Home Events Live Music

This annual springtime sun splash now celebrates a quarter-century as Austin’s premier riddim-generating, dance-inducing, people-watching, Jah-praising, life-affirming extravaganza. Synced to 4/20, the festival guarantees requisite irie vibes, particularly this year’s strong and varied lineup of legends, up-and-coming youngbloods, and the best of Austin’s genre talent. Only Bob Marley moved more reggae albums than Saturday headliners Black Uhuru. Lead by founding member Derrick “Duckie” Simpson and featuring long-time vocalist Andrew Bees, expect to hear anthems “Sinsemilla,” “Spongi Reggae,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Aptly-named singer/producer Collie Buddz, who exploded on the scene a decade ago with “Mamacita,” wrecks the house on Saturday as well. Nattali Rize, Mighty Mystic, and Austin’s Hail Marley appear earlier in the day. Throughout the weekend, locals DJ RJ and Jah Ray spin vinyl early and between sets. Festival sponsor the Flamingo Cantina also features many of the headliners in a more intimate setting on Sixth. And Reggae Fest again benefits the Central Texas Food Bank, so canned goods are encouraged.

Finally, the return of the Breeders in ideal form: the same lineup as 1993 grunge-pop essential Last Splash. The Ohio foursome’s new All Nerve, their fifth LP, proves equally crucial, with Kim Deal still toting her effortlessly cool and aloof vocals over frenetic bass lines and Nineties skuzz. All moodiness and bite, they fish pop hooks from a wiry tangle of off-kilter alt-rock.