Review: Sublime and 311 Weather the Storm at Reggae Rise Up Florida

Sublime Frontman Jakob Nowell at Reggae Rise Up 2026

Kayla Sharpe

Tampa Writer

March 16th, 2026

Even with unpredictable Florida weather looming over the festival grounds, Reggae Rise Up rolled on all weekend. If anything, the dodgy skies only added to the festival’s bohemian atmosphere. Soon after, Sublime and 311 took the stage, igniting the free spirited crowd and proving that reggae rock is still alive and well, carried forward by nostalgia and a new generation ready to pick up a set of bongos.

By 8:30, the waterfront fields of Vinoy Park saw the ska legends walk onto the Reggae Rise Up stage. Sublime’s set felt like a modern rendition of the band’s 90s lineup. Fronting the group was Jakob Nowell, stepping into the role once held by his father, Bradley Nowell. It is a role given not by nepotism, but by an earned mix of talent and chemistry with the original members.

Throughout the set, Jakob made clear his appreciation for the role he’s been given. Between songs, he spoke with the audience and thanked the longtime fans who’ve been there since he was in diapers.

This appreciation was shared even more when Jakob stopped for a moment and spoke to the people who could no longer be at these shows, telling the audience, “They’re here forever, because we’re here.”

Sublime is one of the few legacy bands that makes an effort to diversify its setlist. With a 23 song set, the band aimed to mix the songs that got them there with the songs that keep fans coming back. Opening on a strong note with “Date Rape,” they moved into a plethora of hits, including two appearances of the crowd favorite “Santeria,” as well as the Florida relevant “April 29th, 1992 (Miami).” This was a big change compared to their last Florida appearance at Welcome to Rockville last year, which saw them working with a much shorter set.

While to many Jakob Nowell is the embodiment of his father, he is also beginning to take his own shape within the band. His stage presence feels naturally suited to the band’s style. During the set, Sublime also introduced their new song “Ensenada,” a song that steps into a world of fantasy, one where Jakob’s father’s spirit feels as alive as ever as the band’s original bassist and drummer, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, still carry those iconic songs today.

Later in the evening, 311 brought their own alternative reggae rock to the stage. Known for their intense touring schedule, the band quickly reignited the tired festival goers, turning the festival grounds into an energy boost.

Sadly, early into their set, the band was forced to end the performance due to worsening weather conditions. As the weather worsened, organizers encouraged fans to evacuate, though that proved difficult as the crowd seemed almost bolted down to their spots in hopes the band would reemerge.

The day itself was far from easy, with intense weather delays, pouring rain, and the Florida sun shining down on fans and performers alike. Fans had only themselves and the music to hold onto.

Though that was the end of the night, many fans still went home happy, driving back with the familiar tunes blasting through their car stereos.

Writer: Kayla Sharpe 

Editor: Stephanie Rodriguez, Jade Read