What better way to spend the Sunday before Dead Week than at a completely stress-free zone such as the Ames Arboretum?

Well, how about adding six nonstop, excellent bands in the flavor of reggae mixed with a dash of jazz and some local jam talent?

The Maintenance Shop has so conveniently arranged an exclusive get-together known as Reggae Sunday — which promises not to disappoint.

From the fun-loving International Reggae All-Stars to New York’s premiere jazz band Wayne Hortvitz and Zony Mash, those hip enough to attend will be treated to a unique combination of music that will seal off spring semester ’97 with a pleasant vibe.

Dave Newton, music director of the M-Shop, said one of the reasons he put together Reggae Sunday was the giant success the All-Stars had when it played the Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the M-Shop.

“The crowd came in hoards on a Thursday night. We had to turn away people constantly,” he said. “With that kind of crowd, I figured, hey, why don’t we bring them back and make it a real event?”

Newton said that originally he had spent a lot of time trying to set up a big concert for the Veishea celebration.

“They [Veishea organizers] ditched out on me, so I put all my effort into this by getting volunteer staff, arranging the music and arranging the stage, and getting local vendors,” Newton said.

Markiss, vocalist and guitarist for the All-Stars, said he is looking forward to Sunday.

“We have members from all over the place, Trinidadians, Jamacians and Americans,” he explained. “It is one big party.”

For Markiss, performing with the All-Stars is better than sex. “What I like is that it is a noncompromising exchange of emotions between humans. You can be so nonpersonal, but make such a personal contact.”

Markiss said the All-Stars create music for the head, heart and feet.

“The band is about trying to inspire people to tap into the positiveness of themselves and inspire them to become greater,” he said.

Chris Rohret, drummer of Medulla Oblongata, said Sunday will be a good opportunity for band members since they’re new.

“We just started jamming together about the end of last year. We kind of have this ESP-thing going on where we can jam spontaneously, anywhere, anytime.”

Medulla Oblongata is known as Grandma Mojo’s Moonshine Revival’s house band and has been playing to a packed shop every other week at the show.

Along with the All-Stars, the bill includes Shalita, masters of Soukous, Reggae, Zouk and Kwassa Kwassa. Pioneers of World Music Shangoya and Prince Jabba will also be there.

The jazz twist comes in the form a Zony Mash headed by Wayne Horvitz on a Hammond Organ. Fans of Medeski, Martin and Wood should not stray far from the Arb this weekend when Horvitz and his avante-funk improv appear. Besides a bevy of musical delight, several vendors selling candles, “very cool pants” T-shirts, and beads will also be there.

The gyro man and other food vendors will also be on hand to quench mid-day munchies.

Tickets cost $5 for students and $7 general admission. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the show might wrap up around 5 p.m. If it rains, don’t bother donning the tie-dye gear. The show is an fair-weather event only.

For those not knowing what to expect out of Reggae Sunday, listen to the words of Markiss. “Be prepared to come to a soulful, uplifting revival of your inner spirit.”