Fri 7/31-Sun 8/2
The Mid West Reggae Fest is celebrating its 24th year of offering a packed multi-act lineup to area reggae fans. It’s had its ups and downs and changed locations several times. But this year it’s back at again at Clay’s Park and Resort in North Lawrence just outside Canton for three big days.
Friday evening starts off nice ‘n’ easy with Cleveland’s Umojah Nation and Columbus’ Ark Band and Flex Crew, as well as the Roots High Power sound system.
Saturday is the big day. Fans will be treated to sets by Jamaican veterans the Mighty Diamonds, Florida rock reggae act SowFlow, Cleveland reggae/rap/funk/rock hybrid Tropidelic, Columbus family reggae band Lungu Vybz, Columbus-based Roots High Power Sound System, Akron’s Rhodes Street Rude Boys, and Cleveland’s popular reggae star Carlos Jones.
The festival concludes Sunday with the gospel power hour and more reggae from Cleveland’s Jah Messengers and Outlaws I & I, and Brooklyn N.Y.’s New Kingston, along with Dubtonic Kru & Jah9.
This year’s poster for the festival, designed by Athens, Ohio artist Kevin Morgan features Jones, a Mid West Reggae Fest stalwart.
There’s camping, water activities, a skateboard park and even paint ball at Clay’s Park & Resort, so it’s a fun weekend for a family as well as adult reggae fans.
Tickets range from $40-$70 in advance, $50-$80 at the gate, depending on how many days you want to take in. Kids 12 and under are free. Tickets and more information are available now at the Mid West Reggae Fest website.