Badfish Brings the Power of Sublime to Jannus Live
A thick haze hung over Jannus this past Friday, February 17, casting an eerie yellow glow and hiding the moon and stars behind a thick veil of clouds that poured fat raindrops, but didn’t stop the people from coming and enjoying a night of incredible music. The wind howled, yet seemed mute in comparison to the stellar sounds coming from the amplifiers.
Opening act, Sierra Lane provided a dazzling set as a Florida February rain poured tiny icy daggers that stabbed the back numbingly, but the band kept everyone warm within an impenetrable bubble of energy. Frontwoman, Sierra Fitzhugh sensually strummed her guitar and hypnotized the crowd as the sky blurred into a murky deep-blue, while bassist Giz Forte bounced the soundwaves up and down creating a dynamic and zesty cadence between the two.
In between acts, the air seemed to charge the lively crowd with excitement and wonder, and when Kash’d Out came on stage to play, the crowd zapped jubilantly. Bird calls were scattered amongst the screams, making for a strange cacophony of sound.
Kash’d Out frontman, Greg Shields fed off the energy and pushed the crowd to greater heights. Meanwhile, bassist Joey Brohawn, never stopped pouring fervor throughout the entirety of the set. His bouncing around the stage is a sight to behold, as he flawlessly grooves to the rhythm he’s hunched over his bass as his fingers pluck the four strings with surgical precision.
Upon Badfish getting on the stage, the impenetrable bubble of energy intensified and grew. Badfish channeled Bradley Nowell and Sublime perfectly, with the unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae. The band played hit after hit, drawing the loudest of cheers from the crowd. Then random barking came from fans, and “Waiting For My Ruca” bumped through the courtyard venue, and sent everyone into a divine frenzy and fully immersed fans into the music.
“We love Florida parties like this,” said Badfish frontman, Pat Downes, to the applause and cheers of the crowd. The crowd seemed to shake the surrounding buildings because the pounding feet reverberated through the ground, with each jump, the ground seemed to tremble to the thunderous roars and dancing of the crowd.
Those lucky enough to be in attendance know that the show produced a truly magical experience that will be remembered for years to come. To those who missed out, let this be a reminder that the force of music is not to be reckoned with, and that it has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together like nothing else can.
Photos by Phil DeSimone
Review by Brendan Mcginley