From humble beginnings growing up in Washington, D.C. to touring the world and spreading her inspirational message through her introspective Lyrics, Assata Perkins has built her career by looking deep into herself and turning her own vulnerability into art as Sa-Roc. Her recent album, The Sharecropper's Daughter, was no exception as it took listeners on a journey of the past influencing the present while reflecting her life experiences authentically and without obscuring her own truth.

There are so few bands in the reggae scene that are not only so well known, but universally beloved than the Kona Town heroes themselves, Pepper. Wherever the guys go, they are the most popular people in the room, and for good reason. Their charisma is inarguable and palpable, and their larger-than-life personalities live up to their fans’ hopes who might have only seen them from the stage.

Hopping into a tenured band as the newest member can be an intimidating task in any capacity, much less the frontman, but for Jamaica's Hector Roots Lewis, stepping up and filling in as lead vocals for Southern California reggae veterans Tribal Seeds came instinctually.

Frontman of the Midwest hip hop group Atmosphere, Sean Daley, or "Slug" as he goes by on stage, is a rare breed in the sense that seems to wear his heart on his sleeve and has the perspective to allow himself to be his own person rather than a manufactured image of an onstage persona. Sean carries himself with a sobering energy that reflects his sincerity in how he sees the world and communicates with a level of genuineness and empathy that is refreshing to see in an artist of his tenure.

Reggae has always been known as the genre of “one love” but from the earliest days of his Hawaiian origin, Mike Love has taken this to a new level. He wears many hats as a musician, a spiritual shaman, and even an ordained minister, but few who meet him could help but call him a friend as his welcoming and affectionate aura touches shines so brightly.

Hailing all the way from Saint-Étienne, France, Dub Inc has found a way to transcend the language barrier and garner a passionate fanbase more than 5,000 miles from home. Their onstage passion and chemistry are informed by decades of knowing each other as bandmates and friends, the energy in their live shows are impressive by any standards.

Island bred, Southern California based reggae sensation Common Kings has spent over a decade becoming one of the most decorated bands in the genre. Behind one of the cleanest voices in reggae, Jr King, the powerful percussion of Big Rome, the colorful antics of Mata, and the leadership of Uncle Lui, the band has risen to a status enviable by any musician, selling out some of the biggest stages in music with regularity.

Hermosa Beach reggae veterans Fortunate Youth has spent more than a decade relentlessly touring around the world promoting their music and message. Blending their South Bay attitude with reggae roots, their music maintains an assertive attitude while still promoting a welcoming, familiar aura in every song they write.

Few bands can say claim their work is as lyrically motivated as the Annapolis, Maryland band, Bumpin Uglies. Telling stories through their songs that are almost Dylan-esque, their music expresses a vulnerable side of their writer that leaves nothing to ambiguity.

California Roots Music and Arts Festival is excited to return, after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, on May 26th! And for those who are unable make it to Monterey County Fair and Event Center this year, the festival is thrilled to announce the return of Cali Roots Live - The Return, the livestreaming event for Cali Roots 2022.