Vermont Reggae Festival returns

The Vermont Reggae Festival, one of the more popular events of its kind in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, returns in August after a 10-year break.

The legendary Lee 'Scratch' Perry will headline the show which takes place August 13-15 in the town of Johnson.

Singer Colin 'Iley' Dread and the Massive B sound system out of New York City (featuring Big Apple reggae veterans Bobby Konders and Jabbba) are also on the show.

There was some opposition to the show's return by locals, who cited potential unruly behaviour by attendees. Organisers met with town officials and residents last week and assured them of an incident-free event.

The Vermont Reggae Festival emerged during the 1980s when demand for live music out of Jamaica was at its peak. Some of the biggest names in roots reggae, including the Wailing Soul and Culture, performed at the event.

- Howard Campbell