20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 22-28, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com You know Buju Banton, Rebelution, Atmosphere, Slightly Stoopid and the other headliners that perform at Cali Roots. But can you recall the thrill of discovering a lesser-known band? Festival lineups are created for exploration. Yes, Iration and T-Pain are draws in this year’s lineup. But from past experience we have learned that the event’s organizers have surprises in store. For instance, Dispatch and 311 might have joined other name brands at the top of the bill in 2018, but it was the powerful stage presence of Tash Sultana that awed the crowd. Roots music is up for interpretation, of course. Not every act finds broad appeal. But that’s why some fans revel in their niches, be it reggae informed by yacht rock vibes or reverberating with heavy metal distortion. Here are just a few of the other bands well worth checking out. The John Dank Show Fans voted The John Dank Show onto the Cali Roots stage. The band is wildly popular on their home island of Guam—this year marks the 10th anniversary of their first album—so they are a veteran act, just under the radar for many others. But when Rebelution played in Guam, The John Dank Show opened. Rebelution singer Eric Rachmany was so impressed with their boundless alt-reggae that he asked them to join his solo tour. Doah’s Daydream Doah was born in South Korea, grew up in Hawaii and is now based in San Diego, which could lead to musical chaos. But with elevating horns and a venting punk soul, in songs like “I Believe” and “Ready to Love,” Doah’s Daydream speaks of compassion and love with a blunt certainty. The band makes punk, Hawaiian reggae and K-pop work as “island grunge.” Aurorawave Some will argue that Aurorawave exists beyond the fringes of reggae. Yet there is a cadence to the music that emerges from the grumble of heavy metal. This makes them an interesting band on a studio album, but an absolute powerhouse when performing live. Remember that with niches, what grabs one fan envelops them. Aurorawave is coming off their self-titled debut album, released last year. Estrella Estrella took to social media to call the Cali Roots gig “a dream come true.” She has been traveling around California, often playing in small venues but always entrancing the audience with her rich vocal power. The Salinas native—a local—finds themes of self-empowerment and genuine love, and has been gaining a following through reggae tinged with jazz and R&B, with songs like “Feelings” and “What’s Worse.” It’s music to sway to. Lila Iké A Jamaican versed in reggae tradition, Lila Iké presents a style that is transcendent. Drawing on the spirit of soul, hip-hop and dancehall, she humbles herself before the altar of music and finds a healing power in reggae. There is a current of redemption that runs through the songs. “Too Late to Lie,” released earlier this year, explores trust, personal space and coming to terms with decisions. A new album will be released later this year. Joe Samba The New Englander has a tattoo on one leg honoring Tower of Power, so you know his sound has a funky depth. But Samba approaches each song as its own entity. There is no way to anticipate what will flow from one piece to the next—other than the performance will be upbeat. If there is a message in his entertaining sets, it is in the conviction behind each song, even when life is not to be taken seriously. Rik Jam Through songs like “Don’t Want Conscious” and “Hail the King,” this Jamaican artist explores the greater good, the power that guides us. The music is almost devotional, full of passion but with an infectious positivity— not influenced by soul, but for the soul. Last year he opened for Burning Spear on their European swing. This year he is releasing his debut album and launching his first headline tour. Surfer Girl Singer Carter Reeves fronted the pop-hip hop group Aer, and that experience serves Surfer Girl well. The Massachusetts band produces vibrant rhythms so catchy that fans almost involuntarily rise to dance after the first few beats. The music lives in the moment, of the moment. At the same time, Surfer Girl is capable of turning, becoming introspective without dimming the brightness. Their new album, Sunset, came out in April. Band Aid The deep lineup at Cali Roots makes it worth exploring beyond the big name performers. By Dave Faries Cali Roots 2025 Above: Popular Guam reggae artists The John Dank Show are scheduled to make their first appearance at Cali Roots. A fan vote brings the band to Monterey. Below (clockwise from middle): Rik Jam is a rising star from Jamaica. New Englander Joe Samba has developed a devoted regional following. A powerful stage presence, Aurorawave released their debut album last year. RAY BLAS COURTESY RIK JAM INEFFABLE MUSIC JOE SAMBA/AFT ARTISTS
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