This Labor Day weekend, you can experience double the fun and entertainment on the east side of Long Beach.
On Saturday, August 31, the show begins with live music led by Jakob Nowell, son of the late lead singer of the rock group Sublime.
On Sunday evening, September 1st, the popular fireworks display “Big Bang on the Bay” will take place again.
That’s right. Big Bang on the Bay, which normally takes place annually on July 3, has been canceled that day and rescheduled for Labor Day weekend. And to make it easier for guests, both events will be held outdoors next to the same venue, Boathouse on the Bay, 190 N. Marina Drive.
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“This weekend will be one to remember,” said John Morris, General Manager of the Boathouse. “We have two incredible events, a concert on Saturday that is sure to get the over-21s rocking and our classic Big Bang on the Bay fireworks display for the whole family.”
These two events should be an exciting end-of-summer highlight for everyone. And to make it even better, Morris said, the Big Bang fireworks display benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Nowell Sublime concert benefits mental health and substance abuse treatment and the Nowell Family Foundation.
“This will be a great opportunity to help children and people suffering from mental health issues and drug addiction,” Morris said.
Don Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, agreed.
“The Big Bank fireworks truly embody the spirit of Long Beach residents – resilient, supportive and always ready to lend a helping hand,” said Rodriguez. “Thanks to the incredible support of John Morris, we are in for an unforgettable night.”
“The Big Bang on the Bay is our heartfelt way of saying goodbye, summer, and thanking everyone who has supported us,” he added. “We hope everyone enjoys the event and the spectacular fireworks display.”
The popular fireworks display was originally scheduled for July 3 as usual, but was canceled after the California Coastal Commission said organizers had missed a deadline to submit a permit application. The event was ultimately approved by the Coastal Commission for Sunday, September 1 by a 7-3 vote.
“I just want everyone to have a good time this weekend,” Morris said.
Morris contacted Jakob Nowell to ask if he would be interested in playing the day before the fireworks
“I told John, sure, I love Long Beach,” Nowell said in an interview last week. “Long Beach is my family’s legacy. It’s so important to me.”
Jacob’s father, Bradley Nowell, was born in Long Beach in 1968 and grew up in Belmont Shore.
Bradley Nowell’s father, Jim Nowell, was a construction worker and played guitar. His mother, Nancy, taught piano and played the flute. Both parents taught him to play guitar. When Bradley Nowell was 16, he formed his first band, Hogan’s Heroes, and began playing at house parties. He attended Cal State Long Beach to study finance, but became more and more involved with his music.
Finally, in 1988, Bradley Nowell founded the band Sublime as lead singer with two other musicians from Long Beach. Their mix of ska, punk and reggae found a large following in California. In the 1990s, the band was successful with several recordings.
Son Jakob Nowell was born in 1995 at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. His mother, Troy Dendekker, married Bradley in May 1996 – just a week before he died of a drug overdose after performing at a Sublime show in Petaluma.
As you walk past the parking lot at 4000 E. Ocean near Termino Avenue in Belmont Shore, you’ll see happy father Bradley Nowell holding his baby Jacob as the focal point of the lengthy Sublime Memorial Wall. Completed in 2005 by prolific muralist Jonas Never, it includes Nowell’s dalmatian Lou Dog, the band’s mascot, as well as other iconic symbols of Long Beach-based band Sublime.
The younger Nowell was only 11 months old. In my interview with him, the younger Nowell said he grew up in San Diego. He said he overcame his own drug problems when he turned 21.
“Everyone has a different path in life,” he said. “I was dying, joined Alcoholics Anonymous and found a better path in life.”
He founded a second band with Sublime, Jakob’s Castle.
“Sublime is a band with tradition, a band spanning several generations,” he said. “I want to see my story as a family story spanning several generations.”
As you walk past the parking lot at 4000 E. Ocean near Termino Avenue in Belmont Shore, you’ll see happy father Bradley holding baby Jacob as the focal point of the long Sublime Memorial Wall. Completed in 2005 by prolific muralist Jonas Never, it includes Nowell’s dalmatian Lou Dog, the band’s mascot, as well as other iconic symbols of Long Beach-based band Sublime.
Nowell lives in Long Beach again and said he looks forward to entertaining residents on Saturday. He also said he will attend the fireworks on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to a great weekend,” he said. “It’s great to be back in Long Beach.”
Jakobs Castle Concert
When: 5pm-9pm, Saturday, August 31st.
Where: Boathouse on the Bay, 190 N. Marina Drive.
Cost: $30 in advance and $40 at the door.
Information: boathouseonthebay.com/labor-day-saturday-concert.
Big Bang on the Bay – Fireworks
When: Doors open on Sunday, September 1st at 4:30pm; the fireworks display begins at 8:30pm.
Where: Boathouse on the Bay, 190 N. Marina Drive.
Cost: $75 for adults and $35 for children.
Information: boathouseonthebay.com/big-bang-on-the-bay.
