Page 16 - CannabisOkMagOnlineMay2019

2 CANNABIS OKLAHOMA | MAY 2019
Reggae In The Park

By Renee Fite

Reggae music was popularized in the 1960s and 70s by the late Jamaican singer songwriter Bob Marley, still rec-
ognized today with his dreadlocks on clothing, caps and marijuana accessories.

Enthusiasts of the music will gather in downtown Tahlequah, OK for Reggae in the Park, on Saturday, May 18,
starting at 5 p.m. at Norris Park. Musical groups Local Hero out of Tulsa, Ok, and The Big News from Norman
are performing.

Musician, entrepreneur and manager at Oasis Health Food Store, Daniel Franke is organizing the event, as well
as performing with his family band Franke Lee.
“We are hosting this event to build community, support a local nonprofit and create an opportunity for some
awesome bands,” said Daniel, “and we wanted to create a epic event showcasing Reggae Music that is open to
everyone in the community.”
Daniel discovered the music of Bob Marley and the Wailers in college on the Big Island as that is what the radio
plays 90% of the time, he said, “I just gravitated to it.” “I love the rhythm. The melodies. For me it is meditative,”
he said. “Reggae tends to have a positive message of overcoming struggle, rising above hardships, equality, peace
and love. It moves me, literally.”
Franke Lee has been a band since 2008 and is Franke, his dad Michael and friend Aaron Lee.

“We pull influence from rock, blues, songwriter, jam, and Reggae,” he said. “Reggae has definitely been an evolu-
tion for us as a band and although we enjoy all genres, reggae is our favorite.”
Reggae in the Park is a free event and is kid friendly, said Daniel.
“We are organizing activities for children such as soccer juggling and chalk art, and are seeking volunteers for
recycling, kids activities, videographer, and stage work,” he said.

Vendors are signing up and Daniel welcome others contact him. Kroner and Baer will be selling locally sourced
micro brew, Soulage Medical Dispensary will have a booth, Cowpoke Print Shack will have custom tee-shirts,
Urth Gems will have handmade jewelry, NDN Inkworks will have tee-shirts, Royalty Jewels will have jewelry,
handbags, and accessories.

“We are still working on food vendors and hope to get some Jamaican style food there,” he said.
This festival is about Reggae Music, community and culture, Daniel said, “I would hate for stigma of an herb
to limit that. I believe that Medical Legalization will help with the negative stigma associated with this plant.
We applaud the State of Oklahoma for offering an alternative treatment to so many who suffer from debilitating
ailments.”
Daniel hopes this event will become an annual festival in his hometown.
“We hope to raise some money for the Arts Council of Tahlequah, establish a foundation to build on for next
year and raise awareness about cultural diversity.”
Q & A

What do you love about reggae?

I love the Rhythm. The Melodies. For me it is meditative. Reggae tends to have a positive message of overcoming
struggle, rising above hardships, equality, peace, and love. It moves me...literally.
How did you start playing?
My brother and I were around music as a kids. Our Father Mike Franke was playing Rock and Grandpa Willard
Franke played Country, Swing, and Gospel, Dad always had some Pink Floyd or Hendrix , Allmand Brothers,