Concert Review: Island Rhodes Music Festival at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Joanna Gleason
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
During two consecutive days, Saturday, August 15, 2026, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Island Rhodes Music Festival took place at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA. The first-year festival assembled a diverse lineup, featuring on the inaugural day: Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Action Bronson, DENM, Bumpin Uglies, Grateful Dub, and Beach Fly. The second day highlighted Rebelution, The Roots, SOJA, The Original Wailers, HIRIE, The Expendables, Joe Samba, and Crooked Coast.
As a photographer, live music enthusiast, and veteran of festivals large and small, I noticed several distinctive details. A metal fence enclosed the VIP area directly in front of the stage, where hundreds of fans enjoyed an up-close view of the performers. Beyond the fence, thousands of general-admission attendees either stood near the stage or watched from the stadium seats, while families spread blankets and set up picnic-style spaces with their children on the large grassy area surrounding the venue.
The festival's single-stage format was also unusual. Rather than rushing between stages, attendees remained in one place while a rotating stage allowed bands to transition quickly between performances.
The Festival
The first day of the festival was terrific. The weather was excellent, and the sound quality was impeccable. All of the bands that took the stage delivered phenomenal performances.
Slightly Stoopid was one of the standout acts. The band sounded incredible, and their blend of reggae, punk, rock, and dub made them one of the most popular groups of the first night. Even without Karl Denson and the additional horn section that has accompanied the band in the past, they delivered a terrific set. The six-piece band from the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California, performed remarkably well. The lineup, composed of Miles Doughty, Kyle McDonald, Ryan Moran, Dela, Paul Wolstencroft, and Andy Geib, was exceptional.
"Bandelero," "Sweet Honey," and "Collie Man" were undoubtedly the three songs that captivated the audience the most.
After performances by Iration, Action Bronson, DENM, Bumpin Uglies, Grateful Dub, and Beach Fly, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime closed out Saturday night. The American punk and reggae band from Long Beach, California, performed with a talented lineup composed of Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh, and Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, on vocals and guitar. The group performed several songs from its fourth studio album, Until the Sun Explodes, released in 2026.
Iration
Action Bronson
DENM
Bumpin Uglies
Grateful Dub
Slightly Stoopid
Sublime
Fans
Sunday, August 16
After a successful opening day highlighted by Slightly Stoopid and Sublime, the Island Rhodes Music Festival returned on Sunday with another afternoon of live music. The lineup was once again ambitious, featuring Rebelution, The Roots, SOJA, The Original Wailers, HIRIE, The Expendables, Joe Samba, and Crooked Coast.
All of these bands demonstrated exceptional musicianship, strong songwriting, and unique sounds that resonated with the audience. Their ability to connect emotionally through music and deliver memorable performances sets them apart in the industry. HIRIE, The Original Wailers, The Roots, and Joe Samba are outstanding acts featuring talented musicians who excel at crafting memorable melodies and insightful lyrics, creating lasting connections with listeners.
However, after reviewing all of the performances, The Expendables stood out as one of my Sunday highlights. Their music is a diverse blend of reggae, ska, surf rock, punk, and metal. The Santa Cruz, California-based band, composed of Raul Bianchi (guitar), Ryan DeMars (bass), and Adam Patterson (drums), delivered an outstanding performance. At the center of the group was Geoff Weers, an energetic and charismatic frontman. The vocalist and lead guitarist was phenomenal throughout the set.
From my perspective, the Island Rhodes Music Festival was a success. The two-day festival at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was designed to reflect Rhode Island's creative spirit and coastal roots, and it achieved its goals. Meticulous planning, a strong lineup, and effective management of logistics, including safety measures and vendor coordination, were all key factors in creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Rebelution
SOJA
HIRIE
Crooked Coast
Joe Samba
The Roots
Fans
About
Centreville Bank Stadium is a 10,500-seat soccer stadium featuring rows of seats surrounding a central synthetic field. The stadium is home to Rhode Island FC, a member of the USL Championship, the second division of American professional soccer.
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