Many reggae events rely heavily on national touring acts. The Musical Instrument Museum, however, is playing a different rhythm with its Celebrate Reggae weekend on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.
The North Phoenix destination is spotlighting Arizona’s reggae community and those who keep the genre’s pulse alive.
“We are incredibly excited to spotlight the vibrant reggae community right here at the Musical Instrument Museum,” said Naomi Primeau, public programs specialist. “This weekend is a special opportunity to see how that legacy is being carried forward by our exceptionally talented local artists.”
MORE NEWS: Phoenix bucket list: 25 things you must do
The two‑day immersive event features performances, workshops, DJ sets, curator talks and dance parties. The lineup includes the soulful roots‑rock of Sharae and the Budderfly Effect, the hip‑hop/reggae fusion of Dobra Sound, and the feel‑good grooves of The Conveyors.
Sharae and the Budderfly Effect frontwoman, Samantha “Sharae” Blount, describes her sound as a blend of Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. Her band performs at noon Saturday, May 23.
“It’s very energetic music, with a lot of dancing, a lot of jumping, good vibes, good energy and good people,” she said.
Though she’s performed across the Valley for more than a decade, Celebrate Reggae marks her first time on a MIM stage. Blount said the festival’s timing is meaningful.
Arizona’s roots‑reggae scene thinned out after the pandemic, she said.
“Roots reggae has died down a lot here in Arizona,” she said.
“I started my band in 2023, and it has definitely picked up a lot in the roots reggae scene here. We’re definitely the band to be a part of this program because we’re picking it up so much here in Arizona again.”
Blount’s connection to reggae is personal and purposeful. “Reggae music is very uplifting, very powerful. Among humanity in general, we need a good message. We need good uplifting music to keep us in good spirits.”
As a Black woman, she sees reggae as a tool for healing and empowerment within her community.
“They don’t realize that they need it as much as they do,” Blount said. “There’s a lot of negativity surrounding it, a lot of pain within it, a lot of growth that needs to be had.”
Her lyrics resonate with fans, Blount explained. She recalled one woman approaching her after a Marquee Theatre show.
“She’s talking to me about how much the lyrics are helping her through so much that she’s going through right now,” Blount said.
“Next thing you know, she’s bawling, crying. I’m bawling, crying. We’re both bawling, crying together.”
Blount grew up between Joliet, Illinois, and Arizona, spending her early years in church music before joining the Valley reggae band Itality about a decade ago. She started as a percussionist before stepping into the backup vocalist role. When the band dissolved in 2015, she stepped away from music.
However, she was still drawn to the stage. At a Collie Buddz show at the Marquee, the live show’s effect hit her.
“I’m in the crowd, and I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, I miss that. I really miss being on stage.’” About 18 months later, she opened for Steel Pulse on the same stage.
Since forming Sharae and the Budderfly Effect in 2023, she’s opened for the likes of Collie Buddz, Etana, HIRIE, Arise Roots and Rik Jam — something newbie bands rarely accomplish.
Celebrate Reggae is more than a concert series. The museum stresses education, participation and cultural storytelling—hands‑on drumming workshops, DJ sets and curator talks.
For Blount, the festival is the perfect fit. “Reggae music just feels so good,” she said. “If I can have a voice that will be an inspiration to other people, then I’m all for it.”
