Live Blog: UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival 2013

7:00 p.m.

And we come to my final live update from the festival! Ziggy Marley ended the show with the song “Changes,” clearly leaving the audiences wanting more as festivalgoers patiently await an encore that seems to be nonexistent. Nonetheless, Marley managed to bring the feel-good vibes that many were expecting.

From KES’ provocative dance moves to Barrington Levy’s upbeat energy and Marcia Griffith’s soulful vocals, day two provided a cohesive and entertaining group of performers.

As the 27th year of JazzReggae concludes, I just want to say thanks for reading and a huge thank you to all my fantastic editors who helped me through my blogging struggles. I hope to see you all next year! Goodnight, folks.

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6:25 p.m.

The crowd is surprisingly a lot more mellow than expected as they watch Ziggy Marley switch back and forth between playing guitar and singing. Two songs that have captured the audience’s attention are “Africa Unite,” which included a guitar solo, and “Still the Storm,” which included an extensive percussion solo.

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5:55 p.m.

After a rather thorough introduction, Ziggy Marley runs onto the stage and opens his set with the song “Family Time.” As he sings “lift up your hearts / lift up your feet with a dance,” he’s already beginning to make crowds move from side to side and lift up our spirits.

5:20 p.m.

Barrington Levy just exited the stage, leaving crowds hyped up and anticipating the next performer Ziggy Marley. In comparison to yesterday, when many of the festival attendees decided to leave shortly after Common, the crowd remains strong for the headlining act, slowly approaching the stage inch by inch.

4:50 p.m.

Barrington Levy has by far attracted the most followers, as my once peaceful blanket area has been disturbed and crowded by several festival attendees. They just can’t seem to get close enough to the stage. Levy has the crowds going and chanting throughout his performance with songs like “Here I Come.”

4:15 p.m.

Amongst the plethora of vendors lining the festival, I discovered a booth selling authentic hemp and wood fiber shirts. Although at first it was unclear to me why anyone would want to shop for a plain tank (or shirt) at a music festival, my friend Sean Myers, a second-year undeclared student, made good use of the tent. Poorly dressed in jeans and a stiff 100% cotton t-shirt, he’d been suffering in the heat and decided to cough up $27 for a Vital Hemp teal tank top. Despite being an impulsive decision, it has proven to be a wise investment, as he tells me the shirt breathes wonderfully and is incredibly comfortable.

3:55 p.m.

 

If you’ve been avidly following this live blog since its inception (aka since yesterday), you know I couldn’t believe how incredibly long the line for Jamaican food was. Despite the lengthy line, however, I managed to get my hands on some traditional jerk chicken. Well, although it seems like the line has only grown since then, I decided the chicken is totally worth it! I waited a good half hour, but for only 12 bucks, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience the tasty flavors of Jamaica again. Plus Joe’s Universal seems to be pretty generous with their portions, as customers get seasoned lettuce and fried plantains with each entree. If you’re not a fan of veggies or fried bananas, then just take a look at that beautifully slathered chicken: It’s seasoned with a hint of spice just for that extra kick! It’s definitely a must-eat out here at JazzReggae fest.

 

3:25 p.m.

Although the classic Rasta colors red, green and yellow are prominent today, Mr. Vegas appears to be the most decked out of all the reggae performers in his reggae-themed beanie and jacket. Mr. Vegas adds a Jamaican funk to today’s festivities, but also incorporates some American elements by commanding audiences to “thunder clap,” a slang term for a way of clapping popularized by American artists Usher and Lil Jon.

2:50 p.m.

Day two has had a few new additions, especially in the arts! Although the art gallery is an annual festival staple, today it’s accompanied by independent artists working live on their pieces. On the side of the art gallery, there is also a massive chalkboard wall with pieces of chalk available for attendees’ use: Tima and Katerina Dallas, who are from out of the country, are seen happily drawing doodles.

Festival attendees can catch a glimpse of the artists at work in front of each tent or grab a piece of chalk to create some art themselves!

2:20 p.m.

Marcia Griffiths slows it down after KES’s upbeat performance with her silky, soulful vocals. Donning a vibrant, multi-colored, zebra patterned tunic and matching turban, she captures both the eyes and ears of the audience. Transitioning into a cover of popular reggae artist Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” Griffiths proves that she can do reggae on her terms and on others!

1:45 p.m.

Second-years Greg Mogavero and Sean Myers hanging out at JazzReggae for the first time. They’re just two of the many festival attendees excited for tonight’s performance by Ziggy Marley!

