Spring-2023

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 101 it’s not just ‘get your wristband, walk around, drink beer and listen to the bands,’” she adds. “It’s all these other elements; interactive artists, the sustainability aspect, the involvement of nonprofits and making sure that we’re sup- porting local artists and vendors. All this cre- ates a multidimensional experience.” Dan adds, “We provide the canvas for fans and artists. What happens at our events is organic. The number one takeaway is the vibe. Everyone feels welcome, fans, artists, staff and vendors.” Wesley Finley is the drummer for Rebelution, a California-based reggae band with a long history of working with the Sheehans, going back to the Hawaii days. “We’ve played Cali Roots so many times,” he says. The event has special resonance for Finley, who grew up in Monterey County and recently moved to Monterey. “It’s one of the biggest reggae festi- vals anywhere and it’s only two miles from my house. I ride my bike to work.” Finley says that his band and others look for- ward to Cali Roots as a time to catch up, hear and hang out with the other musicians they see on tour.“It’s like a family gathering.You keep run- ning into people you know. It’s hard to get any- where because it’s so easy to get sidetracked.” “A few years ago, we had a team roaming the festival talking to fans and artists, asking what one word sums up the festival,” Amy says. “By far that word was ‘family.’ We didn’t set an intention for that, but it organically grew into it.” A Sustainable Festival The first year, Cali Roots’ attendance was around 1,200. It was 44,160 over the four days in 2022.Those kinds of numbers present a big environmental challenge. “By year four, Photo: David Stoeklein (Clockwise from left) Fan favorites Stick Figure, Sublime with Rome, and Dirty Heads are all performing at this year’s Cali Roots Festival in May. Photos: Courtesy of Good Vibez Presents When you find a winning formula, it’s a good idea to stick with it, and Good Vibez is doing just that.