Dreadlocks and drum machines

Returning for its 10th consecutive year, the Rock for Church(ill) Festival has lured an international assortment of rock, reggae and electronic music acts to the Czech countryside for the most diverse music festival of the year.

The festival has grown exponentially since its inception, when attendees numbered a heady 300 diehards who braved inclement weather for a small selection of local bands. The village of Vroutek is more or less hijacked each year for the weekend festival, which includes a large main stage for popular international and local acts, and a second, smaller stage for DJs to keep the bodies rocking into the early morning hours.

Festivals in late August are not for the faint of heart: The weather can be inclement, and temperatures usually don't come close to those during festivals earlier in the summer. But Rock for Church(ill)'s sheer diversity is sure to draw crowds, and promoters encourage advanced ticket purchases, lest the festival sells out again this year.

One of the biggest highlights this year is the UK band the Stereo MCs, performing Saturday at 10:55 p.m. The group has been making their unique blend of hip-hop, rock, electronica and acid jazz for almost 25 years, albeit with a nine-year hiatus. The band's newest album, Double Bubble, has been heralded as a nostalgic return to their roots. Though their heyday of popularity may have past, the band still knows how to cut sunny party music with catchy hooks and is the perfect festival soundtrack.  

Max Romeo, a godfather of reggae, is sure to draw the dreads to the festival in full force for his performance Saturday at 9. Best known for timeless reggae hits like "Chase the Devil," and "War Inna Babylon," Romeo has been one of the most respected reggae artists since he began recording vocal harmonies in 1960s Jamaica. Now nearing 70, Romeo's voluptuous dreadlocks have long gone gray, but reports from his recent tour promoting Pocomania Songs say he's in top form, performing sets sprinkled with iconic hits as well as deep cuts from the earlier, pre-Rastafarian recordings of his youth. Romeo returns to Prague after a sold-out show at Lucerna in 2007.

The largest local draw is likely alternative pop rockers Southpaw, playing Friday at 3:10 p.m. Inspired by British bands such as the Smiths - the name comes from Morrissey's solo album Southpaw Grammar - Southpaw has built a loyal following since their debut in 1996 despite, or perhaps because of, their insistence on singing in English. Their fifth and latest album, Addiction (2008), indicated the band is moving in more heartfelt, atmospheric directions, with the help of digital effects and synthesizers. They are sure to debut new material from a forthcoming album they promise will be out later this year.

The Tata bojs, another legendary local act, appear Friday at 8:40 p.m. With 13 albums behind them, the Czech trio has developed a fanatic fan base with a hard-rocking, harmonized sound mixing everything from '80s hair metal to white reggae. Their newest album, Smetana, saw them team up with Korean-American classical trio Ahn Trio. The addition of piano, cello and violin brings surprising depth to the Tata bojs' bouncy sound.

While the main stage hosts the biggest acts and is likely to see the majority of the crowds, the Represent DJ stage will host more than its fair share of talented DJs, including British drum 'n' bass legends Drumsound & Bassline Smith Friday at midnight, and the eclectic Belgian DJ Raggamuffin Whiteman, who spins a diverse mix of dancehall, coupe, decal and South American kuduro, Friday at 8 p.m.

For the sheer variety of performers packed into two days, Rock for Church(ill) is quickly becoming the most popular music festival of the season. From rock to reggae and everything in between, the festival offers something for everyone, no matter how finicky your tastes.

Stephan Delbos can be reached at
sdelbos@praguepost.com