The Ries Brothers (Charlie and Kevin Jordan Ries, pronounced rees), two South Florida brothers in their early 20s, release a new reggae remix of their single “Take It Back,” featuring the legendary Julian Marley - plus a host of younger contemporaries from the burgeoning American reggae rock scene including E.N Young, Kash’d Out, Gary Dread (The Movement), Bumpin Uglies, Little Stranger and Jaime Hinckson. The original track was released on their sophomore album, Paint Your Emotion in September 2020 on Silverback Music’s independent label Controlled Substance Sound Labs. “Take It Back” (Reggae Remix) is now available on all digital platforms. To listen, click HERE.

The Ries Brothers wanted to give back to the community that has been so good to them, and a motivating factor of “Take It Back” (Reggae Remix). With Reggae Rise Up Florida postponed, Brothers Charlie and Kevin played each instrument on the song, as well as produced the track entirely during quarantine. They then reached out to friends in the reggae community to collaborate virtually during last year’s lockdown. Honored to be able to work with legendary Julian Marley for the first time, they are hoping to give back to their fans as a gift until they can get back to touring.

“We always had the idea to make a reggae remix of the original track. The night before we were going to record our album Paint Your Emotion, we were messing with this song and stripped it down to just bass and drums. We felt this beat would be perfect to give to artists and let them do their thing - write and record a verse, with the main theme of love in mind. We hit up a bunch of our friends in the scene with the idea to create the ultimate collaboration.” - Kevin Jordan Ries

The duo released their second full-length album, Paint Your Emotion on Controlled Substance Sound Labs on September 18, 2020. The album was produced by John Agnello (Screaming Trees, Dinosaur JR, Patti Smythe) and leans towards alternative rock showcasing the energy one would find at The Ries Brothers live show. Paint Your Emotion includes nine of ten tracks written by the brothers, and one alongside Nathan Joel Feinstein of Iya Terra. It explores universally shared emotions - love, anxiety, loneliness, even depression, through the brothers’ upbeat road tested cross-genre sonic blend. To listen, click HERE.

Most recently, the band released their official music video for “Troubadour” off their full-length album featuring Iya Terra. Watch HERE.

In a recent interview with the brothers (“Sincerity is the Key”), American Songwriter noted that this embrace of a more classic sound might be exactly what everyone could use right now:

“While the sunny shores of Florida are home to many a famous pop punk, alt. rock, and emo band, The Ries Brothers (R-EE-s) of Clearwater, FL instead felt compelled to make music in the stylistic veins of more laid back genres like blues rock, funk, and reggae. Given the current state of the world, with people all over the U.S. contending with stores of pent-up anxiety and bouts of cabin fever from months of quarantine, there’s something to be said for turning to melodies of a more relaxed and easy going mood.”

What was simply a passion turned into a career when The Ries Brothers were discovered by the band Chicago and asked to go on tour with them at the young ages of 18 and 15. Since then, they have played more than a thousand shows and toured nonstop ever since; bringing their experience working alongside artists including G Love, Stick Figure, 311, Pepper, Iration, Hirie, Galactic and Butch Trucks. Well, that is - up until March 2020 when they were pulled off the road due to COVID-19. Although they have been off the road since last year, they have been able to create a series of collaborative videos with members of The Lumineers, Gary Clark Jr., Steve Miller Band and Iration and hoping to release soon.

The Ries Brothers have been named as a breakout artist by Creative Loafing, a favorite band by The Tampa Bay Times, and were two out of 25 selected from the state of Florida to participate in the exclusive Los Angeles Grammy Museum’s Music Revolution Project.

Slightly Stoopid drummer Rymo (Ryan Moran) has released his new solo album Kinetic out now on all digital platforms here via Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Featured guests include progressive rock legend Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, Yes, Pink Floyd, King Crimson), YouTube guitar sensation Marty Schwartz, Tom Griesgraber, Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), and film composer Farzam Salami. The album Kinetic arrives on the heels of his two singles “Kinetic” and “Skooby Snax” previously released this Spring.

“Kinetic represents some of the many influences and musical genres that I enjoy. Most of the songs were written and refined in a studio setting over a period of time. I was fortunate to have a bunch of great guests join me and add their talent to this project." - Rymo

Rymo’s bandmates from Slightly Stoopid, OG, Dela, Paulie and AG all contributed to the album, playing multiple parts on songs and solos. Farzam Salami contributed tasteful Middle Eastern percussion and stringed instruments on several tracks. Tom Griesgraber helped record, produce, perform and engineer the album. The entire album was recorded at his studio with the exception of a few guest artists that recorded remotely.

