San Francisco’s Ragga Muffins Festival
Photos and Review by Lee Abel
On Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, the annual Ragga Muffins Festival limped into San Francisco. The headliner, Alpha Blondy, was hospitalized with pneumonia before he reached the United States. Barrington Levy had an accident in Jamaica and stayed on the ‘Rock.’ German DJ phenomena Gentleman lost his voice before the Bay Area engagement. However, the show did go on.
The crowd trickled in throughout the opening performances featuring Soul Majestic and The Aggrolites. Fans enjoyed the music and fabulous vendors, and the room soon swelled when Gregory “Cool Ruler” Isaacs took the stage. Gregory, tired from the prior week of shows but looking happy to be there, did not disappoint fans who sang along to his many classic hits. California’s own Midnite was up next and grooved the house with their Roots trance-music style.
Dancehall sensation Anthony B whipped up the crowd with his high-energy performance and left the crowd wanting for more. Last minute addition to the line-up, the legendary Eek-A-Mouse, closed out the festival and sent everyone off with positive vibes into the cool San Francisco rain.
