A new food and music festival was held at the Clark County Government Amphitheater, much to the delight of area reggae fans. Hopefully, this concert called Reggae In The Desert will become an annual event.

After a good day of music, Don Carlos took the stage. Opening with "MOVIN'(TO THE TOP)", Don Carlos and Dub Vision continued with a special set of reggae. "I JUST CAN'T STOP" was a song with a good dance groove. It must have been Don Carlos' motto, because he didn't stop moving all show long. The next song, "JOHNNY BIG MOUTH", tells a tale of that boastful someone we all know.

"MUSIC CRAVE" had Don inviting too many little kids up on stage with him. "FRONT LINE" kept the crowd dancing and having a good time. Carlos really hit his stride with the song "JUST A PASSING GLANCE". Carlos and the Itals proved that there should be a Reggae In The Desert II next year.

Preceeding Don Carlos, the Itals played a high energy set to thrill the fans. Included were "SING FOR YOU MY ENEMY" and "FOOLIN' NO LONG". "PEACE AND LOVE" was the song that went over the best, because it was what the day was all about.

"GOT TO REVEAL" and "HEALING JAH" added to the good vibe of the day. This inspired performance by the Itals had the fans responding in kind. They ended their set with "IN A DISTANT TIME", and the only disappointment they gave the fans was that their set had ended without an encore.

Las Vegas' own Lion Pride didn't build on the momentum started by Dub Vision. "WHAT IS THIS" and "INDEPENDENT MAN" gave way to average covers. "SOME GIRLS HAVE ALL THE LUCK" (instead of some guys have all the luck), seemed forced. "BEEN AROUND THE WORLD TONIGHT" lead into "ANGEL DARLING", finally ending with Bob Marley's "EXODUS".

Dub Vision played a short set to open the show. They filled in for Reggae Angels, who didn't show up. Playing songs like "WANTED MAN" and "WHY SHOULD I CRY", they got the day off to a great, if not late, start. Though this band would have to wait hours before backing Don Carlos, they had gotten there early and made the crowd happy. Their song "JOY" highlighted this wonderful surprise set.

We'd like to thank Brian and everyone at the government center.

Photography by Carol Michaud. copyright © 2001-2 Brown Ink

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