The Irie vibes of the Caribbean will flow through the valley in early fall as Whiskey Dicks hosts the first of what is hoped to be an annual event. A large outdoor stage will be the platform from which the deep groves will move the audience. The concert will feature four of the regions brightest talent in the reggae/blues/dancehall/funk genres who will all be sending out the positive energies for the people of the valley. Headliners Natty Nation hail from Madison and have won numerous awards, including Entertainers of the Year, and will soon release their fifth full length CD. Dred I Dread is one of the supporting acts and was named “Best Reggae Band” in Wisconsin by the Minnesota Music Academy for their hip-hop reggae blends. The Eau Claire region will also contribute two acts to represent for the valley. Irie Sol (claiming an Eau Claire and Minneapolis home base) has recently landed a distribution deal with Sony for their reggae/hip-hop/soul sound, and their horn section adds a classic, soulful sound to the dual vocalist approach. The Jones Tones from Eau Claire are also representing locally with their blues variety act. Offering a range of blues and soul influences wrapped around some reggae standards, they round out a stellar line-up that should easily make this event a “must attend” and kick off what is predicted to become an annual show for the valley.

Chippewa Valley Reggae Fest: Natty Nation + Dred I Dread + Irie Sol + The Jones Tones • Saturday, Sept. 6 • Whiskey Dicks • 1pm-midnight • $7 advance, $10 door • 829-DICK