Heavyweight Jammin'

Casa Rasta celebrates one-year anniversary
BY JACQUELYNNE OCAÑA

Photo By DJ Guacomole

If there is one thing the North Bay gets respect for, it's a genuine appreciation of reggae music. Nearly every mainstream reggae musician from Jamaica to Germany has played here. It isn't surprising, then, that there's a reggae dance party happening somewhere just about every night of the week.
After cataloging a series of slots in various Santa Rosa venues, bringing in heavyweight reggae stars like Michael Rose, Rootz Underground and Gentleman, Casa Rasta has found a permanent home to keep downtown jammin' every Thursday night. Hosted by Society: Culture House and presented by local event promoter Rebel Lion Productions, Casa Rasta isn't only a hotspot for reggae—it also serves as a tribute to the late Jessie Ray Southwell, a local surfer who died shortly after opening a reggae bar in Nicaragua. The club advocates year-round philanthropic causes, from Toys for Tots to tsunami victims.
On Thursday, Jan. 12, lively up yourself with resident selectors DJ Konnex and DJ Sizzlak, along with Jah Warrior Shelter's Rocker-T, dancehall vocalist Soulmedic, Luv Fyah and locals Ancient Mystic and Radioactive. Society: Culture House, 528 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. 9pm. $10–$15.—Jacquelynne Ocaña