Crucial Reggae Sundays, the free, family-friendly reggae music series, makes its May debut at the historic Bandshell in Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse. Produced by Illuminate LIVE in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, the series runs every Sunday through mid-November, bringing the island rhythms of Jamaica to San Francisco’s most iconic outdoor venue.

Each week from 4:20 to 7:30 pm, hosts Irie Dole (Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi), Guidance (Infinite Guidance Sound/Nice Up Radio) and DJ Sep (Dub Mission) will spin roots, dub and dancehall alongside special guest performances. The May lineup features:

    May 4: Spliff Skankin (Massive Sound International) with DJ Sep

    May 11: Mission Varrio Project (live band show) with LP Chillin and DJ Guidance

    May 18: No show (Bay to Breakers weekend)

    May 25: Native Elements (live band show) with DJ Irie Dole and DJ Guidance

Looking beyond May, fans can look forward to Mighty Mystic on June 1, Birds Of A Feather on June 22, Saritah Duo on June 29, and Subatomic Sound System with Screechy Dan on July 13.

Now in its fifth season, Crucial Reggae Sundays is part of Illuminate’s broader free-music initiative, which hosts more than 125 concerts on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons (plus select Saturdays) through mid-November. Over the past four years Illuminate LIVE has transformed the 125-year-old Bandshell into a vibrant hub for diverse musical genres, presenting over 600 free shows that have drawn nearly one million music lovers to Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse.

For more information, visit Illuminate LIVE at www.illuminate.org, join the Facebook event, or secure free tickets via Eventbrite.