CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Sugarloaf’s Bud Light Reggae Festival, the annual party that draws thousands of spring skiing and reggae enthusiasts to the mountain of Maine, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year on April 11-14.
To commemorate the anniversary, this year’s festival will feature eight bands playing day and night, a spectacular fireworks show, and reduced ticket prices, including free admission to Friday night’s annual “Reggae Rave.”
John Brown’s Body, a group that has been referred to as “America’s best reggae band” will headline this year’s festival, with support from Boston-based Mighty Mystic. Renegade Soundstation will once again host the Friday night “Reggae Rave,” five additional bands will perform on three different stages throughout the weekend, and a spectacular fireworks show will light up the night to commemorate 25 years as the premier spring skiing festival in the East.
Hailed as “both reverent and revolutionary” by the New York Daily News, John Brown’s Body has performed together as a group for more than a decade and will perform in the King Pine Room at Sugarloaf on Saturday, April 13. Doors open at 9pm.
Citing influences as varied as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, and 311, John Brown’s Body has developed a reputation for originality, poignancy, and energetic live performances. The seven-member group features a roots-style reggae sound, but incorporates dub, drum & bass, dance hall, hip hop and other musical explorations to create a sound booth timeless and forward. The group has shared the stage with a wide variety of performers, including Jurassic 5, The Dave Matthew’s Band, Lauryn Hill, and Damian Marley.
Mighty Mystic, a Boston-based reggae band that has become a fan-favorite at Reggae Fest, will open for John Brown’s Body.
The Reggae Rave, now in its third year, will run from 9pm-12am on Friday night on The Beach, and will feature dance hall reggae from Boston-based Renegade Sound Station, as well as professional lighting and sound, bringing the nightclub experience to the outdoors.
Five additional bands will perform throughout the weekend, including Gorilla Finger Dub Band, Royal Hammer, Noble Society, SEE-I, and Kiwi.
Access to this year’s Reggae Fest will be easier than ever as well. All outdoor music on the Beach will be free and open to all ages, and Friday night’s Reggae Rave will be free and open to anyone 21 or over. Tickets for Saturday night’s headliners are just $19 when purchased in advance ($29 day-of), and will provide access to both the King Pine Room and the Widowmaker Lounge.
The Reggae Rave, King Pine Room concert, and all Widowmaker Lounge shows are 21-plus only and proper ID is required. All outdoor shows on Saturday are open to all ages. No outside alcohol may be brought into any venue, and all bags and coolers are subject to search.
All-inclusive ski and stay packages are also available for Reggae Weekend starting as low as $129 per person per night, and include lodging, lift ticket, access to the Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness Center, and a Good Vibes Pass.
For more information on Sugarloaf and the Bud Light Reggae Festival, please visit www.sugarloaf.com/reggae.
great band. totally upstaged rustic when they played together in skowhegan. just need to smuggle in some decent beer and it will be a good show.