ALPINE, Wyo. — There’s long been a synergy with mountain town culture, ski culture and reggae counterculture roots. Lincoln County’s Reggae in the Rockies has been bridging these vibes with intimate reggae shows and big name artists for several years now. This Friday, the headline event will feature Tribal Seeds, The Movement, KBong and Johnny Cosmic, followed by a Saturday after-party with five more heady acts including Fortunate Youth.
Known for their spiritually-driven, roots-rock-reggae vibe, Southern California’s Tribal Seeds are celebrating two decades as a band. Originally formed by by two brothers, Steven Rene Jacobo (lyrics, vocals, guitar) and Tony-Ray Jacobo (keyboards, producer), the band now tours as a six-piece. Their first two albums — “Tribal Seeds” in 2008 and “The Harvest” in 2009 — both garnered “best of” designations on iTunes while also earning “Best World Music” title at the San Diego Music Awards in 2008. The band’s most recent album is last year’s “Ancient Blood,” which features 17 songs of dance-friendly roots reggae within a modern sonic palette.
Considered closer to alt-reggae, South Carolina-based The Movement just released their ninth studio album in 20 years, “Visions.” The band’s influences draw from Sublime, John Brown’s Body and 311 with heavy drum and bass, and memorable stage energy. Their seventh studio album, “Ways of the World” (2019) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart, and remained in the Top 10 for more than 40 consecutive weeks.
KBong & Johnny Cosmic are separate artists that also perform together. KBong always bring the smiles and good vibes with Johnny Cosmic’s voice noted as a standout. Though the two artists have been writing, recording and touring together for a decade, their lone release together is this year’s full-length “Spirit of the Light.”
For Saturday’s after-party (limited capacity of 250), the lineup will feature Carries, Sunsmith, Kyle Smith, headliner Fortunate Youth, and closer Heaven Zest. Fortunate Youth is a rock-reggae sextet from Hermosa Beach, California, incorporating blues, ska, rock and punk with varied influences from Katchafire to Van Morrison and The Grateful Dead. They’ve been touring heavily since 2009 and had three different albums hit No. 1 on the Billboard and iTunes Reggae charts.
In addition to staging eight bands over two days, the rustic reggae experience also offers on-site camping (now sold out), food trucks, and an intimate venue that maxes out at 1,500 concertgoers.
Ox Presents and Gray Bear Productions present Tribal Seeds, The Movement, KBong and Johnny Cosmic at 5 p.m. on Friday Sept. 5 at Alpine 4-H Ranch (1900 US-26, Alpine, WY 83128). Tickets start at $61. VIP available. Free for kids 10 and under. GA Parking is 1/4 mile from the venue — the later the arrival, the farther the walk. For camping details, hotel deals, afterparty info, and all the good stuff, visit ReggaeInTheRockies.com.
Carries, Sunsmith, Kyle Smith, Fortunate Youth, and Heaven Zest at 5:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 6 at Alpine 4-H Ranch (1900 US-26, Alpine, WY 83128). Tickets are $100 and limited to 250.
Friday lineup
Doors at 5 p.m.
KBong & Johnny Cosmic at 6:30 p.m.
The Movement at 7:30 p.m.
Tribal Seeds at 9 p.m.
Late-night: Fam Jam with hosts DJ Shams & DJ Gary Dread (VIP ticket holders only)
Saturday lineup
Doors at 2 p.m.
Carries at 3 p.m.
Sunsmith at 4:45 p.m.
Kyle Smith at 6 p.m.
Fortunate Youth at 8 p.m.
Heaven Zest at 10 p.m.
