Root Awakening Reggae Band from Santa Cruz, CA

The scorching rhythms and sweet harmonies of ROOT AWAKENING, one of the premiere roots music makers in America, have been reaping continual raves from lovers of reggae worldwide for the past seven years. From their right-on renderings of Studio One and Treasure Isle classics to their powerful conscious original tunes, this energetic, professional five-piece ensemble is totally committed to their art. Their stunning debut cd “Roots Tonic” was rated the #1 independent USA reggae release of the year by Reggae Report magazine. Festival highlights have included the 1998 and 1999 Roots Mountain Reggae Festivals in Washington State (at which ROOT AWAKENING backed the legendary Congos from Jamaica), California’s Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, the Kansas City Reggaefest, the 2000 Northwest Reggae Festival, Montana’s Roots Revolution Festival 2000 and San Francisco’s Reggae in the Park. Among the talented and seasoned musicians are multi-instrumentalist HERB DALY, founding member and lead guitarist for the seminal roots band, the Rastafarians, and stellar guitarist VINCE BLACK, whose tours and sessions include steady work with Black Uhuru, Wailing Souls and Dub Syndicate. ROOT AWAKENING has provided musical backing for seminal roots vocalists the Congos, ska/rocksteady legend Ken Boothe, UK dj sensation Tippa Irie, young roots revival star Daweh Congo, and many other great performers. On the international front, ROOT AWAKENING wowed thousands of music lovers from all over the globe at the International Sailing Regatta Festival on the island of Bonaire, Dutch West Indies. ROOT AWAKENING has shared stages with (and received accolades from) the cream of the world’s international reggae artists.