“I’m not even sure I like reggae but I’m really eager to hear all of the different bands and artists today,” Myers says. “Hopefully I’ll even come out (of the festival) with some new music interests by the end of the day!”

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1:15 p.m.

KES immediately changes the relaxed atmosphere, as several audience members get up off their blankets and start grooving to the high energy soca (it’s a genre!) tunes of this band. “To those sitting down, this music is interactive music, so get up off your tail,” shouts Lead singer Kees. He instructs festival goers to dance by only moving their lower body and even demonstrates, causing a high-pitched collective feminine scream from the crowd.

KES raises the energy tenfold by bringing up a female audience member to the stage. They dance provocatively throughout the song, making for such a good show that people can’t help but just see what the commotion is all about.

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1:11 p.m.

Oops, looks like it was Reggae Angels from earlier and not KES. The Trinidanian band is taking the stage just now!

12:40 p.m.

Reggae Angels has left the stage with a final message to “Keep the day positive and keep loving!” before an announcer walks on stage to inform the audience of the extensive list of food vendors from Joe’s Jamaican chicken to the Thai cuisine and the shaved ice (which he claims is absolutely delicious). P.S. just spotted an all-vegan food tent for all my non-dairy friends!

12:15 p.m.

The Oakland-based act Reggae Angels are bringing the carribean soul to the Intramural fields today. With strong bass and horn track being played, KES transports the audience to an island with lead singer Kees shouting, “Be loved and get loved. Let’s increase the love today!”

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11:45 a.m.

In case you were wondering, officials just said they are returning to traditional festival rules and no longer allowing in’s and out’s! The Health Department water problem, which was the reason for re-entries yesterday, is fixed today. So come prepared, ladies and gents!

11:35 a.m.

Good morning, folks! It’s day two of JazzReggae fest and at a bright 72 degrees, it looks like we’re going to have yet another breezy (and hopefully easy) day. Security lines seem to be slightly more organized today and are moving a bit faster than yesterday. Let’s get this show on the road! Er, field?

DAY TWO: REGGAE DAY

7:00 p.m.

This is Amy, signing out for JazzReggae Fest day one. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more live coverage on the musings and mania of JazzReggae!

See you then, folks!

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Santigold brings people up to the stage after her set.

6:55 p.m.

We’re nearing the end of JazzReggae fest for today. With eclectic clothing vendors and a variety of comely food tents (by the way, I did finally get that Jamaican chicken!), it’s easy to understand why UCLA has managed to host this festival every year for the past 27.

Ryan McDermott brought the crowd some positive vibes early on in the afternoon, while The Grouch & Eligh succeeded in catering to the audience’s hip-hop needs. Common mixed the old with the new in appropriate fashion, with a medley of remixes and covers from artists such as Kanye West, Coldplay and NAS. As crowds diminished after Common, Santigold still managed to hold her own. Pleasing the audience with popular songs, “Creator” and “The Keeper,” Santigold stayed true to her sound with strong bass, electronic synth and echoing, ethereal vocals. Ending with “Big Mouth,” there’s no doubt that Santi is as versatile as her three outfits tonight.

6:25 p.m.

Santigold proves to be as bright and vibrant as her green eyeshadow with her dance moves and her backup singers. I’m hearing several comments of “her dancers are awesome!” from the crowd. Her dancers are just another dimension to Santigold’s out-of-this-world themed performance.

Armed with gold pom poms, her dancers break out a dancing duet to dance hall music, as Santigold leaves the stage!

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6:05 p.m.

Now playing: “L.E.S. Artistes”

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6:00 p.m.

Santigold opens with a trio of herself and two backup singers with a lively song and lively green matching ensembles.

5:50 p.m.

Got a minute, or five, to spare between Common and Santigold’s sets? Head on over to the back of the field to check out this energy generating area. Five minutes on this swinging contraption, or one on the seesaws, and you can produce energy. Plus it just looks kind of, well, fun! (Or maybe that’s the five-year old in me).

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5:20 p.m.

Common just exited the stage and left the audience way more pumped up. Patiently awaiting headliner Santigold now…

5:00 p.m.

Common brings up a UCLA student, who’s also working JazzReggae, to the stage as slow, serenading background music plays. She wiped off his sweat ever so gently to a screaming crowd. Common serenades and raps to her as she sits center stage!

4:52 p.m.

Grabbing Derrek’s turkey dog with grilled onions and bell peppers. This thing is massive and, at only $7, it’s one of the best deals around!

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4:37 p.m.

“Yo, put your hands up in the sky!” sings Common, and the crowd happily obeys.

