Dread not

We know it may be cold and snowy out there, but it’s never too early to start thinking about festival season. And that festivarian heaven just south of the border, Tico Time, has announced its line-up for next spring’s “Rise & Vibes” festival May 10-12, 2024

Topping the guest list is none other than legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, one of the most critically acclaimed and successful reggae bands of all time. Fronted by lead singer David Hinds, Steel Pulse formed in Birmingham, England, in 1975. The band, which oddly enough started off playing London punk clubs, soon became known for its strong social justice and anti-racism message. Their early single "Ku Klux Klan” – which often included a lively stage parody including full KKK regalia – went on to make Rolling Stone’s list of the “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Heavily influenced in the early days by Bob Marley (and who wasn’t?) the band went on to become the first non-Jamaican act to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for 1985’s “Babylon the Bandit.” The band has also won a slew of other awards, including “Best Reggae Act” by the British MOBO awards, which honor achievements in music of Black origin, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jamaica Music Industry Association.

Beyond their message and accolades, though, Steel Pulse is known for its bumping and highly (no-pun intended, well maybe a little) energetic live shows. Aztec may never be the same.

Other “Rise & Vibe” headliners include Tribal Seeds, J Boog, Wookie Foot and the Elovators. Even better than reggae in the sun? Proceeds from the festival go to Tico Time’s new Pura Vida for Good nonprofit, which seeks to better the lives of area residents through addiction-recovery support, affordable housing and more.

For tickets or more info. go to: www.riseandvibes.com.