Live music preview: upstart Remo Fest to feature reggae acts from Texas and beyond
Upstart reggae music event, Remo Fest ‘25 will take place at Hill Country Caribbean Vybez on Saturday, September 20, in Blanco, Texas. It’s the second year at this location. Doors at the reggae festival founded in 2019 open at noon, with music kicking off at 2 p.m. The Caribbean music vibes continue until 11 p.m.
Remo Fest was conceived by San Antonio reggae music veteran, Sgt. Remo as a birthday celebration in 2021, and the party has evolved into a full-on grassroots reggae festival. When asked about how the festival came about, he remarked, “Remo fest is a reggae music festival put together by myself, with the support of quite a few people. Our common goal is to keep the Texas reggae music scene strong. The fest highlights some of the best reggae bands across the state. This year we have 12 performers and 10 of them are from the state of Texas.”
With a plethora of Texas-based reggae artists and DJs on the bill, REMO Festival will surely offer good times and positive vibes in Blanco on September 20. The showcase includes Sgt. Remo & The Vibratones, Roots From The Clay, Kaya Kotura, Stonetribe, McPullish, Micah Shalom, Mr. Blacc Sheep, Soulfiya, Ras I-Dre, Selecta Will Dub, J Guam, DJ Soul Rebel, and the San Antones.
New Mexico’s Dre Z Melodi will deliver a special-guest set on the Blanco stage. The artist’s most-recent LP release, Victory, dropped last year, and is available on streaming services and for purchase.
The festival headliner will be none other than Kingston, Jamaica’s Ranking Joe, whose catalog runs deep, including work with the iconic Trojan Records. He started performing as Little Joe in the early 1970s, and recorded Gun Court with Studio One in 1974. Since then, Ranking Joe has a studio catalog that continues through the mid-2000s.
The venue, Hill Country Caribbean Vybez, is a community market, cafe, and live music venue. St. Lucia native, builder and chef, Kemry Paul, and his wife, artist and art teacher, Jennifer Nowzaradan have developed the property over the past decade. When asked about the vision for the Hill Country Caribbean Vybez space, Nowzaradan and Paul commented, “Hill Country Caribbean Vybez brings a taste of the islands to the heart of Blanco, blending authentic Caribbean flavors with the warm, laid-back spirit of the Texas Hill Country. More than just a café, it’s a vibrant venue where the community gathers for food, music, and unforgettable experiences.”
The family-friendly event includes camping sites at an additional charge. Remo Fest GA is priced affordably at $20 per adult; children under 12 will be admitted free. There are several bundle packs available at the event website, that include VIP and merch options.
Expect an open atmosphere with space for highly-encouraged personal folding chairs and umbrellas. Coolers and sunblock are recommended. Parking, beverages, and food will be available. Only service animals will be allowed.
Featured photo courtesy of Ranking Joe
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