Photos + Review by David Molnar – On a hot and humid July evening in Western Massachusetts, Cypress Hill brought nearly three and a half decades of hip-hop history to the Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing Company as part of the band’s Once Upon a Time in the Summer 2026 Tour. Promoted by Massachusetts and Upstate New York concert promoter DSP Shows, the outdoor performance celebrated the group’s 35th anniversary with a career-spanning set that reminded fans why Cypress Hill remains one of the most influential acts in hip-hop.
Formed in California in 1988, founding members B-Real (Louis Freese) on lead vocals, Sen Dog (Senen Reyes) on vocals, DJ Muggs (Lawrence Muggerud) on turntables and Bobo on drums and percussion continues to tour with the same intensity that made them legends. Before the first beats even rang out, an orange haze from Canadian wildfire smoke hung over the venue, creating a hazy backdrop that would only grow thicker as the unmistakable aroma of marijuana drifted across the crowd throughout the night. Longtime advocates for both the medical and recreational use of cannabis, Cypress Hill has never hidden its support for marijuana culture, making the atmosphere feel entirely fitting.
From the moment the band hit the stage, the energy was relentless. B-Real immediately connected with the audience, shouting, “Make some noise if you have ever seen Cypress Hill before!” After the roar from longtime fans finally settled, he smiled and added, “Welcome back to the party!” Later he challenged the enthusiastic crowd again: “If you are ready to party with the Almighty Cypress Hill make some noise!” The response was deafening. He followed with another rallying cry: “When you come to a Cypress Hill show there is a lot of energy and when the shit goes down you gotta be ready!” before the band tore into “When the Shit Goes Down,” from the band’s 1993 album Black Sunday.
The performance featured more than 21 songs spanning the group’s remarkable catalog. Classics and fan favorites flowed seamlessly, with the rock-infused “(Rock) Superstar” to their groundbreaking debut single “How I Could Just Kill a Man”. Following “Tequila Sunrise,” B-Real casually lit what appeared to be a massive joint before introducing the “Lowrider,” drawing cheers as a fresh cloud of smoke rose from both the stage and the audience. Throughout the night, bandmates DJ Muggs, Sen Dog and Bobo kept the set moving.
At night’s end, Cypress Hill delivered exactly what everyone had been waiting for. The opening notes of their mega-hit “Insane in the Brain” sending the crowd into one final frenzy before saying goodnight. On a memorable summer evening where wildfire smoke mixed with the familiar haze that has long surrounded Cypress Hill’s concerts, the legendary hip-hop pioneers proved that after 35 years, they remain every bit as powerful and entertaining as ever.
Opening for Cypress Hill was New York City’s Lord Sko who proved to be the perfect choice to open select dates on the tour. Hailing from Washington Heights, Lord Sko has earned praise as a true-school hip-hop revivalist. Joined by Rhakim Ali on vocals and DJ St. January behind the turntables, the trio delivered an energetic set that quickly won over the crowd.
