MUSIC www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 29 If you’re looking at the lineup and wondering where to start, or have your favorites but want to see something new at Cali Roots, here are some recommendations. There is a ton of variety and diversity in this year’s lineup so there’s definitely something for everyone. The festival runs Friday-Sunday, May 22-24 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. (For the full lineup and tickets, visit californiarootsfestival.com.) FRIDAY Estrella - 12:45 The Bowl Stage Estrella has actual California roots, and local ones at that. She is originally from Salinas and spent her life going back and forth between here and Oahu, and her sound reflects inspiration from her time in both locations. Estrella’s vocals are soulful, with a strain of jazz that suits messages of empowerment. Josh Tatofi - 4:15 Cali Roots Stage The man may not put on the most energetic performance, but he does bring some of the most beautiful vocals. He will serenade you with a sound and lyrics that will transport you to the islands. He often has hula dancers accompany him onstage, and the crowd sways to his buttery beats. Common Kings - 8:10 Cali Roots Stage If you’re not already a fan, you will be after seeing them perform. They bring a contagious energy to the stage, drawing on Hawaiian-Samoan tradition and SoCal rock. The band’s first three EPs reached top 10 on the reggae charts and their first full album earned a Grammy nomination. Common Kings are a band fans never drift away from. SATURDAY Barrington Levy - 4:15 Cali Roots Stage Many call Cali Roots a reggae festival, and use a pretty loose definition of the term. The genre, after all, is inclusive. Barrington Levy, however, is arguably one of the most traditional reggae artists to ever grace the Cali Roots stage. He’s originally from Jamaica and has been a prominent figure on the reggae dancehall scene since the ’80s. This is an opportunity to see a legend. Fortunate Youth - 5:10 The Bowl Stage These guys are fun to watch. For one thing, they play a game that can only be described as “musical instruments,” where they suddenly swap instruments—like musical chairs, get it? One minute the bass player is jamming on the keyboard, then the bongo guy is tearing it up on the guitar. If that doesn’t do it for you, watching Dan Kelly, the lead singer, waggle his elbow like an amazing Muppet should. Tash Sultana - 8:10 Cali Roots Stage Usually the fun of a set comes from the collective energy brought by a group, but Tash Sultana brings all the energy all on their own in a one-person-performance, and the show is even more impressive and entertaining than it sounds. At some points Sultana has been joined by a drummer or guitar player, but other than that they’re hopping around that stage doing it all. The enthusiasm with which Sultana strums strings, mashes pedals, jams buttons, bashes percussion and unleashes vocals is mesmerizing. SUNDAY Niko Rubio - 12:45 The Bowl Stage This bilingual baddie is a looming force. Her sound is unique with a mix of Spanish and English, and influences from reggae, rock and ranchera. Rubio can revel in pop one moment, mariachi the next then echo the sultry lounge act—a singer without borders. She is unlike most other musicians. Her set will be unlike anything else at Cali Roots. Collie Buddz - 5:10 The Bowl Stage Who embodies the Cali Roots spirit better than Collie Buddz? He celebrates reggae, good vibes and an appreciation of “herb” that many would argue are the key tenets of Cali Roots. He embodies the same spirit as he did two decades ago, while his music library continues to grow and flourish. Historically he’s thrown epic Domino’s pizza parties at Cali Roots, so stick around in the hopes of snagging a slice, even if his music isn’t your style. Cali Roots All Stars - 9:30 The Bowl Stage One of the best things about festivals is that in addition to getting to see so many artists in one place, we get to see them join each other on stage. It’s always exciting to see surprise artists emerge from the wings and join a group on stage. Spokespeople have said additional artists will be joining, but they haven’t disclosed any names. But even if organizers are just working with the artists already announced, there is a ton of potential for an unforgettable set. Expect to see collaborative efforts, such as “Where I’m Going” with DENM and Pepper, “No Other Love” from Common Kings and J Boog and “Press Rewind” with SOJA, J Boog and Collie Buddz—or other collabs. Either way, fans will all be pleasantly surprised. Face the Music Cali Roots has a lot to offer, but there are some performances that are a must. By Jacqueline Weixel The Common Kings performing an energetic set in 2025. The popular band that blends Pacific Island tradition and Southern California vibes has become a Cali Roots regular. NIC COURY DANIEL DREIFUSS Tash Sultana can do it all—including wow audiences. When they first appeared at Cali Roots in 2018, Sultana became the talk of the festival. Here they play to the audience in 2019.
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