Rochester be jammin' with annual reggae fest Aug. 6

Lead act of annual Reggaefest is Soulshot which has performed several times in Jamaica. (Courtesy image)

ROCHESTER - Several regional and internationally recognized reggae acts will perform in the gardens of The Governor's Inn on Aug. 6 with more than 10 hours of music, accompanied by arts and craft vendor booths, open grills and scores of craft beers to sample.

Celebrating its fifth annual reggae event, The Governor's Inn is staging six talented acts including Soulshot, a 12-piece headline band who have turned heads in Jamaica from Kingston to Montego Bay, as well as the bands Frevolt, DreadRocks, The Equalites, 'Kappo' Hanson, and Joe Sambo & The Goonz.

Bands will be staged from two stages, and in the adjoining gardens artisan vendors will showcase pottery, photography, fine arts and hand crafted treasures. Those interested in selling their own art are still encouraged to contact the Governor's Inn.

From under the grove trees grilled burgers, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and the Garage's award winning BBQ will be served.

There is limited seating for those arriving early - others are recommended to bring lawn chairs or lawn blankets. 2016 being a 5-year mark for the Reggae Festival at The Governor's Inn, a special all-day advance ticket is available for only $16.

The headline band, Soulshot, is impressive not only in the states but also in reggae's homeland, including the Black Mystery Concert in Kingston, Jamaica. They were invited to perform at a festival in Montego Bay and so impressed the management that they were called back to Jamaica to perform for the following year's main lineup along with Lionel Ritchie, The O'Jays, Chicago, and Maxi Priest.

Led by David "Daveydread" Turano on bass, Soulshot recently produced their third album and has band members with impressive experience, including Ken Stewart with 20 years as keyboardist and manager of the world famous Skatalites and vocalist Dion Knibb, son of the late legendary drummer Lloyd Knibb, who toured the United States and recorded in Jamaica with the Fab 5.

Trumpeter Mark Berney also comes from the Skalalites as well as Aretha Franklin's band. Thom O'Brien, singer/songwriter of the group, has penned over 100 songs, some of which appear on the new "Shot Heard Round the World" album. The other members include Tom Perrott on guitar, Frank Moniz on tenor sax, Rob Liguori - alto, tenor and flute player, Grayson Farmer on trumpet, Krys Jackson on drums and Papa Zeke on percussion.

One of the other headline acts this year at the Inn, FREEVOLT, is a roots rock reggae act known for their high energy performance that is full of dynamic changes, tight grooves, positive vibrations, and passionate vocals. They were recognized as one of the top five best live acts in New England by the NE Music Awards last year. Freevolt is currently on a nationwide tour with their second album "Once You Say."

The Reggae Fest is part of The Summer Music Series at the Governor's Inn - with over 50 bands all summer. The Summer Music Series is made possible by Metrocast, United Insurance, Broadview Hospital, 1st City Auto, Poulin Auto, Bourque's Flooring, Spence & Mathews Insurance, Burke's Tree Service, Hervey's Tire, The Gafney Home, Studley's and The Rochester Opera House.