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4:31 p.m.

Common just opened with a medley of remixes to Kanye West songs! He has the crowd jumping, and people are rapidly hopping through a sea of blankets as they make their way to the stage of one of the hip-hop’s most prolific rhymers.

Scratch that, Common is full of remixes this evening including Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” The vibe just got amplified tenfold – crowds are clapping, screaming, cheering and up off their blankets now.

Now Playing: “I Want You”

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4:08 p.m.

Vendors can rejoice! The Health Department has allowed food vendors to open up and sell to the public. As expected, the lines are jam-packed. I was cravin’ me some Jamaican but the line goes as far as the eye can see. My only thoughts: This line is Jamaican me crazy! Yeah, I tried.

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3:57 p.m.

Took a break to re-energize and refuel for a few minutes outside the festival grounds. As I was re-entering, I had to document some of the effortless style I’ve been seeing all day long. As a self-proclaimed festival junkie and fashion enthusiast, the personal style that comes with the music are my two favorite parts to experience at festivals. Check out these girls doing it right in a Brandy Melville peasant dress, crop top and wide-brimmed fedora!

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3:40 p.m.

The Grouch and Eligh just finished their set but got the crowd sufficiently moving with their remixed version of Chris Brown’s “See Me Now,” and classic California hip-hop song “The Bay to L.A.”

3:30 p.m.

I was on the hunt for some water and food, but because vendors haven’t been allowed to sell because of Health Department problems, I was actually allowed to leave the grounds. Jamba Juice and the halls of Ackerman are crowded with festival-goers. No wonder I’ve been seeing Subway’s footlong subs in the hands of festival attendees!

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Speaking of food, if you’re looking for some affordable (aka free!) eats, check out the sample booths in the back for some awesome multigrain chips, granola and performer Ziggy Marley’s apple cinnamon popcorn. The crowds are amassing but I managed to get out alive. Practically robbed the booths myself!

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2:20 p.m.

Conformity at its best. Out of all the festivals I’ve attended (Coachella, Bamboozle, Warped Tour, FYF, etc.), never have I ever once felt the need to bring a blanket of some sort. But as you’ve probably seen, it’s literally blankets on blankets out here at this year’s JazzReggae fest. I could just feel the awkward (and the moisture!) oozing out as I tried to lie down comfortably on the damp, damp grass. … So I caved.

I purchased my first festival appropriate blanket! For only 20 bucks, I get to lie down on this beautifully woven, multicolored (not to mention dry) glory. It’s even got fringe, and if you know me, fringe is never a bad idea.

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1:56 p.m.

McDermott surprises the crowd, as he picks up his guitar and busts out an impressive guitar solo. To be succinct, he knows how to shred.

1:35 p.m.

Ryan McDermott, who’s under the GOOD Music record label (Kanye West is fellow artist), is bringing the soul to the stage with an upbeat horn section and his vivacious energy.

Although it’s his soulful tunes that are an audience grabber, his backup singers definitely are quite the sight with their all-white chiffon ensemble.

1:12 p.m.

UCLA’s Gluck Jazz Ensemble just finished its set to a very mellow, unenthusiastic crowd. Tracks are being played in between sets, as crew members clean up.

12:25 p.m.

Currently scoping out the entire field. From the festive clothing vendors to the delicious food tents and art gallery, there’s a lot more to keep yourself busy with than just waiting for the next band to set up.

I came across this really neat planting station where attendees can pot and plant their own organic vegetables for free! Kevin here is planting his own organic tomatoes, as UCLA band the Street Hearts takes the stage.

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It's blankets on blankets on blankets (literally) in front of the stage. pic.twitter.com/Uc18qz9oMD

— Amy (@vagabondyouth) May 26, 2013

11:55 a.m.

Festival-goers happily run through security lines and onto the grounds of the IM field! The sun is high, the weather’s breezy and it’s looking to be a beautiful day today. P.S. just spotted Santigold sound checking!

11:43 a.m.

Line has been moving at a glacial pace.

11:15 a.m.

Shalom fellow Bruins! Welcome to the official live blog of UCLA’s 27th (has it really been this long already?) annual JazzReggae Festival. My name is Amy Lee and I’ll be your resident blogger and your go-to person for any coverage on the music, musings and mania of JazzReggae fest.

Stay tuned for more live updates on this page to get the inside scoop on all things JazzReggae. I’ll be here for the next 48 hours struggling to conserve battery and desperately searching for prime cell reception. That’s it folks!

DAY ONE: JAM DAY