“This album is a sonic journey. The music touches down in various sounding regions around the globe and takes the listener on a ride.” - Rymo

KINETIC TRACK LISTING

1. Symmetry 7 (feat. Farzam Salami)

2. Kinetic (feat. Paul Wolstencroft, Tom Griesgraber)

3. Palindrome

4. Spy Theme (feat. Tony Levin)

5. Bembé Rumba

6. Skooby Snax (feat. Marty Schwartz)

7. Mr. Roboto Visits The Outback

8. Nebula

9. Influx (feat. Marty Schwartz)

10. Megalodon

11. Cubism 

12. Changó

13. Symmetry 5

14. Hearin’ Everywhere (feat. Paul Wolstencroft)

15. Didg-y-tar (feat. Farzam Salami)

16. Dream Flight

Slightly Stoopid and Cloud 9 Adventures have announced the highly anticipated return of Closer to the Sun, their annual concert vacation. From December 8-12, 2021, the event takes over Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive resort on the coast of Mexico.

The event features three shows by Slightly Stoopid with additional performances from Rebelution, Stephen Marley, Iration, Cypress Hill, Pepper, Common Kings, HIRIE, The Movement, and DENM over the course of four nights. Closer to the Sun utilizes multiple venue spaces at the resort so guests can watch their favorite artists in unique, tropical settings and all stages are equipped with multiple bars and lounge areas to kick back and relax or dance the night away.

Main Stage performances take place on the revered Concert Courtyard stage, providing top-notch production, exceptional acoustics, convenient complimentary bar service and specialty curated food stations. Daytime and sunset shows at the Beach Stage create unforgettable experiences watching shows from the Caribbean coastline or from a favorite float in the water. Late-night performances feature artists under the stars on the Stairway to Heaven stage.

Now on its seventh edition, the historically sold-out event continues to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences through the addition of artist interactions from morning yoga to music workshops, creative theme nights, and more surprises that create the ultimate concert vacation. The intimate event has cultivated a close-knit event community of loyal returning guests, first time attendees, artists, and hotel and event staff alike.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is a luxurious resort located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum with guest suites, meals, beverages, concerts, waterpark, and fitness center access all included in the event package price. Fans can visit the on-site extreme sports center, or book treatments at the world-class spa and salon.

Closer to the Sun offers a wide scope of room options surrounded by lush grounds and sparkling pools, including oceanfront and stage front suites. Guests can enjoy unlimited dining at a wide variety of restaurant options, including complimentary 24-hour room service. Unlimited drinks are available at multiple bars in direct proximity to guest accommodations and all concert areas.

Fans looking to give back can link up with Positive Legacy on humanitarian and environmental efforts. Positive Legacy has made an impact in the Riviera Maya region by providing emergency hunger relief, medical and school supplies, building playgrounds and community gardens, extensive beach cleanups, and improving the infrastructure of the largest turtle sanctuary in the Yucatan. Look for announcements regarding artist-hosted activities, theme nights and community outreach with Positive Legacy in the coming months

Slightly Stoopid and the San Diego Padres today announced the band’s return to San Diego for their first traditional concert performance in over two years! The show signals a return for the Ocean Beach, CA natives, whose summer concerts have become a local tradition. The highly anticipated hometown show will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 3:00pm PT at Petco Park, a first for the band at the Major League Baseball venue. Setting the tone for the evening will be a special performance by 8-time Grammy winner Stephen “Ragga” Marley, the legendary Don Carlos & The Dub Vision Band, plus Boston, MA based and rising reggae outfit The Elovaters.

Teaming up with the exciting Padres and SD Bayfest event producers, Slightly Stoopid will feature a legendary line-up sure to get the party started in San Diego at Petco Park after a long hiatus. The evening boasts one of the group’s only national headlining concerts of 2021, as Slightly Stoopid & Friends prepare to take over the ballpark for an evening of music, food, and local revelry under the lights at America’s #1 ballpark. Coming off their longest break from live touring in their history as a band, Slightly Stoopid is sure to fire up their local audience with a two-hour set of their “feel good” recipe including hits and classics from the band’s 10-album repertoire. Miles Doughty (band co-founder/guitar/bass/vocals) expressed his excitement saying, “Stoked about playing Petco for the first time! So many great Padres memories as a kid growing up. Music is back in San Diego, and there’s no better place to be than Petco Park!”

