WILMINGTON, DE | As I drove into Wilmington, Delaware, for the festival, I made a meaningful stop—visiting the home once owned by Bob Marley’s mother, a place where Bob himself spent time over the years. It felt only right, a quiet moment of reflection before celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rastaman Vibration. This was going to be a special show highlighting roots and reggae in the Northeast, and one that I could not miss.
The evening was curated by local reggae artist Kenny Vannella, who assembled an exceptional band and welcomed a couple of true legends to the stage. But this wasn’t just a night of reggae—it was a community-driven event, with proceeds benefiting The Music School of Delaware. Opening performances by Cecilia Grace and Lower Case Blues brought diverse musical textures that enriched the night. Hosting duties were handled by Kenny’s friend, Sahr Abu, who kept the energy flowing.
Personally, my anticipation extended beyond the music. As a longtime fan, the opportunity to see—and meet—former Wailer saxophonist Glen DaCosta and Bob Marley’s cousin Jimmy Malcolm made the night even more special. The evening delivered on every level.
Cecilia Grace opened the show with a voice that was bold, clear, and angelic, yet grounded in a raw emotional honesty. Her ability to shift between powerful, slightly raspy belts and soft, controlled tones gave her performance real depth. Whether performing original songs or covers, she held the crowd effortlessly. Her guitar work was equally impressive—dynamic and rhythmic, creating a full sound that made it feel like more instruments were present. She was the perfect tone-setter for the night.
Next up was Lower Case Blues, a powerhouse trio featuring Jake Banaszak (guitar), B.J. Muntz (bass/vocals), and Tristan Gilbert (drums). From the moment they hit the stage, they brought an explosive energy that had the crowd fully engaged. Their sound was massive for a three-piece, blending blues, funk, and rock with an improvisational edge.
