Part 2: Thursday in St. Pete (March 13, 2025)
The sun rises over St. Pete, and you can already feel the buzz in the air—it’s the first day of Reggae Rise Up 2025. With ten years of unforgettable music behind it, the festival opens with a stellar lineup that promises to kick things off in style. Whether you’re a local from Venice or visiting from across the country, Thursday sets the tone for a weekend packed with rhythm, fun, and good vibes.
The energy will be electric as reggae royalty Sting & Shaggy take the stage as Thursday's headliners. This dynamic duo, known for their chart-topping collaborations and solo hits, will bring their unique blend of reggae, pop, and rock to Vinoy Park. Expect everything from Shaggy’s classic hits like “It Wasn’t Me” to Sting’s legendary catalog, including “Englishman in New York” and “Every Breath You Take.” Together, they’ll create an unforgettable evening of music that perfectly marries Jamaican rhythms with mainstream appeal.
But that’s just the beginning. Thursday also features Iration, one of the biggest names in the modern reggae scene, known for their smooth island-inspired sound that mixes reggae with rock and pop influences. Their feel-good tunes will get the crowd swaying as the sun starts to set over the waterfront. Fans can also groove to the funky beats of Lettuce, a band that brings a high-energy fusion of jazz, soul, and funk to the reggae scene. They’ll have everyone on their feet, dancing and soaking in the lively, uplifting vibes.
And for those looking for something fresh and exciting, keep an eye on rising stars like Bombargo and Ichroniq, who are ready to bring their own unique sounds to the stage. Bombargo’s upbeat, indie-rock infused reggae style and Ichroniq’s rootsy, hypnotic rhythms are sure to add new flavors to the day’s lineup.
As the music flows and the crowds gather, one thing becomes clear: Thursday is just the start of an incredible four-day journey through reggae, and it’s the perfect introduction to what Reggae Rise Up is all about.
Stay Hydrated!
A quick reminder from Tri-Healthy Hemp Dispensary: Florida’s tropical climate can take a toll, especially when you’re dancing and partying under the sun. Stay one step ahead of the heat by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Start hydrating before you even leave for the park and make sure you keep the fluids coming. If you’re enjoying a cold beer or cocktail, balance it out with water to avoid dehydration. And remember, Tri-Healthy offers a range of hemp products to help you stay cool and chill during the festival!
- Sting & Shaggy: A legendary duo that blends reggae, rock, and pop for a truly unforgettable performance.
- Iration: The kings of modern reggae-rock, bringing island vibes and smooth, feel-good sounds.
- Lettuce: A high-energy funk band that mixes jazz, soul, and danceable grooves.
- Bombargo: Indie reggae-rockers with infectious energy and upbeat anthems.
- iChroniq: Roots reggae at its finest, bringing hypnotic rhythms and powerful vocals.
Whether you’re an early-bird festival goer or a sunset seeker, Thursday at Reggae Rise Up sets the perfect tone for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. With the music echoing across the bay and the lights of St. Pete twinkling in the background, it’s the perfect mix of urban edge and tropical chill. Grab your sunscreen, fill up your water bottle, and get ready to start the party in paradise!