311 and Dirty Heads co-headline on their "So Glad You Made It" Tour

Nothing says Summertime Chi more than live music on a hot summer day. This day was July 12, 2026 and the spot to be at was Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Legendary bands 311 & Dirty Heads made their second stop of the tour in the second city. Along with them, they brought along Ocean Alley - only joining them for two-thirds of the tour - and Rome (Ramirez).

I, unfortunately, was not able to catch Rome perform, but am fairly familiar with his work - as well as former collaborative work. Still, as far as this show, I cannot comment on his performance, but he seems to be high energy from other conversations I had with some other friends and concert-goers.

Moving along, I did make it in time to catch Ocean Alley perform. I must have missed it, because I had no idea that they were going to be on this tour, but it was a very welcomed surprise. Ocean Alley was a perfect mix to this tour, as they have a have this soothing psychedelic-indie rock sound, but they also have some more alternative rock songs - such as "Tangerine." They were the perfect blend of sounds that tie up the gaps between Dirty Heads' groovy reggae, hip/hop, ska-like sound and 311's rap-rock music.

As a frequent listener of Ocean Alley, and as someone who saw them perform, I knew the kind of energy they brought, so I am glad that there was a great turnout and that the crowd was having a great time. There wasn't anything too theatrical about their performance, but they just know how to put on a great show by playing some great music. Their groove and groove is something intoxicating.

Moving along to this next band, as a California native, I am very familiar with this band; I still remember the day my brother introduced me to their music. He was driving us to the store and he told me there was a band he thought I would like. He put on Dirty Heads and played "Lay Me Down" and "Stand Tall" and the rest was history! Thinking back to this time, it must have been the very end of 2012 or early 2013 - shortly after the release of the "Any Port in a Storm" album.

Going back to the show, as the sun started to set, the stage started to brighten up.. and as the stage got brighter, the crowd got louder. You could tell that this band had some seasons behind them - as Dirty J (Jared Watson) hyped the crowd up as he glided all around the stage, constantly crossing paths with Duddy B (Dustin Bushnell). While the rest of the band created the melody, Duddy would set the vibe with his intro verse and choruses, and Dirty J would lay out the raps that they are known for and what we have come to enjoy.

Finally, we move into the last performer and second co-headliner, 311. An iconic band that is still performing strongly [almost] 40 years later and still look amazing doing it. While most people are likely to know 311 for their song "Amber," they also have roots deeply imbedded in the hard rock life with songs like "Beautiful Disaster," and they have songs like "All Mixed Up" which showcase their rap and ska-like sound.

This was my first experience with a live 311 performance. They are an intense band that sure knows how to completely overcome and wrap their crowds' attention around their finger. It all becomes apparent that all the time they have been together has made them better as performers. All of those years accumulated to put on the best shows possible - fine tuning everything from their sound and down to their lighting details.

Lastly, can I just comment on that insane drum solo? That alone would be worth the admission to the show, but instead, you get the plus of some amazing bands putting on a phenomenal show!