PHOTOS: BRIGID GALLAGHER | After talking with Natalie Bergman from Wild Belle earlier this month for TVD and getting a preview of their new album Dreamland, I was excited see them perform live. And I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
At a special Earth Day event curated by Land and Sea Dept., Wild Belle played at Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory. The conservatory was a beautiful setting for the band’s upbeat earthy grooves. Visitors were free to roam the campus to view exotic plants and make their way to the stage through the Palm Room filled with an enchanting tropical landscape.
It was breathtaking to explore, especially with the addition of the nighttime lights. Artgroup, Luftwerk’s critically acclaimed art installation, solarise: a sea of all colors, was a main intrigue of the event as everywhere you looked there was something new to behold amongst the greenery. Guests wandered in out of different greenhouses in wonderment as sounds of old school Jamaican songs spun in the distance.
Wild Belle was warmly welcomed back to their hometown by an eager crowd. The audience was dancing soon after the first notes of their opening song was played. Starting off with fresh songs from Dreamland, Wild Belle warmed up to the guests quickly.
Elliot Bergman treated the audience to many a saxophone solo which they happily ate up, cheering with each and every one. Halfway through their set they took time to play some crowd favorites from their first album, Isles. This really kicked the dancing up a notch. Natalie was gifted a bouquet of pink roses from a member of the audience to great delight.
The whole band seemed to enjoy the night and couldn’t help but move along to the new songs, many of which they were playing live for the first time. It was a unique event and a special night. To be surrounded by trees and music with the city skyline not far away was truly magical. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate Earth Day—or a better celebration soundtrack than Wild Belle.
Dreamland, Wild Belle’s brand new album, is in stores now—on vinyl.
