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The second installment of the reggae festival presented by Ujama News came this past weekend to the Boulder Theater.  This anticipated festival, which began last summer with the inargural Soul Rebel Festival, gave tribute to a fallen soul rebel by the name of Wachen Vieira, whose life was tragically taken a couple years ago.

The festival turned out to be glorious celebration of local reggae music, featuring all local bands from start to finish, with the DJ sounds of Bloodpreshah.  Bloodpreshah gave the crowd the positive start it needed, as playing some great dub with obvious skill. 

Starting out with Bongo Love and the Zula Zula Experience about 7pm, the festival got started off with an impressive 11 piece band.  With an African feel to their music, the repetitive rhythms touched the soul of the crowd as they started to gather in the theather.

Denver based Lion SoulJAH came on next, and put on a solid set of positive vibes.  Featuring solid energy and starting the set off with a dub and jam session, the joy on the faces of the band members was obvious as they went through their time on stage.  Playing such cover songs as "If Love so Nice" had the crowd dancing and into the set.  In a nice moment, Wayne, lead singer and drummer, went on to cry out for solidarity and unity amongst everyone.

Jah Family Band, following Lion SoulJAH,  had the crowd in a frenzy as they took the stage.  Jus Goodie, in his typical fashion, took the stage as his own and proved once again why he is one of the better performers in the area.  Jah Family Band, with their polished, professional aura, provided some great vibes and had the crowd bobbing their heads and people dancing in the aisles.

After Jah Family, the crowd was treated to a great set by Mateo Monk, who some may remember from Natural Kingdom and Jah Family last year.  Mateo has since gone off on his own, and has not lost a step.  Playing most of the songs off his impressive debut album, Guidance and Protection, Mateo showed his talents in both vocals and with playing the flute, which was a very nice touch.  Whereas the crowd was a bit lax during his set, his talents can not be denied.

Following up after Mateo Monk, the crowd was treated to a wonderful change of tempo with Jyemo and The Extended Family.  Featuring a slight Jam Band feel to their obvious reggae backed feel, Jyemo had a positive vibe and positive feel througout their set.

Wailer B finished off the night with his own version of a quality product.  With a tight sound backing him, Wailer B is a consummate performer with great stage presence, capturing the crowds energy and making it his own.  Closing the night out strong, Wailer B played many of his favorites, including Tunn In and Hold On off his album Abbajoni.

In a touching moment, Wachen's wife, Jennie, took to the stage and read some of his poetry to the silent, respectful crowd.  Also, the night was filled with many references to the current war campaign in Iraq, and there was no doubt that the performers were in opposition to the current conflict.  

All in all, much thanks must go out to Ujama News, the Boulder Theater, and the organizers in putting together such a glorious dedication to Wachen and a celebration of local Colorado Reggae Bands.   It seemed as if everyone was grateful for having the chance to play in such an event, as much as this person was grateful for getting to watch such an event.

Much Respect!

Larry Leiber, The Reggae Movement