For the past 24 years, JazzReggae Fest has been bringing some of the biggest names in music to the Intramural Field on the campus of UCLA. This year marks the 25th production of this two day music festival taking place on Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend.
As usual, this year’s event will feature up and coming talent and well known stars. Lupe Fiasco is headlining Jazz Day while Steel Pulse is standing in for Sean Paul to headline Reggae Day. A host of other stars complete the bill including Meshell Ndegeocello, Talib Kwali, and The Wailing Souls.
The value of the show is a bargain given the caliber of the talent, the amount of music that they play (various groups play from 12 to 7 PM both days), and the setting of the event on the lovely campus of UCLA. Pre-sale tickets are just $29 for one day or $50 for both. Prices at the gate are $6 and $10 more respectively. For $65, the Deluxe admission gets you one-day access to tables and chairs in a shaded area just off the stage. A true luxury since no chairs or umbrellas are allowed on the field! Complimentary snacks, beverages, and a goodie bag round out the VIP treatment.
There’s More Than Just Music! Irie Food and Bevs
While the performing artists serve their music, merchants will be present at the festival serving food and beverages for the listeners’ appetites. The event producers have set up an international market with at least 30 vendors serving all types of cuisines. In the slide show below, you’ll see some of the same vendors from years past that will be serving again for this year’s event.
In the list of participating vendors below, you’ll find vendors serving Guyanese and Thai, and plenty more serving Jamaican. Catering to a diverse crowd, you’ll even find vegan Jamaican, beverages, and a few sweet selections as well.
| 2011 JazzReggae Fest Vendors | |
|---|---|
| Auntie P’s Jamaican Kitchen | Matai’s |
| Barrett’s Lemonade | Mrs. C’s Kitchen |
| Big Papa’s BBQ | Nyala Ethiopian Rest. |
| Blazin J’s Kettle Corn | One Stop Jamaican Food |
| Chef. E Dubble Grilled Chef Sandwiches | Patties Express |
| Delrose Jamaican Style Cuisine | Rock and Roll Pizza |
| Dubble Dip Ice Cream | S&R Thai Chinese BBQ |
| Grub Catering | Shabazz Seafood |
| House of Sweets | Stones Jamaican Cuisine |
| Ingrid Guyanese Kitchen | Strictly Vegan |
| Irie Choice Caribbean Cuisine | The Kobbler King |
| Island Kine Grindz | The Sweet Stop |
| Joe’s Universal | Toni’s Smoothies |
| Kamil’s International Food | Vici Victual |
| Kassava Caribbean Restaurant | Wet Wings |
There’s enough variety there to satisfy the tastes and budget of just about anyone. Cash makes getting through the lines easy; ATMs will be available if you need to really stock up on beef patties, lemonade, and funnel cakes!
If the beverage prices are out of your budget, you can still stay cool and hydrated at the water bottle refilling stations, provided for free by the festival organizers. Bring an empty, refillable bottle or a sealed, unopened bottle of water and fill up for free when needed.
Twenty Five Years of History
Marking this “silver” anniversary, the producers of the event have put together a video looking back at the creation and growth of this two day music festival. Check it out!
Not only would you make your Memorial Day weekend a memorable one by attending this event, you’d also be making history.
25th Annual JazzReggae Fest (2011)
http://jazzreggaefest.com
Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30, 12- 7 PM
On the Campus of UCLA
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025