Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Victoria's 24th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival is kicking off with a bang – a free Inner Harbour show jam-packed end-to-end with ska and reggae goodness. Headlining our kickoff show is one of modern reggae's most prolific performers, coming to Victoria for the first time, PERFECT GIDDIMANI. Since his first single “Hand Cart Bwoy” landed in 2004, Perfect was recognized as one of reggae music's most dynamic vocalists. Since his debut album “Giddimani” in 2006, he has been absolutely relentless creating and releasing a seemingly endless stream of high-quality reggae music. His incredible voice, immense talents and tireless work ethic have brought him a Billboard-topping single and charting album, “Live My Life Again.” Giddimani's conscious, spiritual, powerful reggae music is helping bring the music forward while staying true to the roots of the culture.

Storming out of Bogata, Colombia, LA REAL DEL SONIDO has built their reputation as one of the city's hardest hitting bands – fusing their Latin rhythms with hard-hitting rock and hip-hop. Their unpredictable, high-energy stage show has made them one of the most exciting bands in the fertile Colombia scene. It may have taken longer than we'd like, but we are beyond thrilled to welcome La Real Del Sonido to Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest for the first time. Also on the bill, making their festival debut is Brooklyn's unreasonably fun ska outfit STOP THE PRESSES. The band delivers an incredible mix of traditional ska & reggae with pop hooks – new wave style and punk rock attitude with a splash of British 2-Tone. Last year saw them hit new heights with the release of their stellar second full-length album, “Got It.” Kicking things off as the first band to take the stage for jam-packed year are our dear friends, and one of the most unique reggae bands to ever come out of Vancouver Island. With over a decade under their belts, Blackwood Kings have honed their blend of reggae, dub, punk and prog rock like an elegant weapon, but only using that weapon for the good of delighting audiences wherever they may be. Our friend and ally JUDAH ROOTS will be holding it down before and between sets. One of the true protectors of culture on the west coast, Judah Roots has one of the best, most knowledgeable ears behind the decks and you can be sure he'll be laying down the sweet riddims.