Nathaniel Rateliff
Nathaniel David Rateliff is an American singer and songwriter known for mixing folk, Americana, vintage rhythm & blues, and rock to create emotionally charged and uplifting performances. He grew up in rural Missouri. Rateliff began playing the drums at age 7, and guitar at 13, with early musical beginnings in church bands and playing local open-mic nights.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats started as an R&B side-project in 2013. Rateliff has become well-known for his powerful, emotive voice and high-energy live shows. The Night Sweats’ self-titled 2015 album and their fourth album, South of Here, released in 2024, received critical acclaim and a nomination for an Americana Award.
Why You Should Go
Soulful, high-energy performance: Rateliff’s shows are renowned—part grit, part soul, part dance‑in‑the‑aisles, contagious.
Latest hits live: Come hear familiar favorites like “S.O.B.,” “Heartless,” and songs from Rateliff’s latest offering, South of Here, including “Call Me (Whatever You Like)” and “Heartless”.
A community experience: Rateliff’s concerts are often a ritualized social experience. He’ll bring along others into the fold – festivals, openers (like Hannah Cohen) and bands that are supportive (like Trampled By Turtles) are a welcome accompaniment.
Emotional depth: Rateliff’s tremendous narrative – weaving loss to redemption – brings an authenticity beyond the stage, the musicality, a genuine, heartfelt, and life changing experience.
About the Venue
The Santa Barbara Bowl is located at 1122 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA, an outdoor amphitheater located in a picturesque canyon north of downtown.
Atmosphere: SBB is known for its natural beauty, warm summer evenings, and great experience.
Capacity & Layout: Seating capacity for about 4,500, with reserved seating, general‑admission floor, and Riviera + an accessible ADA section.
Vibe: Low-key, community-oriented vibe that captures the energy of a rock show mixed with a laid-back, ocean‑cooled Californian feel.
General Admission Floor (Front & Center – Red Zone)
- Closest to the stage and offers a high-energy, immersive experience.
- This area is standing only, so arrive early to grab a good spot.
- Perfect if you love being in the action—singing, dancing, and feeling the beat up close.
🔹 Best for: Superfans, high-energy concertgoers, people who want to be part of the crowd vibe.
Preferred Seats – Sections K, L, M, N, O (Purple Zone)
- These are premium reserved seats located just behind the General Admission area.
- Offers a slightly elevated view with better comfort and less crowding.
- L & M are most centered with a great line of sight to the stage.
- K & O are angled, but still solid for a more relaxed concert experience.
🔹 Best for: Fans who want a great view with more comfort, less standing, and faster access to exits.
Reserved Seats – Sections D, E, F, G, H, I (Middle Tier – Blue Zone)
- These are great balance seats – not too far, not too close.
- E and H are the most centered here, giving excellent acoustics and visual balance.
- D, F, G, I are side sections, good value for slightly lower pricing.
- These areas are seated and offer back support.
🔹 Best for: Those who want clear sound and a full view of the stage, without being right in the crowd.
Back Reserved – Sections A, B, C (Top Tier – Blue Zone)
- Located at the very top, these seats are the farthest but still provide a full view of the stage.
- B is the most centered; A and C are angled.
- Slightly more affordable and less crowded.
- Expect a more chill, laid-back experience with a cool breeze and scenic backdrop.
🔹 Best for: Casual fans, budget-conscious attendees, or those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience.
Founder’s Row (Front of Preferred)
- Often reserved for VIPs or long-time supporters.
- These are limited, premium seats with the best combination of view, comfort, and access.
- Located directly behind General Admission and in front of Preferred.
🔹 Best for: If you can snag these, it’s one of the best spots in the house.
What to Expect
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Gates at 5:00 PM • Show at 7:00 PM
Hannah Cohen will warm the crowd up with melodic, mellow songs. Setlist Highlights: Many crowd favorites such as “I Need Never Get Old,” “You Worry Me,” “Look It Here,” “S.O.B.,” as well as several newer songs like “I’m On Your Side,” “Heartless,” and the title song “South of Here.”
Concert Flow You can expect lots of upbeat and funky R&B jams, slow, soulful numbers, group sing alongs, with a few of his Americana roots sprinkled in for good measure. His band’s fusion of horns, guitar based soul, and Nathaniel Rateliff’s raw vocal ability will create an immersive experience.
Expect your feet to move, your mouth to sing along, and for moments that collectively make you feel like part of something. This is an experience like no other; it will be a cathartic release as much as it is a musical celebration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Santa Barbara area on October 2, 2025, make sure to see Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at the beautiful Santa Barbara Bowl. This is an unforgettable combination of soulful anthems, genuine storytelling, and collective energy. It’s going to feel like the perfect setting of the venue, blended with the vibes of early California Autumn, is going to equal an unforgettable one-night experience.
Even if you’re not the biggest Native Rateliff fan, these types of unique concerts are the ones that stay with you after the last note has rung out.
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