On Saturday, February 22nd the vibrant spirit of reggae vibes fused with rock, funk, and soulful melodies as the Reggae Road-Map Run 2025 came to a thrilling close at Cincinnati’s Northside Tavern. With stops in Pittsburgh and Akron setting the stage, the final show featuring Rockstead, Land of Panda, and FUBAR turned the night into an unforgettable musical journey.
The tour had built anticipation with electrifying performances in Pittsburgh and Akron, each city adding its unique flavor to the multi-stop event. Fans on social media buzzed about the energy from earlier shows, and all roads led to Cincinnati on February 22, 2025, where Northside Tavern provided the perfect backdrop for a night of musical celebration. The venue’s gritty, yet inviting and intimate atmosphere was the perfect venue for the Cincinnati Reggae community to come together and enjoy some homegrown music.
From Pittsburgh, FUBAR brought a raw, punk-infused edge to the night. Known for their high-octane live shows and a string of successful studio albums, FUBAR opened the show with a set that was the catalyst that transformed the venue into a party. Their gritty, energetic sound provided the perfect counterbalance to the smoother vibes of Land of Panda and the anthemic rock-reggae fusion of Rockstead.
Land of Panda, a band known for their eclectic mix of reggae, funk, and psychedelic rock influences, hailing from Akron, followed FUBUR’s set and the party continued. Smooth, soulful melodies intermingled with sampled beats and keyboards created an atmosphere that was both chill and invigorating. The band’s ability to seamlessly weave different genres together spoke volumes about their versatility and the growing appeal of the modern reggae fusion scene. Their set was not just a performance—it was an invitation to experience a vibrant sonic journey.
Headlining the event was Cincinnati’s own Rockstead, whose performance marked their first headline show of 2025 in the city. The band’s set was a masterclass in blending rock energy with reggae grooves, inviting the audience to both relax and get lost in the rhythm. Their dynamic stage presence—coupled with an infectious passion for live music—had fans on their feet from the opening note to the final song. Rockstead’s performance was punctuated by anthemic choruses and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of unity and positive vibes that define the tour’s spirit.
What truly elevated the night was the palpable sense of community. Regulars and newcomers alike were united by their love of live music and the shared experience of the Reggae Road-Map Run. The audience’s enthusiastic participation—cheering on every solo, clapping in unison, and dancing through each set—underscored the event’s theme: music as a unifying force. In a time when live events are cherished not just for the sound but for the shared moments they create, the final show in Cincinnati stood as a testament to the enduring power of live performance.
Rockstead, Land of Panda, and FUBAR each brought their unique flair to the stage, creating an experience that was both emotionally resonant and viscerally energetic. As the final notes echoed through Northside Tavern, it was clear that this was not an end, but a promise of many more shared musical adventures in the future.
In retrospect, the tour’s Cincinnati stop served as a fitting conclusion to a journey that transcended geographical boundaries and musical genres, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next on the road.
The founder of Happy Hippie Creative, Courtney Bell, was born and raised in Western Kentucky, where she developed an early interest in art and photography. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Arts Administration and moved to the Cincinnati area in 2019. She has worked with various clients and organizations, such as local businesses, nonprofits, and festivals, to showcase their stories and products through her images.
Courtney Bell is not only a photographer, but also an avid art, music and live performance lover. She loves supporting her local communities and attending events that celebrate the diversity and culture of Cincinnati, OH. She loves using her time and skills to document and promote the work of local artists, musicians, and performers. She believes that art and photography can bring people together and inspire positive change in the world.
