Spirit of Jamaica Infuses Long Beach

Now in its 21st year, the Bob Marley Day Festival is the largest reggae gathering outside of Jamaica, and Saturday’s opening half of the two-day event drew more than 12,000 fans to the Long Beach Arena. While such artists as Beenie Man, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Tony Rebel and Cutty Ranks entertained inside the arena, food vendors (offering all sorts of African and Caribbean food) and crafts booths competed for attention outside.

Sunday’s musical lineup was scheduled to include Luciano, Gregory Isaacs, Elephant Man and Damian Marley and his band the Ghetto Youth Crew. Amlak Tafari and Richie B hosted the shows. The festival was produced by Moss Jacobs and Ragga Muffins Productions.