Santa Cruz Roots Reggae Band Ancestree Plays San Jose's 420 in the Park

Ancestree brings its message of unity and authentic reggae to the annual celebration.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:22pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, conceptually representing the roots reggae music and multicultural message of the band Ancestree.Ancestree's roots reggae sound and message of unity will bring vibrant energy to San Jose's 420 in the Park celebration.San Jose Today

Santa Cruz roots reggae band Ancestree, devoted to the sounds of early 1970s reggae music, is set to perform at the 420 in the Park celebration in downtown San Jose on April 18. The band, known for its intention to invite everyone to the party and spread a message of unity through its music, has been grinding and putting in the labor of love for the reggae genre for over 16 years.

Why it matters

Ancestree's performance at the 420 in the Park event highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of roots reggae music, which has long been associated with themes of unity, social justice, and personal freedom. The band's commitment to authenticity and its multicultural influences resonate with the inclusive spirit of the annual celebration.

The details

Ancestree, a seven to nine-piece band, has paid its dues through endless gigging and constant refinement of its sound. The band's music has personal twists and takes on what roots reggae means, drawing inspiration from the genre's Jamaican heritage while also incorporating the band members' own cultural backgrounds and experiences. Ancestree's songs often address topics like First Nations struggles and the fight against 'Babylon', using the music as a platform to heighten awareness and express themselves artistically.

  • Ancestree will perform at the 420 in the Park Celebration in San Jose on April 18, 2026.
  • The event runs from 2pm to 9pm.

The players

Ancestree

A Santa Cruz roots reggae band devoted to the sounds of early 1970s reggae music and spreading a message of unity through its music.

Tomás (Gomez)

Ancestree's guitarist and lead singer.

Christopher 'Smiley' Carr

Ancestree's bassist who holds down the bottom end of the band's sound.

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What they’re saying

“You don't have to be dreadlocked to be Rasta. We live in Rasta Cruz and my other world is stewarding ganja. Ganja is how I've supported myself. I'm a friend of cannabis personally and as a band.”

— Christopher 'Smiley' Carr, Bassist, Ancestree

“We're not trying to be anything we're not. We respect the reggae culture. We respect the heritage and the legacy of Jamaican music and Jamaican artists.”

— Christopher 'Smiley' Carr, Bassist, Ancestree

“One step forward, two steps backward, and living in Babylon. I feel these messages, and these hooks, and this music is very prophetic and it comes back around and then we have to stay vigilant, and we have to stay united.”

— Christopher 'Smiley' Carr, Bassist, Ancestree

What’s next

Ancestree's performance at the 420 in the Park celebration in San Jose on April 18 will be a highlight of the annual event, showcasing the band's commitment to authentic roots reggae and its message of unity.

The takeaway

Ancestree's performance at the 420 in the Park celebration in San Jose exemplifies the enduring appeal and cultural significance of roots reggae music, which continues to inspire musicians and fans alike with its themes of unity, social justice, and personal freedom.