Bob Marley

One of the best shows I've attended in a long time. The energy, positive vibes and Love had Bob Marley's name all on it!

The audience was a fabulous cross section of New York. Third World, Maxi Priest, and especially the lovely Lauren Hill took the celebration to new heights, one building upon the other.

For the second consecutive year, I attended the Saturday session of The 29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival at the Long Beach Arena. That morning I read in the LA Times a quote that said, "Anything that can happen today will happen today." Talk about setting expectations. Got to Long Beach Arena early so I did not have to compete with the masses. Got my floor access wristband (pink, really???) at 10am and stood in line until 12:50pm only because the production crew were still setting up. Unlike last year, the crowd was smaller as were the number of vendors, merchants and food booths included. Once I got past security check and ticket scanners I picked up my VIP wristband (red, a little better), and turned in my voucher for my gift bag (T-Shirt, 4 CDs, 1 DVD). Walked the entire vendor and food booth sections, then into the arena to see, hear, and feel. Got my third wristband of the day (Heineken, *smile*) and a salted pretzel to warm up. Old habits die hard. Back in the VIP, I had the opportunity to meet, take pictures, and get autographs with Gramps Morgan, The Mystic Roots Band, and The Dirty Heads. I first saw Gramps Morgan with Marci at the John Legend and India Arie concert at the Greek Theatre last September. The Mystic Roots Band hail from Chico California and The Dirty Heads from Huntington Beach California. After the meet and greet session, headed back into the arena for Frankie Paul, Yellowman, and Don Carlos. Hearing their songs again live took me back to the 1980's when I was a kid listening to their songs on my Walkman. Yes, I said Walkman - that is a cassette player with old school earphones powered by two AA batteries for those of you who do not know. After Don Carlos's set, it was time for dinner so I headed back outside to the food booth of Stone's & Chin's for their Oxtail Plate with rice, vegetables, and plantains with a lemonade. The best Caribbean and Jamaican food in the Inland Empire. Stuffed and about to pass out, I rolled myself back into the arena for the final two acts, The Dirty Heads from Huntington Beach and Shaggy. Here is where that morning's quote came full circle. Although there are only 52 pictures in this album, to get the best pictures based upon my location and proximity to the stage, I need to take A LOT of pictures which to choose from. By the end of The Dirty Heads's set I had taken 144 pictures and did not realize that my battery was nearly dead. When Shaggy's set began, I powered my camera on, and it immediately shut off never to turn on again. The only sign of life was the blinking battery indicator telling me it was done for the night. So, no Shaggy pictures. Can happen...will happen...happened. What can you do? All in all, a great Saturday. The streak continues.

I know the line-up was subject to change but what happened to Capleton, Alborosie and Cocoa Tea??

The concert was Phenomenal!!!!!! This was my first year in attendance and I can't wait for next years show! The line up was amazing, the acoustics were good on the ground floor and there weren't any ignorant acting people. 5 stars from V!

Excellent concert!! Every reggae fan should make it a point to attend. Great line-up this year!

dude it was amazin the atmosphere was insane best time of my life

Venue was great, show was great. One usher was very aggressive with people around me trying to partake in the herb. The folks in the row in front of us would not stop talking whole show. Asked three times to be quiet. Found out later they were doing cocaine when he pulled it out and passed it around his friends. Other than that it was a spectacular event. No other issues, music was VERY Good.

This was my favorite reggae show. Hearing Bob Marley's amazing album from his two sons and great musicians made it a memorable night.

Amazing show.! Impecable performance from the performers..! Cozy venue.! Please repeat the show next year to celebrate another disc of Bob Marley.!

The Marleys never disappoint me! The Orpheum theatre is a great venue. Cant lose on eithet

Exodus 40, the tribute to the late Bob Marley's most talked about album, did not meet the standard that I've come to expect from his sons. Several of the songs performed that night were sung by artists I've never even heard of. The energy of the band seemed low to me, and I left before the performance ended.

The Show Was Amazing! It's Always Good To Listen To Bob!! The Audience Was Into Every Song. Dancing In The Isles.

The performance was OK but the environment was unpleasant, to say the least. People were getting drunk and spilling drinks all over. Most behaved as if they were at a club, dancing in their seats or around, being loud and so on. The theater should have done something about it. Many who were disturbed by people around left before the end of the performance. I will think twice before I buy a ticket for another performance at Apollo.

This was the anniversary show of Bob Marley playing at the Apollo in 1979. The Artists taking part are Iconic in their own right and the whole night was utterly fantastic. I feel blessed to have been fortunate to be there

Maxi Priest performance was amazing;- the Wailers rock the house especially the special piece from the drummer. Damian Marley was a good replica of his dad;?truly did great

I really enjoy the concert and would have like to enjoy an whole night,the band was fantastic and remarkable with their music. I was having a marvelous time and it was a blessing in disguise. Thank very much for that beautiful concert......keep up the wonderful work.

Love the show and the people that were in attendance..Ky-mani Marley was very pleasant and respectfu. I was able to take a picture with him and he also sign my copy of his book dear Dad. Miss Lauren hill was great she also sign my book on Bob Marley. the show was the best but then again anything to do with Bob Marley is great. I have been very bless to have been able to participate in this celebration of Bob Marley memory.

