Sat 5/25 @ 7PM
The Rock and Reggae Festival, taking place at the Beachland tonight, continues an old Cleveland tradition. For many years in the ’80s and’90s, two popular local bands — rockin’ reggae band First Light and jam band Oroboros — organized and headlined the show each year to benefit the Free Clinic.
Both First Light and Oroboros broke up in the mid ’90s. But the current bands of former members have resurrected the concept. Oroboros’ long-time leader Jim Miller now fronts the JiMiller band, while guitarist/percussionist/vocalist Carlos Jones of First Light leads roots-reggae ensemble Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band.
Those two bands headline a packed evening of music in both the ballroom and tavern that also features the Twistoffs, Big Ship, Svelton, Old Boy, Istvan Medgyesi, and Tastycakez.
It’s a $15 suggested donation in advance, $20 at the door. It all goes to benefit the venerable Free Clinic on Euclid, which began 43 years ago to serve the itinerant hippie kids floating around town, but now serves a diverse population who have been priced out of the health-care market.
Photo: Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band