Reggae on the River Announces Initial Lineup

This is a press release from the Mateel Community Center:

The 34th Reggae on the River presented by High Times in association with the Mateel Community Center takes place August 3-5th at French’s Camp along the banks of the Eel River. The initial lineup includes Iration, Busy Signal, The Original Wailers, Arrested Development, Bambaata Marley, Cham, Don Carlos and Hempress Sativa. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.  Passes available now at reggaeontheriver.com

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The River is pretty dry so don't dive in! Or poop in it!
Guest
The River is pretty dry so don't dive in! Or poop in it!
5 years ago

Remember, only somewhere between $50 and $600 to attend this abortion… Depending on how important you are.

Some of those “Reggae Stars” look just like “The Charlie Daniels Band”, so now I am confused again…

AND: Your local NPO gets, I dunno, a few pennies from selling the whole damn thing to “High Times”!

I predict it will be hot, and dusty, and poorly attended, and, the patrons will be pretty much high as heck…

Sounds like a fairly boring weekend. Enjoy!

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago

What is blurred out?

I like stars too!
Guest
I like stars too!
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Something they couldn’t change without spending money, of course!

Line-up is nice
Guest
Line-up is nice
5 years ago

The blurred artist on concert posters nowadays means that they are going to announce 2 more headliners

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago

The $1.4 Million Dollar question will be; how does the Mateel set up and build ROTR, since they cannot legally start putting in the bridge until July 17th or 18th at the soonest. We all know what happens when you rush it and take short cuts, shit happens…

Matches
Guest
Matches
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

It’s wrong, but install the bridge and ask questions and pay fines later. That’s how you get things done, albeit incorrectly.

With a line up like that, attendance will be less than last year. Hopefully it gets canceled so they do it better next year. Ed, that gives you more time to converse with High Times to convince them of your ideas-just a thought.

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  Matches

“It’s wrong, but install the bridge and ask questions and pay fines later. That’s how you get things done, albeit incorrectly.”

Yes it’s “wrong”! Its not like they can sneak it in without anyone noticing. The river is wider and shallower there right now, allot wider than 60 feet. They will need to extend their footings into the active river channel to set the bridges. Putting in the bridges is not a one day project!

“Ed, that gives you more time to converse with High Times to convince them of your ideas-just a thought.”

Awesome thought, however, just like the Mateel, they don’t like to reply to my concerns or “ideas”. No one is going to tell them what to do or how to do it. They let their minions speak for them when I raise concerns and ask questions.

That’s what is so hypocritical about SoHum. They want people to believe they are Eco-friendly and one with the earth. And the Mateel bends over backwards, leaves no trace. That is total BS.

One good example is from last year, when they sprayed an unknown chemical dust suppressant on the roads, river bar and concert bowl at Reggae. I guess we will never know if it was safe for humans, let alone flora and fauna. They just decided to do it, with no approval. To bad they did’t disclose that information to the attendees who walk, dance, camp and breath in that unknown chemical dust suppressant for 3 to 4 days…

Matches
Guest
Matches
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Installing the bridge without approval is wrong, but who’s gonna stop them?

That’s too bad we dont know what they used, hopefully it was magnesium chloride or some other salts. Although not proven ,studies in California state parks have shown it not to have adverse effects on aquatic life but still may have some effects on flora(Grau, 1992; Evardsson, 2010; Sanders et al., 1994; Surdahl et al., 2005). Hopefully its not worse than the fire retardant in my pillows, sheets, curtains, carpet ,clothes,cars etc..

Your right Ed, that site needs Prop 65 signs, like every other building we enter has posted. Unless they have one posted somewhere already. Plus ,businesses do not disclose the type of floor wax they used before you walked in and tracked it back into your home. They just post Prop 65 signs and we all enter at our own risk.

I just came from the Sierra Nevada music festival at Mendo fairgrounds and they dont recycle at all, it all seems to get thrown away in one can. Sad

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  Matches

“Installing the bridge without approval is wrong, but who’s gonna stop them?”

1. Humboldt County; for not obtaining permits, as stated in their CUP and conditions of approval.
2. California Department of Fish & Wildlife; in violation of their 1602 agreement and Incidental Take Permit
3. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board; violation of the Clean Water Act, which would involve the EPA and also the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.

I don’t think even Estelle could help or talk her way out of that one, but they should give a whirl anyway, see what happens. What’s the worse that could happen, NO REGGAE!

“That’s too bad we dont know what they used, hopefully it was magnesium chloride or some other salts. Although not proven ,studies in California state parks have shown it not to have adverse effects on aquatic life but still may have some effects on flora(Grau, 1992; Evardsson, 2010; Sanders et al., 1994; Surdahl et al., 2005). Hopefully its not worse than the fire retardant in my pillows, sheets, curtains, carpet ,clothes,cars etc..”