I treated my mom who is an avid Bob Marley fan.. it was more of a night for her then myself but she has been smiling on a music high every since saturday night. The Apollo theater itself is full of so much history so it was a great experience walking through and seeing all the photography. It was a 1st for the both of us... we would definitely attend another event there.

A great tribute to a great musician. The crowd at the Apollo seemed to really enjoy the show, especially when Ms. Lauryn Hill made an unexpected appearance and sang a few songs. The show went until about 2:15 AM. But the seller of these tickets continues to be one of the worst companies on earth. It has been years since I bought a ticket from them, and I won't ever do it again. I bought 4 tickets and afterwards realized there was a promotion that gave the 4th ticket free, but the seller refused to honor the promotion and apply it to my order. It's too bad musicians/venues still use this rotten seller.

Although the show started a few minutes late and it was cold out, once we got in it was easy breezy. Great seats, my date and I got drinks from the bar. The vibe was incredible! It was an awesome first date at the Apollo!

Awesome concert and crowd! Great talent in rememberance of a great human being!

I would have expected a Bob Marley Tribute Concert to play Bob Marley music, and not the individual groups solo music.

Wonderfully authentic experience which really galvanized the entire audience around the great message of Bob Marley's music.

I would recommend this show to anyone. My husband and I had a fabulous time and it was a perfect tribute to Bob Marley.

This was my first Ragga Muffin Festival and it was a Great Show! I am Definitely Going Next Year! Don't Miss! The Next One it will be GREAT!

Had a blast....great variety of vendors and food. Festive atmosphere with lots of beautiful people...truly One Love! Music was on point all day and everyone just grooved and moved together!

Great show overall!! Could probably do without the guy on the mike shouting like crazy and trying to sing along with the songs. Would rather hear just the music throughout the intermissions.

I attend every year as it falls on or near my Birthday, February 20th. I've noticed a whole new generation of attendees. The staff were very polite AND some with smiles which made it more pleasant. How about bringing Culture "Kenyatta Hill", Niyorah & up and comming artist. None the less the show was great, the weather was warmer. (last year was cold!) Although we love Frankie Paul, he literally had to be taken off stage which brought a smile. (Yes, need longer sets) Looking forward to next year.

THE AGGROLITES ROCKED. THE LEGENDARY MIGHTY DIAMONDS WERE AS SMOOTH AS EVER. THE COOL RULER GREGORY ISSACS LOOKED A BIT OLDER, BUT THE PIPES SOUNDED WONDERFUL. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING MORE FROM THE LIONS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST BARRINGTON LEVY WAS TERRIFIC.

Ragga Muffins was the best. The music was great, the crowd was awesome...the food was off the hook!!! I cant wait till next year...im going both days!

I enjoyed every artist I heard. Barrington Levy was off the hook. The people that attended the concert was friendly polite and it was more people this year than I'm used to seeing in a long time.

How can one go wrong with sweet reggae music. This year the music was old school with a touch of new school. Everyone was in a dancing mood. The food was great, hot creamy churros a must. Vending was small but full of quality items. One Love to my dancing Samoan friends by the lemonaid stand.

I was so not disappointed this year.. cocoa tea, gregory isaacs and barringtin levy came through!!! the whole crowd was vibing and you could definately feel that one love mentality flowin through everyone! looking forward to next years 30th year anniversary!!!

it was great the music was great venue was incredible

This is the best line up I have seen in awhile. Cocoa Tea, Gregory Isaacs, and Barrington Levy were amazing. It was worth the wait to see these artists at the end of the show. I think Ragga Muffins did an outstanding job planning and hosting this Show.

The 29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival was a blast! It was a great mixture of old and new artist. I have attended 9yrs and all the years have had a recurring theme "Love for your fellow man", what a great way to spend the day. See ya next year!!!

First time at a ragga festival and became a instant fan.I will be attending every year from now on!

Great music, Yummy food, and great munchies! I would have space heaters out side, it got cold!!

Great Rasta Fest !!! I truthfully enjoyed it. Highly Recommend! Big Thumbs Up!

At first i was a little skeptical about the festival but it turned out to be great. Everyone was sparking their blunts or bowls and just enjoying the music to the fullest. The one thing i do regret is not bringing alot of money with you. I honestly can say u need about 100 dollars because such good food that you will want to try it all i swear..

It was a blast! i had a great time, the bands were great, the food was good and the atmosphere was very friendly. can't wait to go again next year!

I&I would just like to say whiel i had a overall good time there the purpose of RASTA was not enough of a presence there.. RASTAFARI is not a one day get drunk high business RASTA is a serious task TO INITE(unite) the world with LOVE is a serious business and needs to be taken more serious people gonna where jah banner then them must know what it represent SELASSIE I JAH RASTAFARI PEACE LOVE AND INITY(unity) RASTAFARI BLESS

This was my first Ragga Muffins Festival ive been to and it was great. there was some good food it, it also had a great location and vibe was the best.

