The Roots Revealers opened the show: Imagine two Texas-bred, stark white MC’s singing with a Jamaican accent. They emulated the dancehall style well, but it simply came off as emulation of Barrington Levy. It was hard to take them seriously, especially when they left the stage after about four songs, thankfully allowing the backing band to show their strength with a few instrumental dubs.

Etana woke up the crowd. She and her backup singers radiated a beautiful island harmony that I felt lucky to hear; fine female vocals are really a rare treat in San Diego’s reggae scene. She is a vocalist we will hear much more from.