The American band Sublime has expanded its inaugural “Me Gusta” festival into a multi-city tour, bringing a blend of reggae, punk rock, and hip-hop to audiences across the western United States this spring and summer. Originally announced with a single date in , in Fort Worth, Texas, the festival now includes stops in Portland, Oregon, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
The expansion reflects a growing momentum for the band, particularly following the debut of its current lineup at Coachella in . The festival, powered by SMKFLWR, takes its name from the lyric “Me gusta mi reggae, me gusta punk rock” from Sublime’s 1996 song “Caress Me Down,” signaling an intention to capture the band’s diverse musical influences and the broader spirit of West Coast alternative culture.
The Fort Worth date, at Panther Island Pavilion, will feature performances by Sublime alongside Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Long Beach Dub Allstars, The Ataris, HR of Bad Brains, Codefendants, Jakobs Castle, and Strange Case. The Portland event, scheduled for , at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, will showcase Sublime, Cypress Hill, The Interrupters, Long Beach Dub All Stars, Codefendants, DIZZYISDEAD, Jakobs Castle, and Strange Case. The final confirmed date, , in Salt Lake City at Zions Bank Stadium, will include Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Pennywise, Long Beach Dub All Stars, The Ataris, Codefendants, Jakobs Castle, and Strange Case.
The festival’s creation marks a significant step for Sublime, particularly under the leadership of Jakob Nowell, son of the band’s original singer, Brad Nowell, who died in . Nowell described the festival as a long-held dream, stating, “It’s always been our dream to put on a Festival for our friends and family.” He emphasized the festival’s aim to represent a broad spectrum of musical styles – punk rock, hip hop, reggae, and surf – that have defined the band’s legacy and resonated with its fanbase for generations.
Tickets for the “Me Gusta” festival start at $89.99 for general admission and are available through the festival’s website, www.MeGustaFest.com. The Fort Worth and Portland events will also offer craft beer sampling for an additional $15.
The festival’s emergence comes as Sublime continues to navigate a period of renewed visibility and critical acclaim. The band’s current lineup, featuring Jakob Nowell, has been praised for successfully carrying forward the energy and spirit of the original group while forging its own path. The “Me Gusta” festival appears designed to capitalize on this momentum, offering fans a curated experience that extends beyond a typical concert and into a broader celebration of the band’s cultural impact.
The inclusion of established acts like Cypress Hill, Slightly Stoopid, and Pennywise alongside emerging artists like Jakobs Castle (featuring Jakob Nowell) and Strange Case suggests a deliberate effort to appeal to a diverse audience, spanning both longtime Sublime fans and a new generation of music lovers. The festival’s emphasis on community and “good vibes” further underscores its ambition to create a unique and immersive experience.
The choice of locations – Fort Worth, Portland, and Salt Lake City – reflects a strategic approach to reaching key markets in the western United States. These cities boast vibrant music scenes and a demonstrated appetite for the genres represented at the festival. The selection of outdoor venues, such as Panther Island Pavilion and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, suggests an intention to create a relaxed and festival-like atmosphere.
The festival is being co-produced by Sublime and Brew Ha Ha Productions, an independent promoter with experience in organizing large-scale music events. This partnership suggests a commitment to professional event management and a focus on delivering a high-quality experience for attendees. The “Me Gusta” festival represents a significant expansion of Sublime’s brand and a bold step into the competitive world of music festivals.
