LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — If your weekend plans could use a little more sunshine (even if it’s just in spirit), the third annual Arkansas Reggae Festival is set to bring “fun, island vibes, great food, great music” to Arkansas this Saturday.
Festival founder Ras Levi said the event was created to fill a gap in Caribbean music offerings in the area. “We don’t have much Caribbean music that comes around, so we made sure we put this event together,” he said. Levi said the festival builds on other Caribbean-themed events he’s hosted, like a Bob Marley birthday bash, but with a bigger outdoor celebration. “It’s going to be a blast,” he said.
The entertainment lineup includes Butterfly, described as “the queen of reggae here in Arkansas,” along with DeeDee Jones, an R&B singer who will be performing reggae for the show. Also scheduled to perform are Sah Ma’at and Exodus Band, both out of Memphis, plus Culture featuring and Turbulence from Jamaica also coming, bringing international talent to the stage. DJ Nick Hud is also on the lineup.
Attendance has climbed each year. Anikae Brown, vendor coordinator for the festival, said the first year drew “700-plus people,” and last year grew by 500 to “1,200-plus people.” Anikae said they’re expecting the festival to keep growing.
With that growth comes more to do beyond the music. Anikae said there will be “30-plus vendors” and “like seven food trucks,” with a range of options including Colombian Fusion, 870 BBQ and the Food Hut, plus arts and crafts, Paparazzi, OMG Cookies and clothing vendors.
Families can also expect a kids zone, with a focus on keeping children cool and comfortable. Ruby “Shelly Speaks” Brown, executive director of Young Community Advocated of Baring Cross, said the “most important station is going to be the cooling station,” and they’re looking for sponsors to help provide water, cool treats, neck fans, hand-held fans, ice and other supplies. Kids 12 and under are free.
The kids zone will also include activities like arts and crafts, STEM activities and a visit from “The library. The rover,” described as “a 45 ft of fun and activities for the children.” Ruby said the kids zone is sponsored by RAD, Rising Above Alcohol and Drugs, Family Service Agency, and they thanked Janine Latrice Perez and her businesses for investing in the area.
Ruby, executive director of Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross, said the nonprofit is also using the festival to connect young people with community service opportunities and volunteer hours. “We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We specialize in community service,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Ruby at 501-650-3467 or by email at ycaofbaringcross @gmail.com. Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross is also on Facebook.
Tickets and additional festival information are available here. The festival is also promoting tickets for Sept. 5.
