Pittsburgh was movin' and groovin' to the sweet sounds of Tropidelic

Any Saturday night with Tropidelic is guaranteed to be a nonstop party! The Cleveland-based funk-reggae collective has spent the past decade building a loyal following through relentless touring and good vibes, blending elements of reggae, hip-hop, and funk into something unmistakably their own. Their stop at Stage AE, the last show of the first leg of this round of touring, marked a major step up from last year’s show at Mr. Smalls, and the move felt earned. The air was buzzing with energy long before the first note hit, with fans ready to dance, sing, and soak up the amazing vibes that Tropidelic always seems to bring with them.

The night opened with Pittsburgh’s own Fubar, a band that wears its local pride on its sleeve and knows exactly how to get a crowd moving. Their set was pure grit and groove, packed with funky basslines and sharp sax that added an extra zing. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and the hometown support gave them an extra spark that lit up their performance. By the time they closed with a high-energy jam that had everyone grooving in unison, Fubar had set the perfect tone for what would be a night of nonstop movement.

Next came Grieves, whose lyrical flow and cool stage presence added a hip-hop edge to the evening. Backed by fresh beats and a little bit of trumpet from Dan E.T., the set felt both intimate and energizing. Grieves balanced introspective verses with humor and gratitude, connecting easily with the crowd between songs. He was particularly fond of a pair of Ghostbusters in the front row. Tracks from across his catalog carried a mix of nostalgia and freshness, each one building momentum as the night went on. His performance served as a bridge between styles, blending the sharpness of rap with the soul of live instrumentation.

Artikal Sound System followed, bringing a wave of warmth that immediately pulled the crowd closer to the stage. Frontwoman Logan Rex drew attention with effortless charisma, her voice floating across the air like sunlight breaking through clouds. The band’s mix of reggae, pop, and alternative flair gave their songs a smooth, infectious pulse that had everyone swaying in rhythm. Each track they played carried a sense of sincerity and positivity that perfectly complemented the night’s growing energy.

When Tropidelic finally took the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers that could have carried across the river. The band wasted no time diving into a groove, horns blaring and percussion snapping in perfect sync. Each member brought a unique energy that fit together like a puzzle: guitarist/vocalist Matthew Roads led with a wide grin and quick riffs, James Begin was all over the stage swapping between vocals, trombone, bongos, and all-around hype man while Robert Schafer brought tight horn lines and dancing keys that soared through the night air. Drummer Rex Larkman and bassist David “Pags” Paglisotti held down a rhythm that made it impossible to stand still, and guitarist Pat Shine kept the funk sharp and fluid. The tight-knit group filled Stage AE with sound and movement, their joy mirrored by the dancing crowd.

There was a special kind of magic in seeing Tropidelic command such a large stage. After years of playing smaller venues like the Rex and Club Cafe, this show felt like a full-circle moment, and the band rose to it effortlessly. The energy never dipped, with fans shouting lyrics and spinning each other in carefree circles. The wide-open space of Stage AE allowed for an atmosphere that was equal parts concert and community gathering, a sea of smiles and movement that pulsed in time with every beat. The connection between band and audience felt organic and deeply genuine, the kind of give-and-take that defines a truly great live performance.

Early in the set, Grieves made a surprise appearance, running out to join Tropidelic for a song and instantly sent the crowd into a frenzy. His rapid-fire lyrics intertwined seamlessly with Tropidelic’s funky grooves, turning the room into a whirlwind of rhythm and energy. The chemistry between them was effortless, each feeding off the other’s momentum with infectious excitement. It was one of those moments that felt completely spontaneous, the kind of spark that makes live music unforgettable.

Tropidelic’s set pulled from every corner of their discography, with older fan favorites blending seamlessly into newer material. “Humble,” from their 2024 album Royal Grove, really showed how far their sound has evolved without losing its roots. The horn section blasted with precision, the rhythm section kept things tight, and the vocals carried a joyful grit that tied it all together. As the night drew to a close, Tropidelic left everything on that stage, the final notes ringing out into the cool Pittsburgh night. For fans old and new, it was a night of celebration, a reminder that music this full of life will always find room to grow.