Funny thing about that, I guess we’ll never know what they used, since it was never disclosed and all done under the table, behind everyone’s back. As for your other “fire retardant” analogy; all those produces have warning labels, so people can choose what they want to buy. And the ROTR attendees had no idea.

“Your right Ed, that site needs Prop 65 signs,”

If the shoe fits. To bad wildlife cannot read signs…

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  Matches

And to add to what you said:

“Your right Ed, that site needs Prop 65 signs, like every other building we enter has posted. Unless they have one posted somewhere already.”

Now there’s the saddest part off all, ROTR is not in a “building”, its on the river bar and banks of the South Fork Eel River.

At least RWQCB added this restriction, on the bottom of page 2:

“No chemical dust suppressants including Dust-Off will be applied to roads or graded areas
located on the gravel bars including approaches to the gravel bars. Clear water applied by
water trucks is acceptable for dust control, and shall not be discharged to the wetted
channel or to the bridge.”

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/public_notices/water_quality_certification/pdf/2018/180626_Reggae_on_the_River_SeasonalBridge_PN.pdf

So I guess, its not as groovy as you think it is…

Dirty Off grid sohum livin
Guest
Dirty Off grid sohum livin
5 years ago

That aint reggae so i cancelled the 46 three day passes!

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

The ticket sales link says they’re charging extra for nicer camping spots, nbd.

But you also have to pay $50 extra to camp in handicap-accessible area, even with a placard?

Might want to check on that: camping’s included in the cost of the pass for everyone, so they can’t charge people w/disabilities more, can they? That seems wrong.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-times-presents-reggae-on-the-river-tickets-47139044150#tickets

Anyways, its something that can be easily fixed, and I hope this is a successful partnership for the Mateel and the community.

Dave
Guest
5 years ago

Ive been going to reggae since 98 . Last year was the 1st year I missed exept the year there wasnt one . The main reasons were the line up and what was happening at the festival. 10 dollar showers ? Forcing you to buy a metal cup before you purchase a drink, i mean cmon really . The very noticeable attendance drop off should show the people running this event that this festival is in need of a massive shot in the arm to stay alive and I believe rushing this festival will back fire . That lineup isn’t gonna make anyone’s mouth water at all . Most people in the bay area( i live in vallejo) that account for a big part of ticket sales have made thier summer plans already as Reggae wasnt a for sure thing. Sure you might get some die hards but is that gonna generate the revenue needed or will it be another flop. Unfortunately Reggae is not as popular as it has been in recent years, and the vibe/crowd has also changed as Evidence of the recent SNWMF . Add the legalization of weed to the festivals problems too as the once sought after humbolt weed is not needed in this day and age. If this festival is to continue forward and thrive my suggestion would be to cancel this years event ( honestly i doubt it will make any money anyway .. this isnt hollywood and a Blues Bros movie) and concentrate on next year and having a decent thought thru show with hard hitting lineup. That way if that fails with all corporate money or succeds like it used too. You could make a decision weather or not to keep the festival or let it meet its demise . The Vans warped tour , Ozzfest and Rockstar mayhem are examples of running profitable festivals that have recently stopped. Sometimes its better to say goodbye then to hold on to something thats ran its course. …i love Reggae on the River but what has happened too the festival i used to love turns me off..

Matches
Guest
Matches
5 years ago
Reply to  Dave

Cold showers have been available for many years now, they added hot showers for $10 and the steel pints were just a suggestion, you can walk in with your own cup and even water jug

What
Guest
What
5 years ago

Metal cups reduce waste… showers are free.. and we’re never available before 2 years ago.. another environmental move to reduce bathing in the river… thanks Mateel for caring about the river and waste stream
Your point about planning your summer is valid.. but beyond that the line up is comming along nicely.. if they add two more headliners this will be a legit show… how involved are you to know weather things are rushed… this late line up release is the new trending thing to do with festivals..I don’t like it but it has been working for other shows…

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  What

YEAH, Thanks Mateel for draining 44,000 gallons of septic wastewater into the aquifer onsite at Reggae. You do know those river bar leach fields are hydrologically connected to the South Fork Eel River, right! If the Mateel was so “caring”, how come they don’t transport all their septic wastewater off-site to a local sewer treatment facility?

“showers are free.. and we’re never available before 2 years ago.. another environmental move to reduce bathing in the river…”

Really? Now if you just keep all that suntan lotion and sunscreen out of the river, that would be great!

Dave
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  What

What are you talking about . Have you ever been to the festival and if you did, did you camp on the grounds. There were ALWAYS Showers and they were ALWAYS free..until 2 years ago, if the old showers that were free were available 2 years ago i didnt see them, no one i camped with or around seen them either as they were not where they once were forever and the metal cups, again what are you talking about. ..you had to purchase a metal cup to buy alcohol in the concert bowl , that i know cause of the many i brought home…and as far as your lineup goes . You say it’s coming along good . Thats probably true considering its last minute but it is that lineup gonna generate enough buzz to bring in even 5000 people. Hope the locals turn out to support you guys because this year will be tough.

