Festival to feature seven bands and the return of the Friday night “Reggae Rave”

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (April 11, 2012) – With the start of Sugarloaf’s annual Bud Light Reggae Festival just days away, weather forecasts are promising classic spring weather for Friday and Saturday – welcome news for festival organizers.

Now in its 24th year, Reggae Fest is an annual spring party that draws thousands of spring skiing and reggae enthusiasts to the mountains of Maine. This year’s festival will feature eight bands and the return of the popular “Reggae Rave.”

Weather forecasts this morning were predicting snow showers through Thursday, followed by sunshine and spring temperatures on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to approach 60 degrees during the day on Saturday, meaning Reggae Fest attendees will be able to enjoy free, live outdoor music throughout the day, and classic spring skiing up on the mountain.

Sugarloaf is currently one of only four ski areas in the east still open, with 22 trails covering 153 acres.

“We’ve had every kind of weather imaginable for Reggae Fest in the past, but the classic sunny spring day is always what we hope for,” said Ryan Lilly, Sugarloaf Events Manager. “Snowstorms are nice, but nothing really compares to enjoying free music outdoors in the spring sun.”

The Reggae Rave, first introduced last year, will run from 9pm-12am on Friday night on The Beach, and will feature dancehall reggae from Boston-based Renegade Sound Station, as well as professional lighting and sound, bringing the nightclub experience to the outdoors.

This year’s festival will feature headlining artist Castafari performing in the King Pine Room on Saturday night, as well as six hours of free outdoor music during the day on Saturday by CuLLu, Sixth Degree, and Dread Rocks. Reggae bands Pulse Prophets and Gorilla Finger Dub Band will also perform in the Widowmaker Lounge throughout the Festival.

Originally hailing from Jamaica, Castafari is a rising star on the US reggae scene, having shared the stage with artists including Busta Rhymes, Beenie Man, Elephan Man, and Capleton. Now based out of Boston, Castafari graduate from UMass Amherst with degrees in Communications and Theatre Arts, and has gone to work as a producer, artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Castafari is currently touring in support of his most recent album, “Just Life.”

Sugarloaf offers a number of different ticket and lodging options for guests throughout the weekend. For $39 guests can purchase the “Good Vibes Pass,” which provides access to both the Friday night Reggae Rave and the Saturday headliner show in the King Pine Room. The Good Vibes Pass is the only pass sold in advance of Festival, and is available for purchase online now.

Tickets to the Reggae Rave and King Pine Room show will also be available at the door based upon availability, and will be $15 and $29 respectively.

The Reggae Rave, King Pine Room concert, and all Widowmaker Lounge shows are 21-plus only and proper ID is required. All outdoor shows on Saturday are free and open to all ages. No outside alcohol may be brought into any venue, and all bags and coolers are subject to search.

The springtime reggae festival got its start at Sugarloaf in 1988 as a way to celebrate the changing of seasons and enjoy the deep snow, warm sun, and classic spring skiing that the resort is famous for. Since that time the festival has grown into one of the most popular spring parties in ski country, drawing up to 10,000 reggae and spring skiing fans each year. In 2009 the festival was ranked as one of the “Top Ten Spring Bashes in North America” by Skiing Magazine, and was the only East Coast festival to make the list.

For more information on Sugarloaf and the Bud Light Reggae Festival, please visit www.sugarloaf.com/reggae.

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About Sugarloaf – Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is largest ski area in the East, and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East and one of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. Follow: www.sugarloaf.com, www.facebook.com/sugarloaf, and http://twitter.com/sugarloafmaine.