BETHLEHEM Pa. — An alternative rap/reggae duo whose one member is a son of a salsa/merengue Lifetime Latin Grammy winner will be among a dozen music acts this year at ArtsQuest's OneEarth ReggaeFest.
So will a California roots-reggae band that has released more than a dozen albums and EPS.
And a Top 10 contestant from FOX-TV's "American Idol."
ArtsQuest has announced the lineup for its free festival that celebrates the musical genre founded in Jamaica, which will return to the SteelStacks campus for a fourth year, from noon to midnight July 5.
"OneEarth ReggaeFest has become a joyful tradition for .... local reggae artists and fans across the region."Michael Frassetto, executive director of Movement Moves Media
Among the performers will be Space Kamp, the duo of Oskee, son of salsa/merengue Lifetime Latin Grammy recipient Cuco Valoy, and partner Adoo.
Also taking the stage will be Arise Roots, who over 15 years has released more than a half-dozen discs.
Previously announced was Hawaiian singer Camile Velasco, who came in ninth place on the third season of "American Idol" in 2004 and now performs under the name Eli-Mac.
Performers will be offered on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks and Town Square Community Stage.
Also, movie, yoga, food, vendors
"OneEarth ReggaeFest has become a joyful tradition for .... local reggae artists and fans across the region,” said Michael Frassetto, executive director of Movement Moves Media, which will pair with ArtsQuest to offer the festival.
“Our partnership with ArtsQuest has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life year after year. We’re proud to welcome over 10,000 people annually to celebrate good vibes, positive energy and the world’s most universal genre — reggae.”
"Tickets aren’t needed, but good vibes will be collected at the gate."ArtsQuest release about OneEarth ReggaeFest
In addition to music, OneEarth ReggaeFest will offer a variety of food and artisan/retail vendors.
They include Cubano X-Press, D&S Caribbean Kitchen, Island Noodles, Kona Ice of Allentown, La Frikitona, The Udder Bar, Sedellah’s Island Grill, Kou Kitchen and more to be announced.
"Bring the whole family to this free day-long festival featuring eclectic vendors, authentic Jamaican food and fun under the sun," ArtsQuest said in a release.
"Tickets aren’t needed, but good vibes will be collected at the gate."
OneEarth ReggaeFest will start with a free screening of the 2024 film "Bob Marley: One Love" in Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in ArtsQuest Center.
Also, a free, 30-minute All Levels Yoga session led by Sophie Hami of Henna Chakra will be held on the Levitt Pavilion lawn. Bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water.
Headline performers and more
As for the headline performers, Space Kamp performed at last year's Musikfest festival.
The psychedelic-reggae duo's 2020 album "Electric Lemonade" hit No. 15 on the iTunes Reggae chart, and 2022 's "Butterfly Effect" debuted at No. 7 on Billboard's Current Reggae Chart and No. 9 on iTunes Reggae Charts.
It describes itself as "a mixed cocktail of Merry Pranksters and Hunter S. Thompson, with the sonics of The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley, stirred in a pot with Redman, Method Man and Tego Calderon."
Arise Roots describes its music as a "positive classic roots sound with a modern twist." It has a new album, "Love & War."
Eli-Mac as Velasco reached the "American Idol" Top 10 in the season that Fantasia won. Velasco became known for a trademark red, yellow and green Rasta wristband she wore.
After "American Idol," as Eli-Mac, she released her debut record, "Dub Stop EP" in 2014 and most recently released "Tricky One EP" in 2018.
She has shared the stage with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Sublime, Lauryn Hill, Shaggy and others.
Also on the lineup will be Elephants Dancing, a five-piece reggae/ska/hip-hop band from northeast Pennsylvania that also played OneEarth ReggaeFest in 2023.
The group just released its fourth album, "Chill Like Penguins."
Other acts on the OneEarth ReggaeFest lineup will be:
- Marrissa Joy
- Young Lion
- P-Dub Assassins
- Yahn I Arkestra
- Addis Pablo
- Eli-Mac
- Trouble City All-Stars
- DJ Dread Head
- Bez Musiq
