When one thinks of UCLA’s annual JazzReggae Festival, hot temperatures and cramped conditions come to mind, but they are minimal inconveniences when compared to the star lineup guaranteed to engage their soul.

And that was exactly the atmosphere event-goers had over the Memorial Day weekend, as thousands piled onto the campus’ Intramural Field.

Like every year, crowds began arriving early on the first day, Jam Day, with blankets and mats they laid out to cushion their bottoms from the hard earth beneath them, and coolers with water and other liquids needed to hydrate their sun-ravished bodies.

This tactic of sealing one’s seat so that it is not occupied by another whose intention is grab the same great view, has been synonymous with event-goers who leave their belongings behind to stroll to a multitude of international food stands and clothing booths, and mingle with friends.

It is a pastime that is shared by all who join. And while these going-ons occurred, bands like Tha Boogie, a trio of young, creative artists who write, produce, record, arrange and perform their own unique music; Quadron, a Danish R&B and electronic soul duo; and Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime, tamed the beasts that laid within them. They set the tone for the more favored artists. And set the tone they did.

The Boogie, with their unparalleled style of music, matched their wacky attire — one with a nautical-themed outfit; another with an ‘80s prom dress, fishnet stockings and loud make-up; and the other with a bow tie, red pants, a black vest, a white button down shirt, a black and white Fedora and what appeared to be a black velvet jacket with a paisley design.

To some they may have seemed overworked, but to others they were just plain cool. They approached the stage with serious game faces but at the utterance of their first word, they entered into a world of unbridleness, as they moved around wildly, much like Andre 3000 in his hit music video “Hey Ya!”

They performed a mixture of funk, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, R&B and alternative soul from their debut EP entitled, “Love Tha Boogie: Vol. 1,” which has been revered by Raphael Saadiq as fresh and innovative.

Quadron, was hypnotizing. Many who were sifting through clothes and other items could not help be drawn by the lead singer’s — Coco — soft, yet jazzy voice that was further complimented by a full band — horn and all. The growing sensation, who are backed by Pharrell Williams, performed a number of hits including “Average Fruit” and “Day,” from their self-entitled album.

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime, brought a ‘70s soul, jazz and hip-hop vibe from their album “SomeOthaShip.”

But none of these acts were able to get attendees off their feet quite like The Foreign Exchange, Bilal, Q-Tip and Raphael Saadiq. They were who everyone was waiting for — and getting sunburned for; at least a couple of shades.

The Foreign Exchange, a duo consisting of American rapper and singer Phonte Coleman and Dutch producer Nicolay, hit the stage with smooth lyrics from their 2008 album “Leave it All Behind” and performed their 2009 single, “I Wanna Know.”

Bilal, who shed his dreads for a Mr. T haircut, donned a green T-shirt, black Levi’s jeans and sneakers. The Neo-soul singer, known for his high range and pitches once crooned women but on Jam Day that was thrown out the door; rather he went for a more techno or electronic vibe.

Q-Tip didn’t change a thing, except maybe his style — or should I say he reverted back to his old style. Perhaps he was going by the old adage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And the crowd didn’t have a problem with it. With white cargo pants, a khaki button down shirt and a black leather jacket, Q-Tip, lead MC and producer of the legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, gave the people what they had been looking for and that was some of his and ATCQ’s greatest hits like “Scenario,” “Breathe and Stop,” “Vivrant Thing,” “Check the Rhime,” and “World Tour.”

Raphael Saadiq, however, brought an old-Temptations flavor to the stage; not only in his attire but his smooth moves, gliding across the stage. He performed the hits, “Ask of You,” “Get Involved” featuring Q-Tip, “Be Here,” and “Anniversary.” And just as the crowd was getting warmed up and amped up, he blurted out one single line “Just Me and You,” hinting that he would lead into the track. But to everyone’s disappointment, his time limit was up and people were left wanting more.

On the second day, Reggae Day, event-goers lounged while they sipped authentic ginger beer and ate Jamaican patties. They were given a show by Tizzy, The Lions, Nneka, Etana, Cham, Barrington Levy, Nas and Damian Marley.

Nas may have been a head scratcher to those who recognize him as a rap artist, but he and Damian Marley’s newest album “Distant Relatives” said it all. The album traces the history of music, from dancehall to hip-hop and everything in between. One song in particular was “Patience.” From his solo albums, Nas performed “Made You Look,” and “One Mic,” amongst others.

Video via bout2blaze1.