We’re not just country music and indie rock fans out here in Durango. Turns out, we got a strong love for reggae, funk, jam, and ska, too, which is why the good folks at More Music Festival are bringing us a second round of melodies on June 8 at Durango’s Buckley Park.
We couldn’t be more excited to see acts from both local artists and bands from as far away as Houston.
Swing by this midsummer jam sesh and catch the following bands.
Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp & the Zipguns: This rockabilly crew out of Austin, Texas, is coming to Durango and bringing their own brand of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. Influenced by the likes of Ric Cartey and Sam Phillips, the boys with slicked back hair have come out with albums like “Gone Fishin’,” “Ride That Rocket,” “Who’s the Fool,” and “That Crazy New Sound.” With three decades of musical experience under his belt, Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp has opened for Morrissey and played with bands such as London hip rockabilly band the Megatons, garage/psycho-billy legends The Vibes, The Stingrays, and the Blubbery Hellbellies.
The Riddims: This high desert reggae group is inspired by music and cultures of all kinds, from roots reggae to hip hop to Native New Mexican music. Based in Albuquerque, N.M., this five-member band released their first EP, “Homegrown,” in 2016 and are inspired by the music of Sublime, Blink 182, and Rebelution.
Garrett Young Collective: The Garrett Young Collective out of Bayfield will gift us with some alt rock and country. They released their first album, “The Garrett Young Collective,” in 2018. Vocalist Garrett Young grew up in Colorado on his family’s ranch and eventually moved to California to pursue his music career. These days, he’s back in Colorado touring with his band and will be headed to Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas this fall.
Ragwater: This Ragwater crew out of Pagosa Springs boasts a five-man team of musicians rocking out to everything from “boot-stomping rock” to the blues. The band consists of lead singer Chris Haas, lead guitarist Chris Rapp, bassist Rick Riojas, rhythm guitarist Glenn Goss, and drummer Miro LaGoia.
Idiginis: This Bob Marley inspired band hailing from Houston, Texas, is coming to Durango to “wake up the world” and “spread Jah message.” These fellahs started their group in 2008 and have chosen to stick with the traditions of reggae music, with a mix of “Texas flavor.” They’re a mix of roots, rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and dub, and have played alongside the likes of Sugar Minott, Freddie McGregor, and Third World.
Grassy Gread: Presenting a dub-rock reggae fusion, this band out of Salt Lake City, Utah, draws musical inspiration from groups such as Eek A Mouse, Steel Pulse, and K-Bong. They released their latest album, “Loving Confrontation,” in 2018.
The Casual Fridays: This Pabst Blue Ribbon lovin’ band outta Las Cruces, N.M., will give a performance of ska, punk, and reggae at the More Music Festival. This four-man band formed in 2004 is inspired by artists like Second Class Citizens, Hometown Letdown, and Regicide.
Amanda Push
