8. Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (Boonville, Calif.; June 21-23)
Two hours south of Reggae on the River—and two hours north of San Francisco— is the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, site of the rugged Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. Headlining this year are Damian and Stephen Marley; supporting acts include SOJA, Marcia Griffiths, Max Romeo, U-Roy, Leroy Sibbles, Protoje, Hollie Cook/Prince Fatty, Sister Carol, Cornel Campbell and Gappy Ranks. Legendary U.K. soundsystem Jah Shaka also makes a rare U.S. appearance; other sounds holding down selections “in the dancehall” include Downbeat the Ruler and Italy’s Gaudi.