One Love comes to Key Largo for the Independence weekend with the July 3-4 Reggae On The Beach Bash.
The event --- which takes place at Key Largo Beach Boat & Tackle --- is a mix of music, watersports and Caribbean cuisine, according to Antonio "Gilly Dread" Gilbert, one of its organizers.
"It's a tourist area an' di people in the Keys love reggae. I have been there a number of times an' experienced how they respond to reggae," he said.
The featured acts are singers Wayne Armond and Pluto Shervington, who are based in South Florida. Armond is best known as a member of the band Chalice, which has a number of hit songs including"Good to be There" and "Revival Time".
Shervington celebrated his 50th anniversary in music last year. He is a mainstay of the South Florida reggae scene; his hit songs include "Ram Goat Liver" and "I Man Born Yah".
Veteran musician Pablove Black, who has recorded and toured with Jimmy Cliff; Dreadloc-O-Bedroc, Jean P Jam, Ras Shaggie Williams, Indigi-God and sound system selector DJ Docta complete the lineup of artists.
Reggae On The Beach Bash will be hosted by actor/musician Buddha Gonzalez, whose family are proprietors of Key Largo Beach Boat & Tackle.
Gilbert was once the chef of reggae legend Bob Marley. He accompanied the Rastafarian artist on several tours including his final in 1980, one year before his death.
Written By Howard Campbell