By the second day of Ithaca Reggae Fest, one thing had become clear: events like this don’t simply happen. Behind every performance is an army of volunteers directing traffic, keeping the grounds clean, and setting up gear so thousands can simply enjoy the weekend—along with the vendors, food trucks, nonprofits, and staff who make it run. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but they deserve as much applause as the musicians on stage.
Sunday’s lineup was another reminder that Ithaca Reggae Fest isn’t only about big names—it’s just as committed to introducing artists you’ve never heard. One of the afternoon’s first highlights came from Mosaic Foundation. Fronted by the immensely talented Cha Cha, the band delivered a beautiful blend of roots reggae and sharp musicianship. Cha Cha owns a voice that commands attention—powerful, smooth, soulful—making it one of the day’s best early sets.
Between performances, DJ Art V and RDF spun reggae classics, dub, dancehall, and lovers rock, while Roadman added another strong set—one continuous celebration rather than a string of concerts.
Then came one of my biggest surprises of the weekend. I’d never heard iGNITE! before stepping into Stewart Park, but by the time their set ended, I understood why. They didn’t just perform—they threw a party, every musician sharp, the harmonies keeping the crowd dancing, start to finish. They left with plenty of new fans.
The surprises continued with Strykers Posse. All-female reggae bands remain a rarity, making their set even more refreshing. Traveling from Baltimore, they owned the stage—thunderous riddims, undeniable confidence, and beautiful harmonies. Their chemistry was unmistakable, and by the end, they’d won an entirely new audience.
But Sunday ultimately belonged to two legendary bands that shaped Jamaican music across generations. Watching The Skatalites is more than attending a concert—it’s witnessing living musical history. The players who formed the band in 1964 were already seasoned pros in the 1950s, laying the foundation for ska before it had a name. None of the originals remain, yet today’s lineup carries that legacy with remarkable authenticity.
At 89, percussionist Larry McDonald was astonishing—playing congas, dancing, and beaming with energy that musicians half his age would envy. Beside him, bassist Val “Dougy” Douglas, now 71, laid the rock-solid groove that’s made him one of Jamaica’s most respected players. Every horn line was razor sharp, and the whole set swung, breathed, and celebrated.
Then came the moment many had waited all weekend for. Headlining was the legendary Third World, and remarkably, this was my first time seeing them live—and they exceeded every expectation. It was the final show of a long tour, but you’d never have guessed it: refreshed, tireless, one of the tightest sets I’ve seen in years.
Hit after hit filled Stewart Park. When “Now That We Found Love” rang out, the whole audience sang every word back. “Try Jah Love” carried spirituality and soul, while “Sense of Purpose” showed the depth that has always set them apart. One of the festival’s most touching moments was a tribute to founding guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, whose recent passing left a void in reggae. And no Third World show is complete without “1865 (96° in the Shade)”—hearing that anthem live, surrounded by thousands singing every lyric, was unforgettable. As a final highlight, Kumar Fyah joined the band, his voice blending beautifully into their signature harmonies.
As the final notes echoed across Stewart Park, I thought back to what Friedell had told me at the start: Ithaca Reggae Fest was never meant to be just another weekend of concerts—it’s about Cayuga Lake, Indigenous culture, families, yoga, skateboarding, vendors, volunteers, and reggae tying it all together. After two days here, I’d say they’ve pulled it off.
My wife and four close friends came for their first visit, and by the end of the weekend, they were already planning next year—probably the greatest compliment a festival can earn. You don’t have to be a lifelong reggae fan to feel what Ithaca has built; the atmosphere, setting, and sense of community turn first-timers into returning family. I left convinced that Ithaca Reggae Fest isn’t just one of the best reggae festivals in the United States—it’s one of the best music festivals, period. I’ll be back, and judging by the smiles on the drive home, so will they.
