In the Scene at Rock the Roots
Photo by Gabrielle Hall
8.25.18 | by gabrielle hall
Cider lovers and music fans rallied together this past weekend for the 2018 Angry Orchard Rock the Roots tour at the Orlando Amphitheater. This day-long festival included ice-cold cider, the best BBQ, local vendors, and lawn games; not to mention headlining musical guests Sublime with Rome, and featuring many more.
The first set of the day went to SOWFLO. The band was seen performing songs from their most recognizable album, “Such Is Life,” which debuted at #5 on the 2016 Billboard Reggae charts. After their set, band members mingled around in the crowd handing out albums and taking photos with fans as the main stage was being prepped for the next artist, Collie Buddz. This artist from Bermuda gave the audience everything they wanted. Singing classic songs like, “Blind to You” and “Sensimillia,” the crowd quickly became a dancehall. He gave us the nostalgia we came for and what a feeling that was.
Collie Buddz performing at the 2018 Angry Orchard Rock the Roots. Photo by Gabrielle Hall
Giving the crowd a slightly different taste compared to the previous, New Politics and Lupe Fiasco covered the next two sets of the evening. Taking the stage first was New Politics, a trio based out of the east coast with ties to Denmark. These boys put on an active show with ukuleles, amazing vocals, crowd engagement and break dancing – yes, breakdancing! It was truly an amazing performance and they most definitely gained a broader following. Shadowing their tail, Lupe Fiasco had everyone on their feet singing classics such as “Kick, Push” and “Superstar.” But Lupe was more than just an artist. For a few moments throughout, he had fans cracking up as his involvement with the crowd became a comedy routine. His personal connection with the audience made his set extra special and gave the dye-hard fans a cherished memory to talk about.
Typical of Florida, the weather became a slight issue. Ending Lupe’s set a few minutes early, the lightning in the area sent vendors and the concert to shut down momentarily. Attendees were directed to a warehouse to take cover but less than twenty minutes later, the show was back on. As soon as the festival reopened, fans ran from the silo to get a front-row spot against the bar. All day long, people were caught in Sublime and Sublime with Rome memorabilia; a clear distinction of why some people were in attendance. When the lights on stage dimmed, Eric Wilson of Sublime, Rome Ramirez and Carlos Verdugo strolled out only to begin with a crowd favorite, “Date Rape.” Screaming fans knew every word to literally all of the songs performed. Their newest song and first new music in three years, “Wicked Heart” was no exception. Everything about Sublime with Rome gave audiences what they came for. One fan, Maria, came with her daughter specifically to catch these California natives. “I’ve seen the original Sublime years ago. For me, to get the opportunity to see Eric and bring my daughter and enjoy music we both love, new or old, is amazing,” she told Scene:ORL. “This is what music is about and I’m glad the legacy is continuing after all these years.”
Fans spent the entire day listening to their favorite artists and checking out new talent. Photo by Gabrielle Hall.
This moment for Maria as well as others in the amphitheater is something to hold on to. Thanks to the Angry Orchard Rock the Roots, fans from all over were able to reminisce a little in music history with the 2018 lineup. And they were able to enjoy refreshing hard cider all night long, making for a truly enjoyable experience. We can’t wait to see what the 2019 Angry Orchard Rock the Roots has in store!