Philadelphia is host to one of the country’s premier summer reggae festivals! Enjoy arts & crafts, Caribbean & global cuisine as well as music in Fairmount Park!
The band gained local notoriety by performing classic reggae covers like Bob Marley’s “Exodus.” Over time, they have expanded their musical style to incorporate elements of funk, rock and soul music – they have collaborated and recorded with rapper Freeway as well as other artists.
1. DJ D Is For Darius
Named for DJ DW’s iconic presence on California’s urban music scene for two decades – through production credits or DJ skills – DJ DW embodies everything about his sound: hip hop, dancehall/ reggae, old school classics, rock, and mashups all come together seamlessly into something that appeals to diverse audiences.
Since forming on Oahu in Hawaii in 2009, The Green have amassed an ardent following and won multiple accolades, such as iTunes Best Reggae Album nomination and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano reggae group nominations. Furthermore, The Green have enjoyed Billboard top 10 hits. In a time of uncertain geopolitics, The Green have taken to the stage as part of their “Pop-Ups for Peace” tour to perform at venues such as SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
Darius Syrossian is an award-winning producer, DJ, label boss and radio host who began his career working at a record shop. His music evokes both vastness and intimacy – his imagination often brings together these elements – with releases on labels such as Hot Creations, 8 Bit Moon Harbour We Are The Brave among others.
The Green has enjoyed touring with such notable acts as UB40, SZA, Jesse Royal and Tarrus Riley. Additionally, the band collaborated with Philadelphia rapper Freeway and recorded one song for their debut EP Rising High with Black Thought of the Roots. Their performances include performances at PHL Live Kickoff Concert, City Summer Concert Series as well as surprise locations across Philadelphia; additionally they held a week long residency in Key West, Florida and donated proceeds from that to hurricane relief funds; they’ll soon release their next album this summer!
2. Dry Reef
One look at Dry Reef will tell you they are an energetic group of artists with the drive to make an impressionful statement about art in general and on themselves specifically. Committed to creating high-energy music that uplifts their audiences, Dry Reef blends influences from indie surf rock and electronic post-rock into an organic sound which cannot be ignored; their energy will have you dancing along in no time!
Friends for years, these guys in a band are excited about having the chance to show off their musical talent with Daychange as their debut full-length release. Daychange offers upbeat summer-vibe sounds that help people navigate the fears and stresses associated with being in your 20’s while showing that there can be hope beyond.
Since 2004 they have been performing over 10 years, winning multiple local and national awards including multiple Na Hoku Hanohano nominations, iTunes Reggae Album of the Year accolade and even charting on Billboard charts.
Rooted in roots reggae, their music often incorporates elements from other genres as well. Opening for some of the biggest names in reggae music and featured on shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and American Idol are just two testaments of this.
The band hails from Philadelphia and can often be found performing all around the city and surrounding areas, including Johnny Brenda’s, TLA and Ardmore Music Hall. Additionally, they have participated in festivals like Philly Roots Experience and Reggae Rise Up.
Future plans of the band include more touring as they believe this will be key in their musical careers. Already scheduled to play dates this spring in Pennsylvania and Florida, and possibly other parts of the country.
3. Batala Philly
Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It evolved from ska and rocky steady, while being heavily influenced by American rhythm and blues, jazz and African music. Reggae stands out as unique music genre thanks to its slow tempo beat that is accented with bass drum offbeats accentuating offbeats; making this distinct from other styles. This genre also features lyrics with social criticism themes as well as spiritual overtones while often being infusing marijuana (known as “weed” or “herb”) which Rastafaris consider sacred.
Reggae music has spread globally and become part of culture across many nations. Additionally, its style has inspired numerous subgenres and fusions, and some artists even incorporate punk rock or hip hop sounds into their reggae works.
Reggae music has enjoyed a steady resurgence since the 1970s in America, most notably through American bands such as Three Dog Night and Maytones that incorporate reggae rhythms in their songs. Reggae also plays an influential role in punk rock acts such as Clash, Ruts, and Members that utilize it.
Batala Philly, a samba-reggae percussion group rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions, is one of the most beloved reggae bands in Philadelphia and part of Batala Mundo arts project, where 1,500 drummers can perform. Their sound has been described as one of the loudest shows on Earth!
Sunny Hill leads her band as its leader. She has collaborated with some of the most acclaimed musicians of our time – opening for The Wailers, UB40 and other top acts; working closely with Alisa Joe, Killiam Shakespeare and Gyrl Problems among others.
Our name derives from the Jamaican word for “rhythm” or “pace,” referring to the musical rhythm and feeling it creates. Reggae music has long been appreciated across races and generations – while its origin may lie within the Caribbean region, fans around the globe love its timeless appeal and global fan base.
4. Marvin Benjamin & The Philly Reggae Band
Philly Reggae Band’s sound blends traditional with contemporary, creating an energetic display of grit and soul that has sent a strong message across the world. Based in Philadelphia and led by Jamaican vocalist Marvin Benjamin and drummer Rob Stoneback (backed by veteran local musicians who have collaborated with such acts as UB40, The Wailers, Tarrus Riley and Jesse Royal among many others) Philly Reggae Band can often be found performing at venues like SteelStacks Bethlehem PA; PHL Live and City Summer Concert Series to name just a few!
Philly Reggae Band currently performs cover songs but plans to write their own material soon. They continue playing for fans throughout the region while spreading positive lifestyle messages through music. Philly DJ Supa Tang also lends his talent by adding his signature style by performing live during shows or layering his soundscape recordings over them.
At various points in its career, this band has opened for acts such as The Fabulous Greaseband, Watermelons Slim & the Workers, Bang Camaro, Her & King’s Country, Yo! Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Lovell Sisters Dixie Power Sharon Plessel and Zydepunks as well as acts such as Entrain Barynaya Russian Balalaika Duo Scythian Brother among many others. Additionally they have performed with notable artists Melissa Etheridge Keiko Matsui as well as The Broadway Kids among others.
In 2016, they collaborated with Black Thought of The Roots to launch the “Pop-Ups for Peace” tour, where they performed at unexpected locations around Philadelphia in an effort to promote peaceful living during an otherwise turbulent political climate.
Rising High, released by this group of musicians in 2015, showcases their ability to capture the energy and essence of reggae music in an original style all their own. Drawing influence from both Jamaican and Philadelphia cultures makes their sound authentic while working alongside popular singers Freeway, Jesse Royal, Tarrus Riley among others; currently touring all five East Coast states.