Get To The Gig; The Peoples Festival, A Tribute to Bob Marley
It’s known to some, but not to many, that the late great Reggae Legend and Pioneer Bob Marley spent time living and working in Delaware as a teen and adult. His residence in the city of Wilmington made such a positive impact that years later family and friends started a tribute to him that has lasted for decades. The family continues the tradition this year with The 28th Annual Peoples Festival being held at Tubman Garret Riverfront Park in Wilmington on September 17.
(The People rocking out at The Peoples Festival. Photo courtesy of The Peoples Festival official Facebook page)
Bring your blankets and chairs to this family-friendly event and prepare for the good vibrations. No need to bring a picnic basket because the festival grounds will be speckled with a multitude of food trucks and libations to give you the energy you need to cruise the countless arteson vendors. Tubman Garret Riverfront Park is conveniently located directly behind the Amtrak Train, Dart Bus, and Greyhound Station. The musical line up to keep us jamming past sundown includes Kenyatta Hill & Culture, Da Real Storm, Image Band, Jah People, Jahiti, Ghetto Songbird, Manero, and Danza Azteca Del Anahuac.
After the death of his father, teenage Marley and his mother moved from Kingston Jamaica to Wilmington Delaware. He didn’t stay for long on his first trip, returning to the island to make music and spread his message of peace, love, and unity. He would come back over the years for the birth of his son Stephen Marley in 1972, visit his mother and friends, and work in the Chrysler plant in Newark as a forklift operator, where he reportedly got the inspiration for his song “Night Shift.
(Bob Marley; Courtesy of The Peoples Festival Facebook Page)
His lifelong friend and Wilmington native Ibis Godfrey Pitts, along with his wife Genoveva and children, started the first tribute as a small-scale performance for family and friends honoring Bob’s mother Cedella Booker. Years later the event has turned into a high scale production and world class event drawing thousands to the city to celebrate the singer and visionaries message of justice and harmony for all people.
This is a rain or shine event and it has never been canceled or skipped since its conception, so mark your calendars. For more information, visit their website.
September 17 | 2pm - 10pm
Tubman Garret Riverfront Park
Rosa Parks Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19801
