Reggae On the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Reggae music has come a long way since its rise to mainstream in the '60s. The bass and drums and the offbeat rhythm are so recognizable that it is safe to say that it is very recognizable. Since the heyday of Bob Marley, many artists have pushed the music scene to its glory. What better way to do this than with a festival? Lucky you because the biggest reggae festival is coming back this year at a premiere venue, and it is stacked with the biggest names in the scene.

In this year's edition of Reggae on the Rocks, seven artists and bands will be joining forces to perfect this breezy and upbeat music festival. Rebelution, Iration, The Expendables, The Abyssians, Passafire, Ska-talittes, Judge Rough Neck, and DJ Mackle are going to extend the summer heat with their best reggae, ska, and rocksteady tunes.

Representing the rock reggae scene, Rebelution is known for its pop-oriented reggae mixed with alt-rock and hip-hop. Since 2007, they have been a staple of the Billboard reggae charts. Their debut, "Courage to Grow," was an immediate success for the band. Ever since then, they have never stopped putting out bangers after bangers. In 2017, they were nominated for a Grammy with their album "Falling Into Place." Their most recent record, "In the Moment" (2021), was nominated for best album of the year by Surf Roots.

If you are into dub and reggae, Iration is the one for you. They rose into the scene alongside Rebelution and together topped the 2007 Billboard reggae chart. But for them, it was for their debut, "No Time To Rest." They released six more albums since then, all of which are consistent reggae chart toppers. Their seventh album, "Coastin'," is their most recent album, which came out in 2020.

Also a reggae rock specialist, The Expendables treads reggae, ska, punk, pop, and surf rock. They were the scene's representation in the 2000s rock wave. They released eight albums, with "Moment EP" being their most successful.

A legend in the scene, The Abyssians trailblazed Jamaican roots reggae. They have been on the scene since the start of the popularity of reggae. The distinct harmonies noticed among reggae songs are influenced by them. Their 1976 album "Satta Massagana" is a roots reggae classic and still is among the best reggae records that came out in recent history.

Passafire, unlike other rock reggae bands, approached the subgenre with more force rather than the common laidback sound. They are progressive with their style, which spawned albums like "Submersible." The album is considered to be one of the best reggae records of 2007.

Also a Jamaican reggae legend, Ska-talittes is the premiere ska band. They are best known for collaborating with Bob Marley & The Wailers for the song "Simmer Down." With 17 albums under their belt, most of their records are considered reggae classics like "Ska Authentic" and "Ska Boo-Da-Ba."

Judge Rough Neck became a powerhouse reggae rock band in the 90s. After a long hiatus, they came back with "Pick You Up" a few years ago. They are a Reggae On the Rocks regular and have performed for the festival more than 20 times.

All of these reggae musicians will be supplemented with bop and energetic sounds by DJ Mackle. He currently works with Rebelution as their main DJ and constantly tours with them.

Be at the Reggae On the Rocks festival at the Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 24. Don't miss this!