Sublime with Rome bring The Blessing Tour to Charlotte NC

By: Scott Caudle (Photo Gallery & Review) of Around The Country

Charlotte, NC (July 28th, 2019) – With 4 great bands on the bill, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre was ready for a ton of music. And a ton of great music is what they got. “The Blessings Tour” was finally in Charlotte headlined by Sublime With Rome.

Seranation

First band up was Seranation, a band out of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Formed in 2014, this band sounded like they had been playing together for ages. Led by charismatic lead singer J. Carter, Seranation played an incredible set and really hyped up the crowd for the 3 acts to come. Promoting their latest single “Sweet Temptation”, Seranation got a positive response from the crowd after they played it. Labeling themselves as having a “tropical rock” sound, they definitely got this right. With staccato guitar licks by both Adam Hocker and Matt Knabe, the “tropical rock” sound was something that the crowd enjoyed. With Bianca Schlosser on bass and

Joshua Baron on drums, the low-end was super tight and punchy. Seranation did an incredible job opening up the show.

Common Kings

Next up was Common Kings out of Costa Mesa, California. Singer Sasualei “Jr King” Maliga led the crowd with poise. I found the bass player “Uncle Lui” to be one of the best players live that I’ve seen in awhile. His ability to hold down the low end while simultaneously having a blast, was something to see. Most members of the band were born in the South Pacific, and grew up near Orange County. Influences included anything from Van Morrison to Earth, Wind and Fire, and one could tell through the unique songs this band has curated. Common Kings showed Charlotte that they aren’t your common band.

Michael Franti w/guest Vivian

Michael Franti and Spearhead was up next, and I think his gesture to one lucky fan was one of my favorite moments that night. One song into his set, Michael Franti invited a little girl named Vivian to sing some songs with him. It just happened to be one of my favorite songs “The Sound Of Sunshine”. Vivian stole the show for sure, dancing and singing without a care in the world. Michael then asked Vivian if she played piano at all. Vivian was hesitant at first, but with the crowd supporting her, she made her way up to the keyboard where keyboardist Mike Blankenship was happy to help. Vivian played her version of “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots, and the crowd loved it. Michael Franti’s action packed set also included a trip out to the lawn seats, getting the crowd to sing along. His newest album “Stay Human Vol. II“ culminates his passion for equality. Michael is a truly remarkable artist with a worthy message.

Sublime With Rome

The crowd was restless as extra curricular smells filled the air while waiting for each instrument to be soundchecked, With loud chanting it was obvoius the crowd wanted their headliner. The stage went dark, the crowd yelled in anticipation, as “The Blessings Tour” was shown on the screens behind the instruments. As Rome came out, the stage went black, and then Sublime with Rome jumped into their first song, ”Smoke Two Joints.” With original Sublime bassist Eric Wilson, this was definitely a bucket list moment for me. Memories of listening and learning Sublime songs as a kid really put into perspective not only the impact the original Sublime had on a generation, but the impact that it continues to have on my generation. Scanning the crowd, all walks of life were present, from college kids to old ladies. Not many bands can go through a major loss and still want to keep the songs and message alive, but with Rome’s vocals, Carlos Verdugo’s solid kit skills, and Eric Wilson’s original bass style, Sublime with Rome not only feels like classic Sublime that people grew up on, but it feels fresh. Since 2010, they’ve carried a massive torch that refuses to be burned out. Their latest album, “Blessings” encompases some of the best sounding Sublime with Rome songs I’ve heard. As the band closed out the night, one final song was played, “Santeria” of course. A fitting ending to a band that continues to carry on the legacy of the original famed California band.

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre felt at peace that Sunday night, with great music, and even better people.

Catch Sublime With Rome this summer as they continue their tour through the Midwest and back to the California coast.

Sublime With Rome

• Website • Facebook • Instagram • ITunes • Spotify • YouTube • Twitter •