Kalamazoo Island Fest returns for 19th year

Contact: Deanne Puca
Photo of dancers and people playing African drums.

A crowd at last year's festival. Photo credit: Kalamazoo Island Fest

KALAMAZOO—The 19th annual Kalamazoo Island Fest features three days and nights of reggae music celebrating the culture of the Caribbean. The festival is set for Thursday through Saturday, June 19-21, at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo.

Admission is free before 4 p.m. On Thursday, it is $3 after from 4 to 7 p.m. and $6 after 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, admission is $6 from 4 to 7 p.m. and $10 after 7 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m. daily. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.

Food, drinks, beer and wine from several local restaurants will be available for purchase with tickets.

The live music lineup runs all day and ranges from the top local talent to well-known regional and national headliners.

Schedule

Thursday, June 19

  • 5 to 6:30 p.m., DJ.
  • 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jabala Afrika.
  • 8:30 to 10 p.m., Taj Weekes and Adowa.
  • 10:30 p.m. to midnight, One Love Reggae Band.
  • Between sets, Tropical Storm Sound System.

Friday, June 20

  • 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Akasha.
  • 4:30 to 6 p.m., Akasha.
  • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rebel Roots.
  • 8 to 9:30 p.m., Prophecy.
  • 10 to 11:30 p.m., The Meditations.
  • Midnight to 1:30 a.m., Ifficial Reggae Movement.
  • Between sets, Tropical Storm Sound System.

Saturday, June 21

  • Noon to 1:30 p.m., Gypsi Fari Duo.
  • 2 to 3:30 p.m., Dunuya Drum and Dance.
  • 4 to 5:30 p.m., Hurricane Reggae Band.
  • 6 to 7:30 p.m., Chicago Afrobeat Project.
  • 8 to 9:30 p.m., Dub Dis.
  • 10 to 11:30 p.m., Luciano.
  • Midnight to 1:30 a.m., Zion Lion.
  • Between sets, Tropical Storm Sound System.

Sponsors include Festival Charities Inc.

For more information, visit islandfestkalamazoo.com.