By James Casey
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 9, 1998

'What about Bob?'

It's that time of year again - the annual Bob Marley festival, now in its fifth year, is back in Tucson to celebrate Reggae's most well-known son. The event will be held at Kennedy Park this weekend, and promises to showcase a number of up-and-coming Reggae artists. Local groups Neon Prophet and One Blood will be performing with other artists from around the country, some from as far away as Hawaii.

Neon Prophet has already gained recognition in the Tucson music scene. With a twice-weekly spot at Chicago Bar on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the band is sure to draw potential festival goers over the weekend.

Papa Ranger, owner of the Twelve Tribes Records and Sound (1133 E. Sixth St.) explained that "the bands are all American, although they are all in the spirit of traditional Reggae." He then went on to add, "They're all small bands just looking for a break."

Ranger, a Tucson resident for the past seven years, also has his own radio show, Reggae Connection, on KFMA (one of the festival's sponsors), Sunday mornings at 8:30. He is slated to perform and act as DJ at the weekend's festivities, giving the crowds a taste of true Reggae, as it was intended. Ranger, who left Jamaica 20 years ago in search of a better life in America, knows what's up in the Reggae world, and judging by the autographed adorned walls of his store, he is definitely a part of it.

The festival is part of a larger nationwide tour. Some of the bands travel with the tour, whereas some of the local performers are only around for a few shows.

The organizers of the event have promoted this year's festival as having the theme of "Jamming." However, as Ranger pointed out, that's just marketing. "It's about celebration," he said. "'Jamming' is just a song along with the rest."

The weekend fare will also feature arts and crafts from all over the world and enough Jamaican and Caribbean foods to answer to any appetite. The festival has gained in popularity recently and this year a drum circle will be there so that anyone can sit down and play along (provided they have a drum, of course).

Admission is free, although those who attend are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or cash to benefit the Highland Free School and El Donate and Primavera Foundations.

"Come over and enjoy the day," encouraged Ranger. "Come and check out the memory of Bob Marley."

The Fifth Annual Tucson Bob Marley Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, at Kennedy Park (3700 S. La Cholla Blvd. at Ajo Road). Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Call 795-6504 for more information.