A Heartland Reggae Jam

This year, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Hugh Masekla, and Reggae Cowboys along with 22 other international bands will perform at Kansas City's 9th Annual International Arts & Reggae World Music Festival.

"Reggae music touches people on a very personal level with lyrical themes of peace and harmony, struggle and growth, survival and pride," say The Friends of Reggae International, the festival's producers. The music's goal, they say, is "creating real feelings of joy and unity, strength and hope in the minds and hearts of the people."

The festival brings together people from throughout the world for music, fun, and the blending of American, Jamaican, Caribbean, Latin American, European, and African cultures.

Other attractions at the festival include a marketplace of arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, and food.

Ten percent of all proceeds are donated to the city for the refurbishment of the Liberty Memorial.