THE REGGAE SHOW WAS SWEET. UNFORTUNATELY ONE OF THE ARTISTS I WANTED TO SEE- CAPLETON, WASNT ON THE LINEUP AS OF SUNDAY MORNING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY YEAR WITH THE LINEUP FOR THIS SHOW. ARTISTS ARE ON THE LINEUP THEN THE WEEKEND OF THE CONCERT SOMEONE ALWAYS DROPS OUT. BUT OTHERWISE IT WAS A GREAT SHOW.

Cocoa tea, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs all were tremendous

It was a great reggae event with tons of great munchie food!

We have been going to ragga mmuffins for many years and do not like the direction it is going in. We miss the true reggae headliners, the Marley family and all of the big names that would bring in the reggae lovers. It seems it is more a mix now of reggae, dub and hip hop? I know that the big names cost more but you could maybe have 5 or 6 great bands instead of 10 o.k. bands. Suggestions: Ziggy or Julian Marley, Inner Circle, UB40, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Matals, Burning Spear. Steel Pulse

The atmosphere was friendly and lively. Lots of good artist performed, ragga music is all about love and inspiration.

This festival was a poorly produced, disfunctional, unorganized, opportunistic, waste of time and money. The line up was good, but we had to wait hours for some performers to even show up, and then perform poorly. The venue was way too small causing lots of crowd bottlenecks. No reasonable prcing for food, drink, beer, sandwich, etc. I have been to multiple bob fest's and this by far was the biggest waste of money I have ever fallen for.

this was by far the best show of the year. only this concert can make the diversity of los angeles mold into one happy family. truely outstanding and down right dope.

This event was off the chain. Money well spent--No regrets!! If you've never been, put this on your calendar for next year--President's Day Weekend!!!!! Ridim...

Both nights were great, but night 2 was much better. Taurus Riley, Cocoa Tea and Gregory Issacs were the best!!!! Gramps Morgan and Yellowman were awesome on Night one...the only downside was the Dirty Heads who were booked in the wrong slot, they should have been booked earlier in the evening.

I took my boyfriend for our anniversary my first time I loved it. And I am ready for next year too. Met up with family there too we all are ready for next year.

If it wasn't for the incredible lineup each year, I would gladly pass on this event. Musically though, it's hard to beat this fest in Southern California. If you go, be sure to get floor seats so you can actually dance and get close to the music. Be prepared for overcrowded hallways, bathrooms, food areas, beer lines, etc. And $12 beers? C'mon...that's just wrong.

This festival is great every year. Good people, good music, good food, and good times. Very fun!!

Stood in line for an hour until the doors finally opened at 1:00pm - they were to open at 12pm. Food concessions weren't ready when the doors opened. Too many dj's blasting music in the same rooms, you couldn't hear yourself think! We left after 4 hours because of the noise and smoke (cigars, cig's and pot) Too much chitter chatter on stage inbetween acts. Would have been better to play music This venue use to be the best but not anymore

The festival was awesome. Good music and good food!!!!

This was my first time to the show but it was amazing. I didn't know it would end so late but it was well worth it. All the performers were great and the each had enough time on the stage. I got there early and my tickets were on the floor so I was up in the front and it was a great experience. The only bad thing was that I was standing since it started till it ended because I didn't want to lose my place so my feet hurt. But overall it was great and I will definitely go again next year!!!

Bands were all good, old school as well as new Reggae. Food court is the most amazing selection of international foods and drinks. Highly recommend the open pit bar-b-q. Booths are not as numerous as previous years, but still a good selection of tee shirts and rasta wear, etc. I always have so much fun at this event and I did again this year.

i loved every min of the show..from the beginning all the way to the end it was non stop entertainment that i had been waiting for since last yr..there were a lot more people then i expected, which of course made everything more fun =) whether ur in a seat or on the floor super close to the bands its a great experience..i cant wait for next yr..WOOOOO!!!!

My Husband and I came all the way from Fort Yuma California, we brought along our close friends & family. The trip alone was awesome, the anticipation in the waiting line was growing as we got closer to the entrance. Hearing the bands music blast through the entrance was great, we did get their a lil late, we missed Cocoa Tea & the first few bands. Don Carlos tore it up, Gregory sounds like I just heard him a few years ago in Yuma AZ. we made our way to the floor just in time to watch & get the full effect of Barrington, he is BROADER THEN BROADWAY! Even though we didnt get to witness the Mouse, I'll see him on Saturday in El Centro..

This was my first BobFest and although I had a blast and would go again in a heart beat....I felt like the way the stage turning and the way they were switching artists wasn't working that great. There was also some people that I was really looking forward to seeing that didnt show up :( But all in all, it was a great show, I didnt get harrassed by any drunken people and everyone was pretty laid back just enjoying the music.

These reaage beats were unbelievable! San DIEEEGOOO!!! JAHHH RASTAFARIIII!!!

Great show great line up recomend the cons were the venue long lines to get in and did not provide portapodies for the line

The whole concert was irie from the beinning to end. Never heard MArtin campbell he put down a dope set

The concert was great and so were the performers~!!!