A Long Island band featuring a Merrick drummer is getting the chance this Saturday to open for a legendary ska/punk group.
The RBC, a dub-reggae-jam band that that features Merrick resident Mike Celano on drums, will be opening for Sublime with Rome at the Pennysaver Amphitheater in Farmingville as part of Saturday’s Beerfields Craft Beer & Music Festival. Sublime, which was considered one of the most popular ska punk bands from 1988 until breaking up in 1996 following the death of lead singer Bradley Nowell, collaborated with vocalist/guitarist Rome Ramirez starting in 2009.
In addition to Celano on drums, the RBC lineup includes Hewlett High School graduates Andrew Gedacht (vocals/guitar) and John Carey (bass/backup vocals) along with Jimmy McGerald of Bay Shore (melodica). Celano, Gedacht and Carey formed RBC in 2005 when they were members of WRHU (Radio Hofstra University) and have made strides in recent years including having the opportunity to perform at the annual Bonnarroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, John Fogerty and Jay-Z. The RBC also made an appearance on the Channel 11 PIX Morning News in March 2010.
Celano, a graduate of Kellenberg High School and Hofstra University, said opening for Sublime with Rome is a huge thrill since the band has been heavily influenced by their music. The show comes just before RBC is set to releases its new LP “When is Now” this fall.
"Playing alongside one of our biggest influences in Sublime means a lot to us,” Celano said. “It's another stamp on the resume, and comes at a great time with the new LP releasing in the coming months. We're ecstatic about being apart of a big event like this on our home turf.”
For further information on The RBC, log onto the band’s website. To order tickets for Saturday’s show at the Beerfields Craft Beer & Music Festival scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., click here.