CN
Guest
CN
5 years ago
Reply to  Dave

Dave – We attended ROTR last year – 2017. It was our first time attending.

Cold showers were free, they were outdoor and not private. You pulled a chain and water came out through a large metal shower head. Hot indoor private showers were $10. There was a portable trailer onsite for those.

Metal cups were available for purchase and were NOT required to purchase alcohol. We know this as we had them fill up our 20oz insulated Artic tumbler. They did this to prevent waste and littering and thought it was a great idea.

We thought it was well attended but not oversold and well ran. They did a bunch of PSA stuff for the Mateel, local NA tribes, and the Eel river. Volunteers did a good enough job with everything, our big complaint was they stopped selling ice at 8pm. It was an interesting crowd, we were part of the “over 35” crowd who did not camp on-site and had the day-time run of the place until the under 25yo crowd showed up at 6pm and the vibe changed a bit. We just assume they were out partying every night at the DJ after party shows til 5am.

Anyways – we would gladly go again and have our off-site spot reserved this year but you are right, the bands are pathetic and not worthy of a $220/ticket price.

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago

Just look at the time line as of June 21, 2018, since the Humboldt County Planning Commission hearing:

No contract with porta-potty or septic/waste disposal vendor/contractor.

No letter of support or contract with CHP and Mateel owes them money from last year.

No letter of support or contract for emergency services, Mateel owes them money from last year.

No approved permit to install bridge, waiting until public comments period is complete, tentative date July 17 or 18.

Sure, all of this can be worked out, it just takes time $ money. Except the bridge! Without the bridge you cannot transport all the construction materials, lighting, sound system, overheads, stages, contractors, electricians, grading equipment, machinery, water trucks, porta-potty’s, showers, vendors etc, all the stuff that transforms that river bar into Reggae on the River. Does the Mateel think they can have everything ready in two weeks, after the bridge goes in? And how long does it take to put in the bridge? Didn’t the bridge normally go in the first week of June?

If they haven’t already, they better start hand carrying and hoof it across the river, as soon as they can and don’t step on any yellow legged frogs along the way. I’m sure CDFW is watching like a hawk, make sure no one drives across the river, before the bridge goes in…

Is it too late to have a scaled down Reggae at Benbow, now since the campground has reopened? I guess the MCC BOD knows best, right? They have planned out everything to perfection for this one of a kind world class event…

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Ed, do you know if bridge related comments can be submitted over the phone? If so, do you have the contact info handy?

Ed Voice
Guest
I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Thanks Ed.

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

As of today, the South Fork Eel’s flow is at 103 cfs. That is 20% lower than last year. If it holds true, by September 1st, it should be down to 30 or 40 cfs. So, as you add contaminates to the river, it adds up very quickly. Why, because you have less water in the river. This is why for weeks during and after ROTR, all the down stream community water systems increase their chlorine residual to almost double!

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?site_no=11476500

So for locals that say they stop swimming in the river after ROTR, so should they not drink the water…

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Does it taste like patchouli?

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

I have no idea! Do people still use patchouli? If you ask women of SoHum if they swim in the South Fork Eel after ROTR, they will say NO, and there is a specific reason for that and it ain’t swimmers ear…

Dave
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Ed ..I remember our neighbors at the festival getting rashes and infections during the 2015 and 16 Reggae. They were sure it was from the river. Thought i would share that with you..

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago

Pic taken yesterday July 1st. Something never seen before, Reggae on the River ghost town. By the first of July, the bridge was already installed (in early June). All of the roads, camp sites, parking lots were graded, all the grass was cut and mowed. Infrastructure for ROTR had been built, stage, potable water system, porta-potty’s, sound system, lights, VIP area, backstage area etc. So it begs the question, how do you do 2 months worth of work in 2 weeks?

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago

Here is most of the equipment on the other side of the river from ROTR, waiting for the bridges to be put in place. It seems lately, the MCC is doing a great job shooting themselves in the foot again!

Matches
Guest
Matches
5 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

I hope they cancel it this year. Attempting to build the site in 2 weeks will most definitely get people injured, its just not safe.

It’s too bad too, Mateel is supposed to get a chunk(50K?) of the initial profits-if any were to be made the 1st year of the 6 year contract.

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
5 years ago
Reply to  Matches

Crazy Horse
We Hear what you say

One Earth, one Mother
One does not sell the Earth
The people walk upon
We are the land
How do we sell our Mother ?
How do we sell the stars ?
How do we sell the air ?

Crazy Horse
We hear what you say

~John Trudell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAyWre4j8U4