Roots and Rhythm Caribbean Music Festival logoRoots and Rhythm Caribbean Music Festival logo
Windsor

Roots And Rhythm Festival Will Celebrate Caribbean Culture

Reggae fans in Windsor-Essex might want to mark the last weekend in July off on their calendar because a new Caribbean music festival is coming to Riverfront Festival Plaza.

The Roots and Rhythm Festival will feature international reggae acts including Third World, Alison Hines, and Glen Washington who is originally from Detroit.

"For him, this is going to be kind of a homecoming," says organizer Peter Thompson explaining how Washington left Detroit for Jamaica where he became famous.

The event July 27 and 28 will also feature food and art vendors.

Thompson, who has been involved in the Caribana Festival in Toronto along with other events, says the festival is the first of its kind in Windsor.

"We know it's going to be an annual event," he says. "Always the first year is tough, but we think we will get by that and the community is going to enjoy this festival."

He points to the success of Carousel of Nations.

"I used to be part of the Caribbean Club here. I used to be the vice-president, and we always had great attendance," he says. "As opposed to some places a little bit more east of us, we are a little more familiar with this type of culture."

Thompson figures the event will draw visitors from London, Chatham, Sarnia and Toronto. He hopes to attract up to 3,500 people.

A one-day pass on Friday is $25, $35 for a one-day pass on Saturday, and $50 for a weekend pass.

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