California Roots Festival: Dirty Heads & Iration - Sunday in Monterey - May 28, 2023

The Elovaters

13 concerts

The Elovaters broke into the American progressive roots scene in 2018 with #1 Billboard Reggae album Defy Gravity. Their music was featured on CBS’ Hawaii Five-O; “Boston” played at the 2018 Red Sox World Series Parade. 2022 New England Music Awards winners.

Iration

4 concerts

Iration is an alternative/reggae band formed in Isla Vista, CA. With reggae roots and a Hawaii upbringing, they blend rock and pop into a smooth sound. Touring nationally since 2008, they’ve played festivals like Lollapalooza and Sunfest.

Kolohe Kai

2 concerts

Kolohe Kai is the Pacific Island reggae project of Oahu-born singer/songwriter Roman De Peralta. Blending ukulele localism with roots reggae, pop and R&B, he released This Is The Life (2009) and the award-winning Paradise (2013) and Summer To Winter (2019).

Dirty Heads

2 concerts

Dirty Heads are a Southern California band blending hip-hop, reggae, and rock. Their 2017 hit “Vacation” blew up in 2021 via TikTok’s #VacationTransition, topping six billion views/streams. Their 8th album Midnight Control (2022) includes “Life’s Been Good.”

The Movement

7 concerts

Formed in 2003, alt-reggae band The Movement features lead singer/guitarist Joshua Swain. Their album Ways Of The World (2019) debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart and stayed in the Top 10 for 40+ weeks.

Shwayze

18 concerts

Shwayze is an American artist known for blending hip-hop and alternative sounds with laid-back vibes and relatable storytelling. He released the album Shwaycation and, as an independent artist, launched the premium pre-roll company Shway Sticks.

Thee Sacred Souls

12 concerts

DENM

4 concerts

SoCal genre-bending musician, songwriter and producer. Debut LP Slum Beach Denny (2021) topped 25M+ streams and landed Spotify Beach Vibes cover. Produced SOJA’s Grammy-winning Beauty in the Silence; collaborated on “Rage.”

Long Beach Dub Allstars

1 concert

Long Beach Dub Allstars are pioneers of the West Coast Cali Reggae scene. Their album Echo Mountain High explores themes from youth and ghosts to police brutality, love, hate, life, death, and mushrooms.

Kbong

3 concerts

Kevin "Kbong" Bong, raised in Hawaii and based in San Diego, is a multi-instrumental artist. He is known for his key role in reggae band Stick Figure and creates uplifting island reggae, surf hip-hop, and acoustic music. Popular songs include "Livin' Easy" and "Open My Eyes". Albums like "Smile With The World" (2022) and "Spirit Of The Light" (2025) feature collaborations with artists such as Mike Love and Johnny Cosmic.

California Roots Festival

3 concerts

California Roots Festival, founded in 2010, is a premier music and art event known for its vibrant reggae, reggae rock, folk, and hip-hop acts. It is celebrated as one of the largest reggae festivals, fostering a unique community vibe of peace, love, and sustainability. The festival offers a multi-layered experience with live art and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Johnny Cosmic

3 concerts

Johnny Cosmic is a Chicago-born reggae artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his reggae fusion style blending traditional and modern sounds, he is a member of Stick Figure and a sought-after producer. He contributed to SOJA's Grammy-winning album "Beauty in the Silence" and collaborated with artists like KBong and Collie Buddz. Popular songs include "Kingdom" and "Lazer Beaming".

DISPATCH

Dispatch, a leading independent rock band known for hits and activism, has eight acclaimed albums, sold-out MSG shows, huge world tours, and a 110K-fan Boston concert.

Matisyahu

Born in Pennsylvania, Grammy-nominated Matisyahu blends reggae, hip-hop & alt rock with spiritual grit; albums Light, Youth; hits “One Day,” “Sunshine,” “King Without a Crown.”

Natiruts

Born in Brasília, Natiruts, originally Nativus, excels in reggae with hits like "Presente de um Beija-Flor." Their debut sold 450,000 copies post-renaming due to a legal issue. Known for tracks "Povo Brasileiro" & "Verbalize."

Tunnel Vision

San Clemente, CA surf-reggae/ska-punk band formed in 2012 at Lost Surfboards. Signed to LAW; “Days Away,” “Shipwrecked” (KROQ). Collab w/ Reel Big Fish’s Ed Beach, Matt Appleton.

The B Foundation

Hailing from Southern California, The B Foundation blends punk, reggae, and West Coast hip hop. Known for hits like “Spliffed,” they’ve toured with Slightly Stoopid and Pepper.

Taylor Goodwin

Bham Blues Explosion (Gary, Taylor, Leif & Ryan)