Rise Up Fest 2024, feat. Dirty Heads, Sublime With Rome & Everclear

Our sweet summer was gone when we headed to McHenry, Illinois to celebrate two of the best things in life — weed and wicked good music. Being a mini-fest, there were only three bands on the docket… and three very different bands, at that.

First up was the nostalgic 90s alt rock of Everclear.

Singing radio hits and deep cuts, Everclear entertained the early crowds, as people got in the venue and to their seats with drinks in hand. The party continued with Sublime With Rome, singing all of Sublime’s greatest hits — including “Greatest Hits”! Being that son of Sublime frontman Jakob Nowell has joined forces with the surviving members to reincarnate Sublime in his father’s style, it’s sad to see the Sublime With Rome outfit stop touring. But, in true fashion, this tribute to 90s stoner rock was an all-out party this night in McHenry, with Rome delivering nothing short of a fantastic performance.

Last up was the renowned hip hop conglomerate of Dirty Heads, with lights, horns, haze, and heavy beats. They powered through banger after banger, including their first-ever radio hit “Lay Me Down” — complete with Rome!!! Considering Rome Ramirez helped jumpstart DH’s career, it was only fitting to see the two bands reunite as SWR ends. It all comes full-circle in this life… you just have to remember to that “if you don’t like your life, then you can go and change it”. Cheers to a wonderful way to end the summer season!

Photography by John Bender

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