LONG BEACH, CA | Nestled within the vibrant and sprawling festival grounds of the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach, the Boomyard stage emerged as a pulsating heart for reggae purists during an incredible 3-day event. While diverse sonic experiences ebbed and flowed across the festival’s expansive stages (The Vibes and The Greens, to be specific), Boomyard upheld the glorious traditions of roots reggae, offering an authentic, undiluted vibe that was both nostalgic and freshly invigorating. For many in attendance, the Boomyard stage’s uniqueness was the highlight of the festival, and the performances solidified it as one of the most incredible parts of Cali Vibes in 2024.
The Boomyard stage played host to a bevy of artists who championed the spirit of reggae, infusing Long Beach with the soul of Kingston. Protoje, with his lyrical prowess, enraptured the audience, invoking a sense of unity and consciousness reflective of reggae’s golden era. Stonebwoy brought an electrifying energy that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm of his beats, while Krossfayah’s set was a masterclass in blending classic reggae soundscapes with contemporary flair.
Close behind these towering performances were the bright sparks of talent that ignited the stage’s truly unique atmosphere. Acts like Eli-Mac, Karbon, and BLVK H3RO infused the venue with their raw, vibrant energy, signaling a promising future for the genre. The young Kailash earned his stripes among the reggae titans with a memorable performance, while Mystic Marley continued her family’s legacy, weaving her unique voice into the tapestry of sounds that her forebears helped popularize globally.
The atmosphere around Boomyard spoke volumes about its distinctiveness within the Cali Vibes Festival. It was where traditional Jamaican reggae fans found their sanctuary; a congregation of people mirroring the consistent rhythm of the music with their unwavering engagement. Euphoric roars harmonized with the beat drop as the audience cherished every note played. This one stage captivated the essence of reggae culture, fostering an infectious energy that was excited, rooted, and incredibly engaged.
Compared to the larger Cali Vibes stages, which were a melting pot of genres and contemporary fusions, Boomyard stood apart as a homage to the roots of reggae. While the main stages boasted bigger crowds drawn by the star power of world-famous acts such as Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, and Rebelution, Boomyard attracted the true reggae aficionados. This was the place for those longing for an experience that was as much about the music as the message it carried. It provided a soul-stirring divergence from the frayed edges of modern musical renditions found elsewhere at the festival.
And don’t simply take my word for it. I had a chance to ask World A Reggae correspondent (and self-proclaimed reggae guru) Todd Judd his thoughts on this year’s Boomyard Stage at Cali Vibes:
“The Boomyard stage at Cali Vibes may be a little smaller and a little bit of a walk to get to, but it is the loudest and most exciting stage of the festival. The Boomyard stage creates a unique environment at Cali Vibes for Jamaican, African, and emerging artists to showcase their talents with festival goers, most there to see the large array of reggae, hip hop, and reggae-rock-fusion bands. But what I have noticed is that every time I headed over to the Boomyard stage to take in an amazing artist via my photography, it was ALWAYS the same crowd there. This crowd was not at Cali Vibes to see the 50 plus groups playing throughout the three days. They were there to see these Jamaican artists put on a great show, NO, a great party. Boomyard is a perfect place for those that don’t know Jamaican roots reggae to get a listen, to see what the vibe is all about, and to see where reggae came from.
What makes this stage so amazing is its similarity to being in Jamaica at a big sound system party. So much fun, so much hype, and great amazing vibes! This year there were newer, up and coming artists like Rastan, Karbon, Kayland Arnold, and Teflon Young King. Artists that are not as well-known yet but making a name for themselves like Yaadcore, Zac Jone$, Mystic Marley, Shacia Payne Marley, and Kailash; and those that are very popular (Grammy nominated and Grammy winners) like Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje, Lutan Fyah, Stonebwoy, and BLVK H3RO. You get a little bit of everything at this stage and no matter who is on stage, you know it will be a party and pure fyah!”
Bottom line, 2024’s Boomyard was more than just a stage at the Cali Vibes Festival; it was a bastion of reggae purity. Amidst the sprawling celebration of music, this corner carved out for traditional reggae enthusiasts was a reminder of the genre’s enduring appeal and its power to rally people around profound lyrics and irie rhythms. It validated that reggae, no matter how global the stage, would always find its warmest reception among those who respect its roots and strive to preserve its core. Boomyard at Cali Vibes was, in essence, a sonorous love letter to reggae’s rich heritage, reverberating long after the last chord faded into the Long Beach night. One Love.
CALI VIBES BOOMYARD STAGE DAY ONE, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
CALI VIBES BOOMYARD STAGE DAY TWO, FEBRUARY 17, 2024
CALI VIBES BOOMYARD STAGE DAY THREE, FEBRUARY 18, 2024