Fans will not want to miss what is bound to become a show for the ages, while celebrating the return to the stage after the Covid-19 pandemic grounded live music for the last 15 months! General Public goes on-sale today, Friday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. PT by visiting www.padres.com/concerts. General Admission tickets are $55.00, and a limited VIP offering that includes close stage views, private bar, private bathroom and more are $255.00. This is an all-ages event; gates will open at 2:00pm PT and the show begins at 3:00pm PT.

San Diego-based SLIGHTLY STOOPID returns to live music this weekend with two sold-out shows at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO. Slightly Stoopid, in partnership with The Relix Channel on Twitch, will deliver a FREE LIVESTREAM of the complete “DOUBLE ON THE ROCKS” lineups, each day. Both webcasts air entirely live on The Relix Channel via Twitch, starting at 6:00pm MT on Saturday, August 14 and 4:25pm MT on Sunday, August 15. Donations are encouraged during the stream to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Last Prisoner Project.

Saturday evening’s lineup features an electric set from Slightly Stoopid, and special guests Pepper, Common Kings, and reggae legend Don Carlos. Sunday’s matinee lineup features a special sunset ‘Acoustic Roots’ set by Slightly Stoopid, and special guests Citizen Cope, Fortunate Youth, and The Hip Abduction. Both Slightly Stoopid sets are sure to feature an array of special guests and friends.

“We are stoked to partner with The Relix Channel on Twitch to broadcast our first two shows back to our audience at home, live and direct from Red Rocks, one of the most iconic venues in the world,” says Miles Doughty who handles vocals, bass, and guitar duties for Slightly Stoopid.  

As an added bonus, the livestream will incorporate FANS.live’s “Be in the Stream.” Viewers at home can patch into the livestream, in real time, via a special Zoom link. Voluntary donations are being encouraged to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Last Prisoner Project.

SATURDAY AUGUST 14, 2021 

6:00pm - Don Carlos

7:00pm - Common Kings

8:00pm - Pepper

9:15pm - Slightly Stoopid (Electric)

SUNDAY AUGUST 15, 2021

4:25pm - The Hip Abduction

5:15pm - Fortunate Youth

6:15pm - Citizen Cope

7:30pm - Slightly Stoopid (Acoustic Roots)

*Set Times Subject To Change. Times Above are Mountain Time MT

WATCH LIVE BOTH NIGHTS AT: https://www.twitch.tv/therelixchannel

ABOUT SLIGHTLY STOOPID:

The story of Slightly Stoopid, at its core, is one of brotherhood. It’s the story of Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, two musicians determined to succeed on their own terms, creating a multi-genre fusion of rock, reggae and blues with hip-hop, funk, American folk, metal, and punk. It’s the story of a duo that has not just survived, but thrived, as “brothers from other mothers”- keeping true to their authenticity, throughout two decades of relentless touring, and evolved songwriting. The duo has repeatedly created lasting artistic statements despite a music industry that too often prioritizes style over substance.  

Doughty and McDonald grew up together in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. By age 11 they had their first acoustic guitars, bonding over Metallica, Megadeth, and Mötley Crüe. In the mid-1990s they attended Point Loma High School and formed Slightly Stoopid, playing their first gig- a punky and subversive lunchtime set on the quad- that earned them a trip to the vice-principal’s office and a reprimand for the trio’s explicit lyrics.

As ambitious high school students, they played house parties and small clubs, and met Sublime’s Bradley Nowell after attending one of his band’s shows. Nowell quickly became a champion of the group’s precocious talents, inviting them to play, and signing Slightly Stoopid to his label, Skunk Records. He endorsed them to Michael “Miguel” Happoldt, co-founder of Skunk, who agreed to record the band at Sublime’s Fake Nightclub studio in Long Beach. In 1996, they released their debut studio album, the punk-inflected, eponymously titled Slightly Stoopid. Though Nowell had passed away shortly before the record’s release, fittingly he appeared, posthumously, on the song, “Prophet.”

The surf-inspired follow-up, The Longest Barrel Ride, came in 1998, also on Skunk. The band’s first two albums generated regional buzz and motivated the three-piece to load up the van and hit the road. Persistently they ticked off the miles up and down the West Coast, venturing east to Colorado ski towns, playing a circuit of small clubs to small but enthusiastic crowds slowly increasing in size each time around. “Brad and Miguel would always tell us that, to make a name for yourself, you have to get in the van 200-plus days a year,” said Doughty in a December 2018 interview. “They would tell us: ‘Don’t be scared, keep grinding, and build that organic fanbase.’”

