Fortunate Youth * Cali Roots * 2026

Hailing from the sunny beach town of Hermosa Beach, California, Fortunate Youth has established itself as one of the most dedicated and chart-topping forces in the American reggae-rock scene. Formed in 2009, the group’s origin story reads like a classic Southern California tale. Longtime friends who bonded on Little League fields and attended the same high school later crossed paths at a backyard birthday barbecue, uniting members from two local bands, Rude Boy Roots and Irie State of Mind. Led by the distinct, soulful vocals of frontman Dan Kelly, the group includes Jered Draskovich (keys/bass), Corey Draskovich (bass/guitar/keys), Travis "Travi Bongo" Walpole (percussion), Greg Gelb (bass/guitar), and Revelation Kalauli (drums). Driven by a democratic, egalitarian philosophy, the band is famous for an on stage musical chairs routine where members frequently rotate instruments during live performances. Fortunate Youth's signature sound is a vibrant tapestry woven from roots reggae, ska, rock, blues, and punk. Over more than a decade of relentless touring, they have transitioned from playing small local bars to headlining massive national festivals alongside genre giants like Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure. Their grassroots, DIY work ethic paid off quickly: after their 2011 debut Irie State of Mind hit #2 on the iTunes Reggae charts, their subsequent studio albums It's All A Jam (2013), Don't Think Twice (2015), and their 2017 self-titled LP all claimed the #1 spot on both the Billboard and iTunes Reggae charts. Through countless miles on the road and a prolific discography, the multi faceted sextet remains fiercely devoted to their original, simple mission: spreading messages of peace, love, and unity worldwide.