KY Reggae Festival Turns 25

The Louisville Water Tower will be transformed into a Caribbean paradise this Memorial Day weekend.

It’s all part of the Kentucky Reggae Festival, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and features performances by the region’s top reggae artists.

Other highlights of the three-day event include authentic Jamaican food and cocktails and a Caribbean Vendor Market featuring arts, crafts, beads, jewelry and more.

It’s under way from 5 to 11: 30 p.m. Friday, May 22 (the first time in the festival’s history it has opened on Friday), and from 2 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.

Admission: $12 before 6 p.m.; $16 afterwards. Free for children 10 and younger. Parking is free. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. No pets, food or drinks. A three-day pass is $30 and can be purchased online at www.kentuckyreggaefestival.com.

Here’s a rundown of the entertainment (Band schedule is subject to change):

Friday, May 22:

ROOTS OF A REBELLION (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

This regional touring reggae/dub act from Nashville is a mixture of heavy rock with influences from the Jamaican coast lines and the Southeastern United States.

THE CLIFTONES (9-11:30 p.m.)

This original reggae band from Cincinnati features a unique blend of roots and dance hall rhythms in combination with their 10-member band, which makes for an impressive sound.

Saturday, May 23:

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE (3-5 p.m.)

Louisville’s own powerhouse reggae band is a lively blend of roots, lovers’ rock, dancehall and modern reggae. Their message of positivity is garnering attention near and far.

PATI KELE DRUM ENSEMBLE AND DANCER (5-5:30 p.m.)

Pati Kele (pronounced Pah-TEA Kay-LAY) brings traditional West African music and dance to life with djembe rhythms, African songs and West African masked dancers.

DIMACHINE (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

DiMachine consists of front man Big Bunn, former members of the award winning bands, INDIKA, Dub Dis and Rude Beat, and award-winning vocalist Devon Brown.

PATI KELE DRUM ENSEMBLE AND DANCER (8:30-9 p.m.)

Pati Kele (pronounced Pah-TEA Kay-LAY) brings traditional West African music and dance to life with djembe rhythms, African songs and West African masked dancers.

LAZO & GIZZAE (9-11:30 p.m.)

Honored with awards from industry peers, Lazo was chosen as the Top Reggae Performer of the Year from the internationally recognized Canadian Reggae Music Award.

Sunday, May 24:

DEM REGGAE BON (3-5 p.m.)

A local favorite, Dem Reggae Bon has been around since the inception of the Kentucky Reggae Festival more than 20 years ago.

UPRIZIN (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

Uprizin is led by virtuoso Trinidadian-born steel drummer Lyndon Sorzano. This roots reggae artist began playing the steel drums at the age of 8.

CHICAGO ALL-STARS (9-11:30 p.m.)

This indika reggae band brings strong and addictive music to their fans at each and every show.

For the full event calendar, performance schedule and sponsorship information, visit KentuckyReggaeFestival.com.