An early breakthrough came in 2001, Doughty and McDonald issued Acoustic Roots: Live and Direct, self-released on their own newly formed indie label, Stoopid Records. A 40-minute acoustic, one-take, live-radio set captured at San Diego’s Rock 105.3 studio, the album demonstrated a profound strength of songwriting and vocals that inspired favorable comparisons to Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson. Subsequently, the band expanded, welcoming drummer Ryan Moran, as well as percussionist Oguer “OG” Ocon from The B-Side Players and a horn section from John Brown’s Body of C-Money on trumpet and Daniel “Dela” Delacruz on saxophone.

The ensemble’s diversity and repertoire encouraged charmed collaborations in the studio, such as with reggae legend Barrington Levy, G. Love (Garrett Dutton) and onstage, with the Marley family, Snoop Dogg, and Cypress Hill. Between 2003 and 2008, the band released four studio albums- Everything You Need, Closer To The Sun, Chronchitis, and Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid- and two live collections: Winter Tour ’05-’06 and Live in San Diego, routinely charting on Billboard’s Top 100. Their touring expanded, as well, both domestically and internationally, including sold-out dates in locales from Australia to the Caribbean, Denmark to Japan, Germany to Guam, and the famed festivals of Coachella, Lollapalooza, and New Orleans Jazz Fest, among others.

In 2011, the band taped a performance with the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, Live at Roberto’s TRI Studios, performing alongside Weir, reggae icon Don Carlos (Black Uhuru), and Ivan and Ian Neville (Dumpstaphunk), as well as frequent band contributor and saxophonist Karl Denson (Greyboy All Stars/The Rolling Stones). The TRI appearance echoed the band’s longstanding roster of guests that serve, in some ways, as honorary members of Slightly Stoopid, including Carlos, Denson, Chali 2na, and Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band). 

They released their seventh studio effort, Top of the World, in 2012, peaking in the top five of several Billboard charts. In 2014, the band hosted its first Closer to the Sun destination event, for what would become an annual multi-day, multi-act festival in Mexico. 2015 saw the release of Meanwhile…Back At The Lab, which embodied instant Stoopid classics “The Prophet”, “Rolling Stone” and “Life Rolls On” followed in 2018 with the reggae chart topper Everyday Life, Everyday People that featured guest appearances by Chali 2na, Ali Campbell (UB40), Alborosie, G. Love, Don Carlos, Yellowman, and Sly Dunbar, among others.

Throughout the band’s career, Slightly Stoopid has also made a conscious effort to parallel their creative output with charitable work. Doughty and McDonald have often recognized their fortunate positions as an opportunity to give back, proving to be a constant source of inspiration. Perhaps two of the better examples of their philanthropic commitment are their involvement in the fight against pediatric cancer with Candlelighters NYC and Ronald McDonald House- visiting with and hosting affected families at shows, as well as contributing financially to the cause- and the auction of original art used in the “One Bright Day” video; the proceeds from which enabled Global BrightLight Foundation to provide solar installations for electricity in five Third World villages.  

Slightly Stoopid is and continues to be a musical brotherhood that always welcomes guest musicians and the art of collaboration. Doughty and McDonald remain unwavering in their principles of independence, honoring their diversity of influences and mentors, and furthering their inherited legacy of the Southern California sound.

“Once we found music as a form of expression, as an outlet, we did whatever it took to survive,” said McDonald in a 2018 interview. “We are who we are- a product of Southern California. And, we are where we are in life because of how passionate we are about the music.”

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Presented by Goldenvoice, the all-new California Vibrations (Cali Vibes) is happening Friday, February 4 through Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Marina Green Park in Long Beach, CA. The event will feature exclusive Southern California performances by Cali’s finest Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Sublime with Rome and Stick Figure, hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan, and Jamaican reggae/dancehall Grammy-winning artists Sean Paul, Shaggy, Koffee, and many more.

The festival will also showcase a super-rare performance from The Marley Brothers featuring the five brothers Stephen, Ziggy, Damian, Julian and Ky-Mani Marley in a special set celebrating the catalog of Bob Marley.

Cali Vibes Festival will feature multiple stages with massive lineups celebrating California music, beach culture and reggae “vibrations” along the coastline in the iconic LBC! Take in California Vibrations at the lush, grass-lined Marina Green Park which overlooks the water at the edge of downtown Long Beach.

