Photos + Review by Amanda Daubert – Ready for an exciting day two, festival attendees lined the streets outside of Harvard Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon. Still riding high from an amazing first day of the festival, fans were gearing up for another amazing day of music with 17 sets across our four stages.
Day two started on the Red Stage with Boston’s very own Neemz. Known for her beautiful expressions of fashion, heritage, art, and music, this rapper-singer, who is claiming her spot in the alternative hip-hop scene, was the perfect vibe to start the day. Neemz was one of several Boston-natives taking the stage on day two. Other local acts include indie-folk singer-songwriter Chrysalis, indie-soul 4-piece Coral Moons, post-hardcore powerhouse Actor Observer, plus Najee Janey, and The Q-Tip Bandits.
Dominating the Blue Stage was a stand-out mid-day performance by the Cleveland based blues-rock band, Welshly Arms. Coming off an incredible European tour just a few weeks prior, and still riding high on the success of their third studio album, Wasted Words & Bad Decisions, the band put on a show stopping performance that could have easily earned them a headlining spot. The band played a few songs off their latest album including the high energy hit “Are You Lonely,” the soulful blues tune “I Surrender,” and the hard hitting track “Have It All.” The band also featured early hits like “Dirty Work” and their smash single “Legendary.” The band received a warm reception from the delighted crowd.
Making our way back to the Red Stage, fans enjoyed the spirited Philadelphia grown indie-rock band Mt.Joy. Known for their powerful lyrics, incredible musicianship, and captivating live performances, festival goers were treated to an hour-long set that included hits like “Julia,” “Astrovan,” “Strangers,” and the crowd sing-a-long “Silver Lining.”
Gearing up for an exciting performance on the Green Stage was singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. This Vermont native has been on an incredible upward trajectory in the folk-rock scene over the past 6 years, which he mentioned during his set.. Kahan shared how he’s likely played every small club in Boston and playing at this festival, in front of this many people, was a dream come true. Kahan’s captivating voice, raw emotion, and authentic storytelling were on full display last night as he captivated the crowd and won the hearts of many with his endearing personality, genuine emotions, and true appreciation for where he was at that moment.
Headlining the Red Stage for day two was the 90’s Canadian-American rock icon herself, Alanis Morissette. Winner of 13 Juno Awards, 7 Grammy Awards, 3 Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, two World Music Awards and several others, plus being a 2022 Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, fans were truly in the presence of greatness. Showcasing her incredible voice and musicianship playing the harmonica and guitar, Morissette checked off every fan favorite playing hits like “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and ending the night with the powerful “Uninvited.”
Riding on a high, fans made their way to the Green Stage for the headliners of the night, alternative-folk band, The Lumineers. For the past 12 years The Lumineers have been on a hard-fought and well-deserved climb to the top. From their debut single “Ho Hey” in December 2011 the band has continued to produce amazing music, with beautiful songwriting, alluring vocals, and exceptional artistry which come together like magic during their live performances and last night’s set was just that…magic. Kicking off the set was the title track to the latest album “Brightside,” followed by hits like “Cleopatra” and their smash hit “Ho Hey.” The crowd was also treated to a reappearance of Noah Kahan as he joined the band to play their collaborative hit “If We Were Vampires.” With a blast of confetti and ending the night with a full crowd sing along to “Stubborn Love” it was the perfect way to end day two.
With an inspired energy, fans applauded not just The Lumineers, but all of day two’s performers, for another unforgettable day of music. Now let’s do it all again, one more time!
Day Two Artist List: The Lumineers, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan, The Flaming Lips, Mt. Joy, Fletcher, Declan McKenna, Joy Oladokun, The Aces, Loveless, Welshly Arms, Neemz, The Q-Tip Bandits, Najee Janey, Actor Observer, Coral Moons and Chrysalis.
