Darlene Quiala enjoyed the experience with her friend Areana Thompson.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
Neighbors
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Tonya Laughlin and Michael Goodrow had just met a few minutes ago, but they were already enjoying sitting together and "experiencing the vibes" of the music around them on March 28.
They were attending the Sarasota Reggae & Food Festival, held March 28 to 30 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
The event brought performers including Undercover Rasta, Greg Roy and The Pressure Band and Temporary Setback, and also featured food vendors and a market selling souvenirs and other products.
"It's very good," said attendee Elaine Ripstein. "Great music. The weather's hot, but it's good, you know? It's Florida."
Festival Director Bill Kinney created the event in response to what he said was a need for more Reggae festivals in the area.
"We love the response from the community... The buzz is all over the place. We're delighted that we're bringing this Caribbean culture to Sarasota," he said.
He said he anticipated the event being "completely jammed" for the big acts that night.
Paul Young performs with King Tappa.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The event also featured a vendor market.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Karen Ferguson and her husband Corey Ferguson watch King Tappa perform.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alisha Holland dances to the music.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Tonya Laughlin and Michael Goodrow. The two just met and were "experiencing the vibes" of the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Natasha and Jimmie Simpson enjoy the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The event also featured a vendor market.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Caitlyn Florrow, her dog Sunny and her daughter Leila Florrow, 12, bought some tropical refreshments.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Shevetta McMillaa and Bosworth Hill prepare some Caribbean food.
Photo by Ian Swaby
King Tappa and Brett Sharbaugh perform on stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Brian Buono takes in the energy of the music.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Carrie Dennison, City Commissioner Kyle Battie and festival director Bill Kinney gather at a table.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarah Hollibaugh enjoys the Reggae vibes.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lee Avant, Elaine Ripstein, Kelly Day, Jackie Vieras, Mario Lanni, Derek Daniel, Pat Monahan of Soul Purpose, Karine Monahan, Sandie Avant and Russell Ripstein
Photo by Ian Swaby
Darlene Quiala enjoyed the experience with her friend Areana Thompson.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jeff Hoffman relaxes at a table as he listens to the music.
Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.