For the ultimate experience, festival-goers can reserve their ticket to the Beach Club, an exclusive 21+ oasis that features upfront stage viewing, accessible only to Beach Club ticket holders and artist guests, a fully-stocked munchies bar, beer and cocktail tastings, private, air-conditioned restrooms, parking adjacent to the festival entrance and a complimentary SwagBag upon entry to kick off your weekend of music and vibes.

Stay tuned for more to be announced: additional artists, a specially-curated food lineup and vendor marketplace!

CLICK HERE to buy tickets at the lowest price starting TODAY

3-Day GA ticket prices start at $285 plus fees and 3-Day VIP tickets start at $420 plus fees. 3-Day Beach Club tickets are $999 plus fees. Payment plans are available starting at just $19.99 down.

Make it a weekend! Official Ticket & Hotel Packages are now available. Each package includes a 3 or 4 night hotel stay, Beach Club, VIP or GA festival ticket, California Vibrations official merchandise, and exclusive add-ons like morning yoga and afterparty experiences. These exclusive Ticket and Hotel Packages start at $599 per person.

California Vibrations will be donating $1 per every ticket sold, with a minimum commitment of $25,000 to our nonprofit beneficiary, the Surfrider Foundation. Surfrider is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people.

Acclaimed reggae progeny Stephen Marley announces his 2022 Babylon By Bus Summer Tour. The eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist will perform with a full band on the 20-date run. Tickets are on sale today at 12pm local at stephenmarleymusic.com

The bi-coastal tour kicks off in Monterey, California May 26 at the Cali Roots Festival, and features seven California dates, along with performances in Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts and New York. Stephen Marley will showcase a mixture of original songs from his illustrious 40-year career, as well as revitalized classics from his father Bob Marley’s iconic catalog.

Highlights include a special sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre performance with Ben Harper and brother Ziggy Marley, who will also link up with Stephen again in Vienna, Virginia on July 27. Skip Marley opens six dates on the tour, along with other hand-picked support artists such as Kabaka Pyramid, Hirie and Mike Love.

The critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, producer and philanthropist, whose debut album, Mind Control, was dubbed “the best Marley album of a generation” by Entertainment Weekly, recently released an EP collection of songs he produced with female vocalists as an homage to legend Nina Simone, Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone, featuring Joss Stone, Cedella Marley, Etana and more via Ghetto Youths International, and now streaming on all digital platforms. To listen, click HERE.

Stephen Marley is currently putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming full-length studio album, slated to release later this year.

2022 Babylon By Bus Summer Tour Dates:

May 26 – Monterey, CA – Cali Roots Festival

May 29 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre + *

June 2 – Redway, CA – Mateel Center

June 3 – Rohnert Park, CA – Somo *

June 4 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre *

June 7 – Reno, NV – Robert Z Hawkins Amphitheatre *

June 9 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery ^

June 10 – Anaheim, CA – The Grove ^ *

June 11 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys ^ *

June 30 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre ~

July 1 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery ~

July 2 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station ~

July 3 – High Point, NC – Ziggy’s Outdoor ~

July 8 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Festival

July 10 – West Hampton Beach, NY – West Hampton Beach PAC

July 13 – Dallas, TX – Amplified Live @

July 15 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre @

July 16 – Las Vegas, NV – Vegas Latin Summer Fest

July 27 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap #

+ w/ Ziggy Marley & Ben Harper
* w/Skip Marley
^ w/ HIRIE
# w/ Ziggy Marley
~ w/ Kabaka Pyramid
@ w/ Mike Love

We're excited to announce Cali Vibes Festival in Long Beach, CA for Presidents' Day Weekend February 17-19, 2023 at Marina Green Park! The 3-day experience features a stellar line up including Jack Johnson, Slightly Stoopid, Stephen Marley, Stick Figure, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Tash Sultana, 311, Ben Harper, Fortunate Youth, Denm, Artikal Sound System, Arise Roots and many more!

All passes now on sale including Beach Club, VIP, & GA passes + hotel packages. Secure for only $49.99 down and divide your total into smaller payments by this Friday, October 28th.

Grab a Beach Club pass for access to an exclusive oasis, equipped with upfront main stage viewing, complimentary cocktails and bites, parking, festival re-entry and more. Must be 21+

West Coast Hip-Hop legends Snoop Dogg and Cypress Hill just added to the 2nd annual Cali Vibes Festival in Long Beach, CA February 17-19 + plus additional artists Matisyahu, Lila Iké, a special tribute to Lee Scratch Perry featuring Mykal Rose and Subatomic Sound System and many more.

