TVD Live Shots: Soundside Music Festival, 9/28

BRIDGEPORT, CT | Come Sunday morning the whirlwind of day one at Soundside Music Festival felt like a dream. Memories had been made from a full day packed with impressive live performances, but there wasn’t much time to reminisce as gates opened today before noon. Knowing more of what to expect from day one, concertgoers were prepared to handle today’s test of eleven hours of outdoor music and giving their energy right back to the artists.

Day one may have had higher highs, but day two was consistently exceptional and each artist was one you did not want to miss. With Soundside’s unique rotating stage, fans were able to be present for every moment and not have to choose between performances across multiple stages. The atmosphere in the audience was considerably more relaxed with warmer and dry weather, and a reconfiguration of the general admission pit to allow fans the chance to get even closer to the artists. Fans were representing merch of the artists they were most excited to see, service dogs were getting all the love, and the party was ready to begin.

Southern soul, rock, and gospel husband and wife duo The War and Treaty immediately lifted the spirits of attendees and took them to the church of music on this Sunday morning. Backed by a thunderous bass and drum filled live band, Michael and Tanya Trotter displayed heartfelt and talented vocal deliveries both as individuals and as a harmonizing couple. A setlist blended with original songs and soulful renditions of hits like “Proud Mary,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Tennessee Whiskey” kept the audience locked in and wanting more.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors took to the stage next delivering a warm blend of Americana and folk rock. Starting their set with the welcoming track “Family,” the crowd embraced the appeal to kids and adults as this act came at the perfect time in the day where most children were running around with noise canceling headphones and excited dancing feet. Veterans to the stage, Holcomb was the perfect act that may be the first live musical performance on a stage of this magnitude for many—assuring to make lasting memories. This set was highlighted with a spirited rendition of Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

One of the best aspects of a music festival of this size is getting turned onto a new favorite artist. Releasing his first album over twenty years ago and receiving wide recognition over the years, Gregory Alan Isakov is not the typical artist to be placed into this category, but for many younger fans his mature sound may have not previously registered. Today, Isakov expertly delivered his blend of introspective lyrics and contemporary indie folk to a crowd of long time fans and new ones alike.

Supporting the recent release of his new album Appaloosa Bones, Isakov and his band had been playing newer songs at shows, but made a detour during this festival appearance to display his career spanning material. “This is Big Black Car. If you know any of the too many words in this song, please help me by signing along.” Backed by a screen displaying a mountain scene reminiscent of his Colorado home, Isakov transported the crowd away to a place of reflection and a strengthened redemption.

Georgia native Teddy Swims’ stage presence could not be denied as he entered with confidence and an impressive vocal ability. An artist made by self discovery and expression, Teddy captivated the audience with an R&B, soul, country, and pop delivery and catalog of original material. Beginning his career playing in post harcore and hair metal cover bands, Swims maintains elements of these sounds with the two guitarists playing intricate metal-inspired solos alongside him while the drums and bass roar with R&B and pop stylings. This unique blend was refreshing and entertaining as it kept concertgoers unfamiliar to his work unsure of what to expect next.

For the first time all weekend, the sky cleared as the sun broke through the clouds during “Some Things I’ll Never Know.” Serving as the emotional peak of his set, Swims was overcome with emotion—taking time to silently stare out to all parts of the giant crowd with clouded eyes and an honored smile it was evident he was moved by the magnitude of the moment. After taking in the roar of applause and a similar reaction from the crowd, Teddy could only say, “Thank you for saving my life.”

The top two bands set to close tonight’s festival had recently dropped out and were replaced by three artists. As the sun began to set, local New Jersey natives Bleachers welcomed this challenge and stepped into the spotlight. With a sound reminiscent of ’80s era Bruce Springsteen, the infectiously positive and upbeat groove of horns and guitars mesmerized the capacity crowd. Lead singer Jack Antonoff incited a joyful frenzy telling the crowd, “As one of your replacement acts we humbly say to you to get on your friend’s shoulders and let’s blow this night out of the sky!” The audience was soon filled with people on top of shoulders dancing in bliss.

Antonoff’s playful crowd engagement didn’t stop there as he recognized the different energies within the VIP and general admission areas. “This side seems a little more feral and this side seems more cool.” For the feral side he instructed them to cheer wildly with a “HEY!” while he had the VIP section respond with a “hey” reminiscent of Fonzie from the show Happy Days. A member in the crowd was overheard saying, “every song has that last song kind of energy.” Bleachers brought an infectious dose of high-energy positive music that was expertly delivered by a tight band well seasoned by the road.

Greta Van Fleet stepped onto a stage that showed so much love for the band there were no clues they in fact were also a replacement act. Fans held banners across the barricade with the lyrics “Light My Love” and handheld signs saying “Jake your smile is beautiful!” Superfan Laney from Rochester, NY picked up tickets only a few days ago when GVF were announced sharing, “This is my 31st show! Every show is different. Their music tells an incredible story.”

The mood was set as Greta Van Fleet brought their rock n’ roll and blues inspired heavy riffs to the capacity crowd shrouded in nightfall. This was another band who was wrapping up a lengthy tour and brought enthusiasm and joy to the performance—relishing this last show before packing up the gear for a while. GFV mostly played songs from their latest release but also included classics from their first few albums.

Guitarist Jake Kiszka bounced between both sides of the stage and interacted with drummer Danny Wagner seemingly in an effort to build up energy and then let it loose on the audience with his guitar playing and an emotional output exchanged directly with fans in the front row. Singer Josh Kiszka enchanted the crowd with his powerful voice and dynamic range with stylings reminiscent of Robert Plant. Greta Van Fleet were a perfect fit for this festival—catering to die hard fans and winning over the large outdoor crowd.

The headliner of night two and closer to the festival was none other than the guitarist of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs—Jack White. Drenched in blue light, Jack delivered a lengthy set consisting of songs from each of his musical outfits and a cover of Chicago blues guitarist Hound Dog Taylor. White is coming off a tour of small clubs that created a high demand for shows that felt exclusive and intimate. Tonight’s performance was the complete opposite of his recent tour as he aimed to create an inclusive sing-along party across the 35 acre festival grounds. Jack did not disappoint, weaving technical ability and crowd control to orchestrate a jovial performance attendees would not forget.

Seaside park has a long history of hosting musical events. In the 1890s there were Sunday concerts to benefit the working people. Free orchestral concerts were held on Thursday nights in the 1930s. In the early 2000s a four day festival called Gathering Of The Vibes was held to celebrate the Grateful Dead. Soundside Music Festival carries the tradition of outdoor music at Seaside park by offering an inclusive and joyful experience for all ages. As you leave the festival at the end of the night, performances echo off the surrounding buildings—giving you the impression of the reach this festival has on the local community and all that venture here to experience it.

BLEACHERS