Words & Photos by Anthony Abu-Hanna
Sunday morning arrived with cloudy, gray skies looming overhead at Seaside Park. Would they hold out? Or would the weather repeat itself from the first night of Soundside? These were the questions on everyone’s minds as the gates opened on Day Two of the festival. But the atmosphere felt different—more joyous, less battered by the elements. After surviving Saturday’s bleak weather, the crowd seemed ready to face whatever Sunday had in store.
The day kicked off with a performance from Ireland’s Darren Kiely, whose vocals were reminiscent of Marcus Mumford and Noah Kahan. For those who arrived early enough, his set was a must-see, and those who missed it were left disappointed. Following Kiely was folk-Americana group Hurray for the Riff Raff, with lead singer Alynda Segarra’s subtle, expressive voice proving how quiet tracks can still sound massive.
The War & Treaty, led by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Tonya Trotter, came out swinging with a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Proud Mary. From the start, they owned the stage. The couple’s dynamic vocals showcased a range that was hard to top throughout the day, delivering originals and a stunning cover of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You. They added some playful humor to the set, with Michael joking, “We ain’t brother and sister kissing up here. We’re above the Mason-Dixon Line,” drawing big laughs from the crowd.
A surprise standout of the day was Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. With his Americana roots, Holcomb channeled the spirit of Tom Petty through vibrant storytelling and powerful vocals. His energy was infectious, especially during a spirited cover of Petty’s Runnin’ Down a Dream. Holcomb’s enthusiasm for performing shone through in songs like Dance With Everybody, as he bounded across the stage, interacting with fans up close.
As the afternoon progressed, folk star Gregory Alan Isakov took the stage, playing through fan favorites like Amsterdam, The Fall, Big Black Car, and Coming Home Again. Norah Jones followed with her signature blend of masterful piano playing and melodic vocals, bringing a soothing calm to the festival.
After two quiet, reflective sets, the energy shifted when Teddy Swims hit the stage, opening with his song Goodbye’s Been Good to You. From that moment on, Soundside turned into a full-blown dance party. Teddy’s slightly irreverent stage antics, deep, powerful voice, and a fantastic backing band elevated the vibe. Drummer DeAndre Hemby kept the groove tight through songs like Devil in a Dress, Hammer to Heart, and The Door. As the band played through their hit Lose Control, the crowd erupted into a massive dance session, filling the festival grounds with joy.
The excitement after Teddy Swims was palpable, and it only ramped up from there. Jack Antonoff and his band Bleachers were up next, replacing Queens of the Stone Age, who had to bow out for health reasons. Antonoff joked about being the “replacement band,” quipping that no one paid to see them, but they were determined to make the festival go crazy—and they did just that. Antonoff, ever the showman, transformed the stage into a makeshift recording studio as Bleachers powered through hits like Rollercoaster, Modern Girl, I Wanna Get Better, Don’t Take the Money, and Stop Making This Hurt. One particularly memorable moment came during Tiny Moves, when Antonoff encouraged fans to get on each other’s shoulders, creating an electric atmosphere across the festival grounds.
Just three days before Soundside, the Foo Fighters abruptly dropped out as headliners. In their place, the festival announced two replacements: Greta Van Fleet and Jack White. While many fans were disappointed and frustrated by the Foo Fighters’ withdrawal, both Greta Van Fleet and Jack White promised to deliver a thrilling end to the weekend.
As a first-time listener to Greta Van Fleet, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but brothers Josh, Jake, and Sam Kiszka, along with drummer Danny Wagner, took Soundside by storm. Drawing inspiration from legends like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Rush, their fiery, high-energy set transported the crowd back in time. Opening with The Falling Sky, they didn’t let up for a moment. Jake Kiszka’s wailing guitar solos were front and center, while Josh’s soaring, Robert Plant-esque vocals rang out across the park. Even though they weren’t the band fans initially came to see, Greta Van Fleet’s show-stopping performance more than made up for it.
Closing out the evening was Jack White, famously known as the go-to fill-in festival headliner. Though he was a last-minute addition, White put on a show for the ages. He opened with Old Scratch Blues, immediately dispelling any doubts about whether he was the perfect choice to end the night. With blistering intensity, White and his band tore through a mix of solo tracks, White Stripes classics, and even The Raconteurs’ hit Steady, as She Goes. His current tour has been hailed as one of his best, and based on this performance, it’s easy to see why. White was at the peak of his powers, delivering a closing set that will be easily remembered.
As Soundside Music Festival wrapped up, it was clear that despite the unpredictable weather and last-minute changes, the festival had once again lived up to its reputation. For a young festival, Soundside prides itself on a diverse lineup of artists and a wide array of local food and beverage vendors. It’s a can’t-miss event—even if you might get rained on one of the days.
Gallery +
TheWaster.com | Bridgeport
10.2.24
