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 In
1979, the Mateel Community Center
was formed as a non-profit organization that directed a
lot of energy into the cultural and economic growth of Southern
Humboldt County. They bought and refurbished an existing
community hall in Garberville, California, called
Fireman's Hall, that was originally built in 1939. There
were many events held in Fireman's Hall and most of the
shows put on there were non-profit. In 1983, this community
center, Fireman's Hall, was destroyed by fire. The fire
was intentionally set by an arsonist in the Southern Humboldt
area who had also set fire to, and destroyed, several other
businesses in the area. As is often the case, with arsonists,
the man responsible for these fires was a firefighter. Though
he was caught, and convicted, that did nothing to fix the
destroyed community center.
 The
Mateel received insurance money for the destroyed Fireman's
Hall, but it was not enough to construct a whole new community
center of the size that they felt was necessary. New building
codes made building a new community center on the former location
impossible because of setbacks that would restrict the size
of a building on that property. Therefore, money needed to
be raised in order to construct a new community center. Carol
Bruno and Shelby decided to produce a show together that would
be a fundraiser for the new community center. That show became
Reggae on the River.
The
community center has been built and has enjoyed much success,
Reggae on the River continues every year through the loyal
support of it's many fans and organizers. It raises considerable
funding for the Mateel Community Center, and many local non-profit
groups, while bringing a positive cultural influence to the
community.
Growth
Over The Years
From
the first Reggae on the River which took place in 1984,
many things have changed and grown. Fortunately, for the
people running the show, many of the changes were slow,
which made it easier to accommodate some of the more significant
changes.
 The
biggest change was probably the number of people that
attended over the years as Reggae on the River became more
and more popular. In 1984, there were about 1,200 people that
attended the first show and by 1995, the limit was for 8,000
people, a figure that had been decided on a few years before.
In 1990, Reggae on the River had a permit for 10,000 people
for a one day show. However, a much higher number of people
showed up and many of the systems weren't in line to handle
the high volume of people. It was decided the next year that
Reggae on the River would be changed to a two day event with
a limit of 8,000 people. So, 1991 was the first year that
it was a two day event and it has been that way ever since.
The
increase in attendance and impact that it caused greatly
increased the number of permits and guidelines that had to
be followed. In 1980, the permit to do the first show at French's
Camp (not Reggae on the River) consisted of a total of two
pages. Now that Reggae on the River is such a large scale
event, the permits consist of volumes of guidelines, such
as environmental impact reports, traffic plans, after action
reports and more. It was necessary to keep the event safe
and organized for everyone involved.
 As
the event has progressed and the quality and selection
of the performers has risen, so have the ticket prices. Tickets
were twelve dollars for the first event in 1984, contrasted
to eighty dollars for last summer's show in 1995. Though the
prices have risen dramatically over the years, reggae lovers
definitely get a lot more for their money, including more
performers and a two day event instead of a one day event.
There were a total of six different performers in 1984, compared
to twenty two in 1995.
In
1985, for the first and only time, Reggae on the River
had a different name. In '85, the event was called Rock and
Reggae, as you will see if you look at the '85 poster. However,
due to their insurance company's concerns over using the name
"rock" in the event title, that name was abandoned.
French's
Camp
 Reggae
on the River has always been held at French's Camp in
Piercy, California, which is 200 miles north of San Francisco
and just south of Garberville. Originally, French's Camp was
developed as a concert site by Doug Green and Family Dog Productions.
A couple of shows were produced there before the first Reggae
on the River in 1984. When Green and Carol Bruno decided to
produce Reggae on the River as a benefit to construct a new
community center, French's Camp served as a perfect site because
it had already been developed as a spacious concert venue.
Volunteers
Every
year that it has existed, Reggae on the River has depended
on a large corps of volunteers to make the show work and be
a success. Volunteers work on construction, food service,
hospitality, security, medical, traffic, parking, recycling,
stage, and more. They help on every single aspect of the show
and are essential to the smooth operation of the event.
Early
Planning
The
planning for Reggae on the River (which takes place in
the first week of August) starts in January with the meeting
of the Talent Committee. The Talent Committee looks into and
books the bands for the show. Over the years there have been
hundreds of different performers at Reggae on the River. Numerous
staff co-ordinator meetings are held at the Mateel Community
Center starting in February of each year.
Rod
Deal
 Rod
Deal, lead singer of the band, Rod Deal & the I-Deals,
was a frequent and well liked performer with his band
at Reggae on the River over the years. Rod Deal was scheduled
to play at the 12th annual Reggae on the River in 1995,
but, unfortunately, he passed away earlier that summer.
Many considered Rod a voice of the people through his music
and a very positive influence on the community. People
who were able to experience Rod's music at Reggae on the
River and elsewhere will never forget his presence and free
thinking ideas. In honor of Rod Deal, the 1995 Reggae on
the River was dedicated to him.
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