Rootz Underground: Rootz Underground represents Jamaica’s most recent contribution to the International Reggae & World Music scene. While undeniably rooted in reggae the six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes boundaries and defies being boxed into a single genre. Electric yet organic, gritty and soulful; the band manages to harness the essence that the reggae aficionado was captivated by in the 1970’s while connecting the youth to the pure messages of Rastafari with explosive live performances that are a positive and emotional musical journey. With over a decade sharing the stage together, along with the release of both studio albums “MOVEMENT” (2008) and “GRAVITY” (2010) they have managed to build a strong International fan base that spans across and beyond the 22 countries they have visited in not just reggae but also rock and jamband circles. At home in Jamaica Rootz Underground has made their mark with performances ranging from foundation festivals such as Reggae Sunsplash, Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute and Welcome to Jamrock to mixed format shows such as The Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. They have also managed to maintain their popularity in the underground music scene with regular appearances as they mould their touring shows against Kingston’s discerning audiences. With the continued rise of reggae music across the world being played and embraced by all cultures Rootz Underground ensures an undiluted dose of what is happening at the root, transporting audiences to Jamaica from a half-a-world away. They have toured heavily in both North America and Europe for many years gracing events such as Summerjam, Reggae Sunska, Roskilde, Garorock, Ostroda Reggae Festival, Reggae on The River, The Raggamuffins Festival, Earthdance, Harmony Festival, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival to name a few. Rootz Underground has also been blessed to have toured and performed with a variety of amazing masters of music in all genres however within reggae most notably are Gregory Isaacs, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Israel Vibration, The Wailing Souls, Alpha Blondy, Toots & The Maytals and the list goes on. With a firm grasp on the foundation as well as influenced by the resurgence of the band format out of Jamaica, Rootz continues to grow consistently building on every show. Moving forward you can expect only positive energy from Rootz Underground. Lyrically conscious and aware of the blessing of the musical life, the band strives to create songs that uplift energized by grooves that engage and melodies that connect. The upcoming year will see the release of their third and most anticipated studio album as well as all the global touring that should be involved with spreading the message. You can always keep track by following online via Twitter, Facebook & Youtube as they are always in the lead when it comes to bringing their fans along for the ride and sharing the experience.

The Expanders: The Expanders began playing reggae music together in the summer of 2003, and today are one of the most respected and hardest working reggae bands in Southern California. They have come to be known for their vintage “rockers” style of reggae, played in the tradition of classic 1970s Jamaican groups like The Ethiopians, Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, etc. Their music emphasizes three-part vocal harmonies and strong song writing. In addition to performing their own original material and rare Jamaican scorchers, since 2006 The Expanders have been the backing band of choice for legendary Jamaican singers when they come to California to perform, having backed such classic artists as Alton Ellis, The Maytones, The Ethiopians, The Wailing Souls, and many more.