As a special treat for our Festival community, on night 2 of Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest this year we thought we'd double-up on the world-class free shows and bring the mighty GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD to held tend our reggae roots. These Easy Star Records veterans have been keeping the classic roots and dub reggae sounds alive and well for over 13 years. A mainstay on reggae festivals and circuits around the United States, GPGDS built their reputation on their tight, engaging live show, shifting through influences and styles like nobody's business. (Such is the reach of this rad band that they even have a music video featuring a cameo from our fearless leader Dane Roberts!) Their uniquely improvisational dub reggae makes each and every show a completely unique experience, never the same twice. It's about time these future friends of the Festival made their Victoria debut.

A microcasm of this years incredible musical diversity, the bands joining Giant Panda for this all-ages party run a virtual gamut of sounds and influences. Paapa Wastik from Ghana backed by the Uprite Dub Orchestra will make his second appearance on the festival since 2007 when he played at Market Square with Mexico's Los Rastrillos and The Itals from Jamaica.

Quickly becoming one of Vancouver's strongest reggae acts MAD RIDDIM is coming with a crew to get the Inner Harbour Bouncing. They'll be Vancouver vocalists and rappers Janelle Reid, Ndidi Cascade and Ostwelve for a fully collaborative musical experience that's sure to leave an impression on any music lover who bears witness to it. Victoria's own PHONOSONICS will be rounding out the bill with their super soulful rocksteady vibes. One of the city's most versatile reggae bands, there's a reason they've been on our radar since their phenomenal “Stax Goes Rocksteady” show a couple years ago. We're honoured to be able to present this incredible night of music and dancing completely FREE for our west coast Ska & Reggae community.

*VIP viewing area accessible for those with Jupiter VIP Fest Passes*