Review | Rebelution at the Santa Barbara Bowl

It’s that time of year again, where reggae reigns supreme at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The summer pastime of Rebelution coming to Santa Barbara ensued on back to back nights on August 14-15. The annual visit from the Isla Vista-formed band is always a local favorite on the Bowl concert lineup, where you’re bound to run into a familiar face amongst the reggae loving crowd. A warm summer night set the ideal stage for Rebelution to debut their new Good Vibes Cali Tour 2024 show right at home.

The reggae vibes were set early on with performances by Cydeways, Collie Buddz, and Kolohe Kai. I’ll admit I listened to the opening bands atop of the Bowl, catching the spectacular sunset view overlooking Santa Barbara with some friends I managed to recognize from a distance. Nonetheless, the heavy bass and whiffs of cannabis that arose to the top of the Bowl were signs of a memorable show to come.

When Rebelution took the stage, Isla Vista born lead singer Eric Rachmany was smiling ear to ear. Jamming through the setlist of their best reggae hits, the enthusiastic crowd sang along to their favorite songs such as “Count Me In,” “Lazy Afternoon,” “Green to Black,” and their most popular song “Safe and Sound,” to name a few.