Part 3: Friday in St. Pete (March 14, 2025)
After a killer kickoff on Thursday, Reggae Rise Up 2025 ramps up the heat for a packed Friday lineup that promises to take things to the next level. With the Florida sun shining down, festival-goers will be treated to a full day of live music, delicious food, and good vibes. Friday in Vinoy Park brings an exciting mix of big-name reggae artists and up-and-coming talents, making it a must-see day for music lovers.
Headlining Friday’s show is none other than Slightly Stoopid, the California-based band known for their signature blend of reggae, rock, and punk. If you’ve ever jammed to their tracks like "2 A.M." or "Closer to the Sun," you know they’re guaranteed to bring infectious energy to the stage. Their laid-back yet high-energy performance will be the perfect soundtrack as the sun sets over the water.
But Slightly Stoopid isn’t the only name to get excited about. Reggae fans will also get to vibe with Collie Buddz, one of the genre’s most recognizable voices. His hits like "Blind to You" and "Love & Reggae" have solidified him as a festival favorite, and his performance will be one you don’t want to miss.
And let’s not forget Matisyahu, the genre-defying artist who blends reggae, hip-hop, and Jewish music traditions into a truly unique sound. With tracks like "King Without a Crown" and "One Day," Matisyahu’s spiritual, high-energy performance will be a highlight of the weekend.
The lineup is stacked with rising stars as well, including The Elovaters, a reggae-rock band with a fresh sound that’s been lighting up the scene. Their catchy hooks and sunny beats are sure to keep the crowd moving. Then there’s the feel-good vibes of AuroraWave, and the quirky, fun energy of Bikini Trill, who are quickly making a name for themselves with their eclectic fusion of genres. For those looking for something a little different, Bumpin Uglies will deliver their signature mix of ska, reggae, and punk—guaranteed to bring the party atmosphere.
The energy continues all day, with acts like Claire Wright, Day Lily, Jesse Royal, Mihali, and The Sub Herbs rounding out a lineup that offers something for every reggae lover. Whether you’re into the chill vibes of roots reggae or prefer the energetic fusion of rock and punk, Friday is packed with performances that will keep you on your feet from afternoon until night.
Health Tip: Wear Sunscreen!
Florida sunshine is a beautiful thing, but it’s also intense. Make sure you apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading out, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day—especially if you’re sweating or swimming in the nearby waters of the bay. Even on cloudy days, those UV rays can sneak up on you. Staying protected will help you keep dancing all day without any sunburn regrets.
Preview of Friday’s Lineup:
- Slightly Stoopid: Headlining with their unique fusion of reggae, rock, and punk.
- Collie Buddz: Bringing classic reggae vibes with hits like "Blind to You" and "Love & Reggae."
- Matisyahu: A genre-bending artist known for his spiritual, high-energy reggae sound.
- The Elovaters: Rising stars in the reggae-rock scene with feel-good anthems.
- AuroraWave: A fresh face in the reggae scene, adding a vibrant sound to the mix.
- Bikini Trill: Quirky and eclectic, blending surf-rock, reggae, and pop.
- Bumpin Uglies: Party-starting ska-punk-reggae fusion that always delivers a good time.
- Jesse Royal: Known for his socially conscious lyrics and rootsy reggae sound.
- Mihali: An up-and-coming artist with smooth guitar-driven tracks.
- The Sub Herbs: Local talent adding more reggae flavor to the day’s lineup.
As Friday draws to a close, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the festival weekend, surrounded by the sounds of some of the best names in reggae and the cool evening breeze off Tampa Bay. Whether you’re catching up with friends, grabbing a drink, or discovering your new favorite band, Friday at Reggae Rise Up 2025 is all about living in the moment. It’s the perfect time to recharge and get ready for an even bigger weekend ahead!