Local Reggae Legends Reflect on Roots and Thanksgiving Eve Tradition

On November 20 KAWC released a 25 minute and 47 second episode of What's Up Yuma that focused on UpRoot, the homegrown Yuma reggae band founded by brothers George Flores known as RasJahge and Robert Flores known as Rastaman Rob. The program traced the band origins, examined the culture behind their music, and explored the long running Thanksgiving Eve tradition that has grown into one of Yuma's favorite annual events.

The episode positioned UpRoot as a formative presence in Yuma's music scene, highlighting how a locally formed group can shape cultural life and provide recurring opportunities for residents to gather. The Thanksgiving Eve show was described as an enduring community ritual that reinforces social ties and offers a predictable moment of celebration for families, longtime fans, and newer residents alike. By dedicating airtime to the band and its tradition, KAWC reinforced its role as a public forum for local culture and civic connection.

Listeners interested in the episode can find the show page on KAWC where an audio player is available and links are provided to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora and other platforms. The accessibility of the episode across major streaming services extends its reach beyond regular radio listeners and offers a way for Yuma residents who could not attend the live event to engage with the band story and the broader cultural conversation.

The program is significant for Yuma because it documents local creative history, supports ongoing civic participation through shared cultural events, and highlights how community institutions can sustain traditions that contribute to local identity. By spotlighting UpRoot and the Thanksgiving Eve show, the KAWC episode serves as both a record and an encouragement for continued community engagement around Yuma music and public life.