For Shane Hardy, the executive director of nonprofit Eminent Collaborations, his concert Vibez on the Bay has some clutch aspects. For sure, it is a reggae fest, bringing in some of the most renowned local and regional reggae artists. As the name says, he wants to be bring the vibes—and reggae does just that on multiple levels. And certainly, it is a party, complete with food, bars, dancing, and stellar views of the sunset.
But it’s also about shedding the stigma on suicide. A subject often shied away from and often shrouded in guilt and shame, Shane wants every single person on the planet to know they are worth living. And that mental health awareness is as important as music.
Wait—what, exactly, is Vibez on the Bay?
From 3PM to 10PM on Saturday, Sept. 14, the Alamitos Bay Marina will be converted into a full-on reggae festival. And it brings with it some of the most respected regional and local reggae artists.
- Through the Roots: The San Diego/Hawai’i-based Through the Roots blends pop-reggae with rock and electronic elements. And therefore delivers an uplifting and powerful musical experience.
- Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds: Hermosa Beach-based outfit Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds brings a four-person-led mix of reggae, rock, and punk. They are known for their high-energy performances and positive vibes.
- Siaosi: Oahu-gone-L.A. artist Siaosi captivates audiences with his smooth island reggae sounds, blending traditional Polynesian rhythms with contemporary R&B.
- Bo Napoleon feat. Lov3ly Day: Carson-based musician Bo Napoleon teams up with reggae outfit Lov3ly Day to offer a soulful fusion of reggae and pop, creating a feel-good atmosphere that resonates with every listener.
- Nina Sosefina: Nina Sosefina is a native Long Beach artist. She uniquely blends island reggae with R&B soul, creating a soulful musical experience and making her a standout in the local music scene.
On top of this, you can some grub from four food vendors. Kona Ice, 2 Scoops of Rice, Nephews, and Beyond Jerk. All the while sipping on drinks from Meili Vodka, 818 Tequila, and Sprinter while dancing and enjoying life.
Shane’s background in caring and giving has been a lifelong endeavor.
Shane is no stranger to doing good things—and when you know his history of leading with positivity and care, it should come as no surprise that Vibez on the Bay has a focus on suicide prevention and mental. (September is Suicide Prevention Month.)
Snow on 15th—a party-gone-toy-drive that Shane started at his home—is approaching its 10th year in choosing an elementary school to benefit. Usually sticking to schools filled with disadvantaged kids, Shane is a firm believer in things working both ways: Before knowing they’re going to get toys, the organization works with the kids to learn about paying it forward, taking care of themselves and their communities, and the beauty of being kind. And then: showered with toys. Yes, it’s a beautiful gala that attracts hundreds of attendees.
The message attached to Vibez on the Bay is as important as the entertainment.
Like the Snow gala, Vibez on the Bay is a concert, yes. But it’s also about a much bigger message. And that is shedding light on the dark thing that is suicide. NBeing an active member of the Black community—and through that, other communities of color and marginalization—Shane understands that his community often treats mental health with a detrimental dismissal.
“In my community, I feel like people often don’t deal with their mental health concerns,” Shane said. “Instead of expanding their knowledge of handling it all, they lean solely on their own capacity, which can be limited. I’ve had friends—some as young as when we were in 9th grade—commit suicide. And some of their families are attending. One of our volunteers sought us out because her dad committed suicide a month-and-a-half ago—such a fresh, traumatic experience that she insists she needs to tackle head-on.”
Vibez on the Bay will take place at the Alamitos Bay Marina on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 3PM to 10PM. For tickets, click here.
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