CALIVIBESFEST.COM

The Marley Brothers - Stephen, Ziggy, Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre performing classic songs from Bob Marley's catalog as well as Marley Brothers originals. Very special guests Sean Paul and Protoje (4/19) + Steel Pulse and Lee “Scratch” Perry Memorial Set ft. Subatomic Sound System with Mykal Rose (4/20).

Tickets going fast, visit HERE for details.

Nick Daniels III, New Orleans funk dignitary and one-half of the two-bass duo in Dumpstaphunk, died Friday, April 26 following complications from recently being diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer. He was 68. The loss comes on the second day of the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as many descend upon New Orleans to celebrate the music that defined his storied life. Daniels is survived by his wife Marion Daniels, children, and grandchildren.

A childhood friend of Ivan Neville, Daniels became a staple of the Crescent City music community and performed with bands that backed The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Boz Scaggs, the Wild Magnolias and Etta James. Daniels was a member of Dumpstaphunk since the band’s inception in 2003, appearing in all four studio albums and helping the group develop from a side project to become one of the most renowned modern funk collectives in the world.

Ivan Neville shares, “We are still at a loss for words while processing the passing of our brother Nick Daniels III. As a founding member of our band Dumpstaphunk, and as part of the extended Neville family, his musical contributions to the city of New Orleans and beyond are immeasurable. As our lifelong friend since childhood, we will continue to honor his legacy the best way we know how, by playing our hearts out even as our hearts are breaking, because Nick was born to make people happy and he will always be with us in spirit.”

With a gospel-like voice, five-string bass and kind-hearted disposition, he endeared himself to many over the years and mentored the next generation of funk stewards. Many in the music community expressed their love for Daniels and his legacy in the hours following his death:

“There’s not enough internet to explain what this dude mean to me… The phunk will never feel the same.” – Ian Neville, Dumpstaphunk

“To be that gifted and equally as nice a person is a rare thing indeed. I LOVED his bass playing. And I ADORED his voice and singing… thank you for inspiring me Nick.” – Oteil Burbridge, Dead & Company

“All I can say is that I’m thankful to GOD to have known and spent so much time with this gem of a human. Anyone who interacted with him knew how kind and generous he was. The KINDEST man I’ve ever known. He was a true example of goodness in this world.” – Nikki Glaspie, The Nth Power

A public memorial celebrating the life of Nick Daniels III will take place Tuesday, April 30 outside of Tipitina’s in New Orleans at 7:45 p.m. following the Fessy Awards at 7 p.m.

A GoFundMe has also been created in the wake of Daniels’ death to support his family and funeral arrangements: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-daniels-iii

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Closer to the Sun, the perfect blend of all-inclusive luxury and electrifying festival vibes, set against the backdrop of Mexico's stunning Riviera Maya. From December 1st to 5th, music lovers can enjoy an unparalleled concert vacation featuring their favorite bands and artists performing from mid-afternoon until the stars fade at dawn.

The Experience

Closer to the Sun guests will stay at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel or the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, each offering exclusive accommodations and amenities tailored to provide the ultimate festival experience. Enjoy beachside shows where you can float in the Caribbean, jam out at the Main Stage, and revel in Late Night sets under the open sky.

All-Inclusive Luxury

Your festival package includes:

    4-night accommodations at your choice of two spectacular resorts
    Access to all musical performances and stages
    Unlimited food from various specialty stations and resort restaurants
    Unlimited drinks and craft cocktails
    Artist-led workshops and games
    Daytime activities and nightlife options
    Special Accommodations

This year, we are excited to extend the Closer to the Sun experience to an exclusive section at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. This option provides a more economical choice without compromising on the enjoyment and access to festival amenities, including complimentary shuttle service to the Hard Rock Hotel.

Important Dates

    Pre-sale for Returning Guests: Starts May 6th. Check your email for a unique Pre-sale Password.
    Public Sale: Begins at 1 PM ET on May 7th, available for any remaining rooms post Pre-sale.

Booking Information

Ensure your spot by creating or updating your Cloud 9 account. Register here or reset your password here. Take advantage of our monthly payment plans, airport shuttle services, discounted additional nights, and optional travel insurance for a worry-free experience.

Join us at Closer to the Sun to celebrate a decade of musical memories, and create new ones in a paradise that echoes every note. Reserve your spot today and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the Riviera Maya.

Contact: Closer to the Sun Travel Team Email: support@closer-to-the-sun.com Phone: 1-800-555-SUN1