One of the industry’s most recognized names in international reggae is headed to Folsom next weekend, as Grammy-nominated artist Pato Banton tops the bill at the second annual Framily Festival, presented by local nonprofit Friends of Folsom.
Best known for hits like “Don’t Sniff Coke” and “Baby Come Back,” Banton has recorded and toured the world with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40 and Sting. His appearance at the April 26 festival marks a major milestone for the local event, which is returning to Folsom’s Rodeo Park after launching in Orangevale last year.
But beyond the stage presence, Banton brings with him a remarkable legacy of music, mentorship, and community impact. Over the course of a four-decade career, Pato Banton has established himself not only as a globally respected reggae artist, but also as a spiritual leader and advocate for positive change.
In 2000, during a global tour with Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD organization—which combines world music festivals with outreach to underserved communities—Banton received devastating news that two of his sons had been shot in a drive-by attack. He immediately put his career on hold and dedicated the next six years of his life to youth outreach and community empowerment in his hometown of Birmingham, UK.
He founded Musical Connections, partnering with the Community Safety Team to offer counseling, mentorship, and educational support for at-risk youth across 16 inner-city neighborhoods. His work was so impactful that the West Midlands Police Department asked him to help combat gun violence in some of the city’s most dangerous communities. Within a few years, gun-related crime had dropped significantly, and Banton was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the BBC and inducted into the British Music Hall of Fame.
In 2006, believing he had sown the seeds of change in his home city, Banton relocated to Southern California and resumed his musical career—this time with a deeper mission. Since then, he has released numerous albums and collaborated with artists around the world. His most recent records—Love Is The Greatest and The Words of Rastafari—were released through Tuff Gong Records International, the legendary label founded by Bob Marley.
Today, Banton continues to tour and perform with his band, The Now Generation, while also serving as a teacher, minister, counselor, and mentor to a global network of fans and followers. Through his work, he brings a message of resilience, spirituality, and social awareness that resonates far beyond the reggae genre.
“He’s not just a great musician with a huge following—he’s someone whose life experiences and outreach work bring an extra layer of purpose to what we’re doing,” said Friends of Folsom President Jeff Garcia, who sees Banton’s appearance as a highlight of the event.
While Banton is the marquee act, the festival will also feature a strong supporting lineup of local and regional performers, including Arden Park Roots, Lot 49, Eazy Dub, Skinny Hendrix, The Benny’s, and The Cash Prophets, with more acts to be announced in the days ahead. The event runs from noon to 10 p.m. and offers a full day of live music, food trucks, craft beer, vendors, and community fun.
The event, originally known as the Flower Festival, has been rebranded as the Framily Festival to reflect the organization’s commitment to bringing “friends and family”—or “Framily”—together in the spirit of fun and giving back.
Last year’s festival was moved to Orangevale due to permitting conflicts and a competing event in Folsom. Despite the venue change, it was a success. This year, Garcia is excited to bring it home.
“We’re coming back to Folsom for year number two. They want us to have it here this year,” he said, crediting Mayor Sarah Aquino and city officials for helping resolve logistical challenges during the offseason. “It’s the second annual, but it’s the Folsom first!”
Friends of Folsom is known throughout the community for its year-round charitable work. From organizing the annual holiday turkey drive to supporting events like the Hangtown Motocross at Prairie City, the organization raises funds that are reinvested in local programs addressing hunger, homelessness, and support for underprivileged families and children.
In addition to the music, the festival will once again feature the group’s Fools Games fundraiser on the adjacent side of the park. The event is a quirky, high-spirited competition that includes cornhole, putting contests, ping-pong ball tosses, and other creative challenges. Funds raised during the Fools Games will support the group’s ongoing community efforts. More details about this year’s games are expected to be released soon.
In addition to the music festival, Friends of Folsom will host its annual “Fools Games” fundraiser on the adjacent side of the park. This event, held each year, raises funds for Friends of Folsom’s annual turkey drive and other charitable causes. Participants compete in what can best be described as a makeshift Olympics, with activities ranging from traditional cornhole and putting contests to ping-pong ball tosses, table games, and unique competitions designed by the organization.
Tickets for the Framily Festival are $46 and include admission to all music performances throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, pop-up shades, and everything they need to enjoy a relaxing day of music and community. Tickets can be purchased online at www.friendsoffolsom.org or by CLICKING HERE to go directly to the ticket page. Additional event updates and lineup news are being added daily.
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