Featured image by taken by Kimberly Kanuck

Review  by: Janel Spiegel Photography by: Kimberly Kanuck

 

What a beautiful day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The second annual One Earth Reggae Fest held at SteelStacks. People came from all over to be part of the One Earth Reggae Fest.  It sounds great saying that. (and typing out the second annual Reggae Fest.) They had guest artists from Florida, and all over. There were visitors from Texas, New York, and everywhere in between.

Photography by: Kimberly Kanuck

The line-up for the festival was incredible, and it was The Lunch Trucks, iron Lion, LNJ Sessions, Root Setters, Jah People was founded by Dean Rubenstein, Elephants Dancing, Space Kamp, Cultivated Mind, DJ Menace, Mike Pinto, Mighty Mystic, and Red Fox.

They had vendors again, and more food trucks. You could smell the food, and everything smelled delicious.  D&S Caribbean Kitchen was busy nonstop. Cubano Express had a wide variety of beautiful Cuban food. 3L Catering made great plates for everyone. They had everything from Jerk Chicken, rice and beans, Roasted Corn, Grilled Chicken, baked mac and cheese.  They were throwing down with the food. Island Noodles was busy as usual serving their Teriyaki Chicken Noodles and Vegan Noodles.

Kona Ice had a line all day. It was refreshing from the heat. It wasn’t too hot and Mother Nature delivered provided the perfect weather for the One Earth Reggae Fest.  I’m sure she loved the music too. I spoke with Dooby from Space Kamp, and he said he was happy to be there and so happy so many people showed up. It was a beautiful day.

One of the main focuses was Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley. A positive group that encourages an end to gun violence, racism and more. I spoke with Mike who was working today, and he talked about some of the programs they have available. The last Saturday of every month they do a peace walk through the neighborhoods. They hold a weekly lunch on Thursday’s. They encourage the community to get involved. I also met Laya Lopez who helps with a girl’s group. Promise Neighborhood of the Lehigh Valley is one of the most positive groups. They work hard and they get the community involved.

Movement Moves Media was also in partnership with the festival. Movement Moves Media was set up, and talking with everyone. If you had any questions, or needed anything. The Movement Moves Media reps were right there. ArtsQuest and SteelStacks staff and security was also helpful. They constantly do an amazing job with everything.

On this beautiful day in Bethlehem, PA, it was about the music. That was one of the main highlights for today. The music bringing people together, people were dancing and eating, having fun. It was a beautiful day. Ronnie Brandon’s iron Lion and LNJ Sessions kicked off the festival. The Root Setters, Jah People, and Elephants Dancing all performed. Space Kamp performed on the Levitt Pavilion stage. There was also a wedding at ArtsQuest, and Oskee from Space Kamp asked the bride and groom to step out onto the balcony so everyone could say Congratulations. The bride and groom obliged. Congratulations to the happy couple, we hope you take those memories with you forever. Space Kamp was joined by Nugz Bunny the Rebel Rabbit. Nugz Bunny was dancing, and taking photos with everyone in the crowd. It made people happy. There was a group behind me and my friend, and the kids were so excited they got a photo “with the fun bunny.” It’s small things that get people. It’s a beautiful day of being with friends, eating good food, and watching some of the most talented artists perform.

Cultivated Mind and DJ Menace performed. Gareth Shelton is the LEGENDARY Red Fox. Red Fox performed. So, between the Levitt Pavilion and the Blue Cross Community Stage, there were performances all day, and it was beautiful. I know I’m excited for next year already. I certainly do not want to rush time because it goes fast enough but it’s exciting knowing that they may do two days next year is great. The One Earth Reggae Fest brought the community together and people had fun.

This festival if vital proof that when people come together, and spend time together. It’s amazing what can be accomplished. ArtsQuest and SteelStacks have been a go-to place for me forever. This festival was beautiful. It was supposed to rain and be dreary too but Mother Nature knows the good music. She knows the good vibrations, and what was coming to SteelStacks. It was so much fun. The people, the food, and the music that heals.