo Indians followed by Out of Many One—ceremonial Nyabinghi drummers from Jamaica.
SNWMF is a true celebration of diversity through music, food and creative onsite experiences. Fun activities throughout the day keep everyone engaged and entertained. Parades, face painting, and drum workshops will certainly entertain. You’ll be sure to find something special to take home while shopping in the colorful and eclectic marketplace—jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, photography, clothing, tie dye, bath & body products, Rasta accessories and more. In the food court, ethnic, festival favorites and artisan food choices and beverages can be purchased. SNWMF sponsors: Sierra Nevada Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing, will be serving their top-notch local brews.
IRIEVILLE – ONSITE CAMPING
Onsite camping is available and is a big part of the fun. Known as “Irieville,” this community spontaneously springs up as the campers arrive. Camping onsite allows for quick and easy access to the festival grounds. Each space will fit both a car and a tent. Regular attendee, Shauna Owens shares, “Camping at the festival really helps us immerse ourselves in the festival and we get to meet some amazing reggae-loving families like ours, with whom we stay in touch. Plus, with camping, we don’t have to deal with loading the kids up and driving back and forth every day, which is tiresome and time consuming. We opt for camping in the Family Camping Area — and because it’s first-come-first-served – we get there early on Friday morning to claim our spot. I have been coming since I was a kid and am happy to be able to continue the tradition. My kids love it and they are looking forward to it this summer.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Not into camping? No problem, there are local hotels/motels (Ukiah and Cloverdale). The hotels offer discounted rates for SNWMF festival attendees (visit snwmf.com for the list of accommodating hotels).
Love the ocean? Check out Airbnb and VRBO options and stay along the exquisite Mendocino Coast!
KIDZONE
The KidZone offers storytelling, dance and drum workshops, arts, crafts and fun. This immersive experience creates a lifetime of memories for our younger attendees.
Nestled in the oak-and-redwood-filled hills of Anderson Valley, the Mendocino County Fairgrounds is an idyllic enclave; it’s less than a three-hour drive from San Francisco.
Three-day tickets and camping passes are available at snwmf.com. Single-day tickets will be released closer to the event, and tickets are available at the gate. Bring the whole family. Kids 12 and under are free! Purchase on-site camping now before it sells out.
Festival producer Gretchen Franz Smith says, “SNWMF is the legacy of my late husband Warren Smith. We follow his path and remain committed to presenting the best musical and community adventure possible. Whether you attend for the weekend or just one day, we know that you and your family will feel the amazingly positive vibes for which SNWMF is known.”
To experience “irie” vibes in the heart of the picturesque Anderson Valley in Northern California, mark your calendar. Get your tickets today. Visit www.snwmf for more info or reach out to our friendly crew info@snwmf.com.
