SOUNDSIDE MUSIC festival – SEASIDE PARK – BRIDGEPORT CT
By Ralph Beauchamp
Featured photo Anna Downs
THE Soundside Music festival held its third chapter the weekend of September 28-29 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Ct. It was typical Sound On Sound music festival but it changed its name due to the fact that the original promoters, Founders Entertainment joined forces with C3 Presents which is Live Nation's festival. The two days were filled with glorious music and fun moments, and artists such as Noah Kahan, Jack White, Greta Van Fleet and Bleachers performed daring sets. Other acts including Norah Jones, Teddy Swims, Boyz II Men and Thee Sacred Souls also turned up the heat.
Let me start by saying that AMP has covered all three editions of this festival and no matter how hard the organizers try to make it easy, there always seems to be one or the other hurdle that slowly creeps up. The first year, the music was spectacular, but the festival was mishandled and there was a lot of disorganization. The food lines were extremely long and there was a ton of confusion. The second day was much better, but the crowd was also smaller.
of last year Sound to Sound was hampered by a torrential downpour the night before kick-off which left the venue muddy and wet. The organizers did a great job trying to create a pleasant environment, but it was still difficult to maneuver. I made sure my kids brought extra clothes and shoes as I envisioned soaked pants and messed up shoes. They wouldn't get into my car like that. Again, this wasn't the promoters fault. They really handled the difficulties with a lot of grace and I think most people had a good time. Mother Nature just gave them the finger.
Now, let's get to this year. Sound side it had an impressive composition. Saturday's headliner, Noah Kahan, had a terrible negative cost. Goo Goo Doll, Fleet Foxes and Boyz II Men are an interesting mix of genres. Additionally, Grace Potter, Thee Sacred Souls, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Lisa Loeb made Saturday a must see. Add newcomers Madi Diaz and Rijah (whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for a later feature) and you have a recipe for a musical feast.
Photographs by Ralph Beauchamp
Sunday is more interesting. Queens Of The Stone Age were due to play but had to cancel due to medical reasons. Bleachers by Jack Antonoff was the replacement for QOTSA and although it was a different genre, it was definitely a wash. Now to the crazies. Headliners Foo Fighters pulled out at the last minute leaving a huge hole. Many (and I mean many) brought their tickets just to see the Foo Fighters. The band did not give a specific reason for their abrupt departure, but there were many rumors that surfaced.
In their place we got two co-headliners. Jack White and Greta Van Fleet were added. To me, not too bad, but a lot of ticket holders got pissed off. Again, this was all out of control Sound side and they turned as best they could. You can't do this shit. Sunday also featured an array of outstanding talent. Artists I really wanted to live. Gregory Alan Isakoff, Norah Jones, Teddy Swims and the aforementioned Bleachers are all respected. It was lower on the bill Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, The war and the treaty, Hooray For The Riff Raff and Darren Kiely.
One final observation about the weather. forecasts days before the event called for sunny skies and in the 70s. Perfect but mother nature threw Sound side another curveball. Saturday was rainy with an occasional spell of continuous rain throughout the day. It was also windy and since Seaside Park is right out on Long Island Sound, it was downright cold. By far, not what I expected and prepared for. By the end of the night, I wasn't feeling so good.
Due to the number of artists involved, I will only give a brief summary of each act.
Saturday started with Rijah and Mandy Diaz. Both acts brought their A-game and promoted spirited sets. The crowd seemed to enjoy their sound. Lisa Loeb captured the attention of the audience and her smash hit 'Stay (I Miss You) was definitely a fan favourite. guitar virtuoso, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram transported the crowd back to the Mississippi Delta with songs that sparkled with bluesy magic. You Holy Soulsone of the artists i was really looking forward to seeing, they were killer. Fronted by Josh Lane, the band's set was exciting and full of organic flavors of soul and R&B. Lane is a consummate showman and pulled off easily Sound side patrons.
Grace Potter followed and, for me, was the hit of the night. Her powerful music is full of delightful rock tones and her voice is both sultry and melodic. Plus, her energy was through the roof. Her aggressive sound is monstrous and the crowd really came alive. Songs like “Medicine” and “Good Time” had absolute resonance. Potter closed with an energetic cover of “Paris (Ooh La La)” from her 2010 self-titled album with her band the Nocturnals. Potter just killed.
The surprise of the evening was Boyz II Men. They really got the crowd going with their massive R&B hits. Practically everyone sang through most of their set and even threw in the odd selection of tunes. Playing covers of Lenny Kravitz (“Are You Gonna Go My Way”) and The Guess Who (“American Woman”), Boyz II Men were brash and fun. They were also fun and exciting. Fleet Foxes came next and their folk-tinged indie rock style enchanted them Sound side congregation. Their music wove layers of additional textures that captivated everyone.
Saturday's closing was the Goo Goo Dolls and Noah Kahan. The Goo Goo Dolls were warmly received, but Noah was the real star shining brightly inside Sound side heaven. Every man clings to every word in every song. He controlled the audience with his soulful delivery and relatable lyrics. Kahan was the perfect end to a glittering night of stellar music.
Photographs by Ralph Beauchamp
From Sunday. As I said before, I came home under the weather because of the weather. I wouldn't have even gone if it wasn't for the card being stacked. I had to be smart and missed the four openings on purpose. He needed sleep and used the time to come back. I joined at the beginning of it by Grigoris Alan Isakoff series. His music is beautiful. A palette of exotic grooves was released that were incandescent. The crowd ate it up. Norah Jones is my favorite. I have seen her several times in her eclectic ensemble, Puss N Boots. She captivated the audience with her commanding vocals and skillful piano playing.
So what can I say? Teddy Swims. I was completely surprised. The man is a force. His voice is charming and his music is psychological. It was hitting on all cylinders. Sound side he was completely in awe. His music and personality marketed Seaside Park. Swims arrangements were bold and funky. His aura was cinematic. Swimming just ruled the stage. He even stopped his performance when he saw someone in distress and apologized for not seeing it sooner. Swims' was absolutely divine.
Okay, next up was Bleachers. Jack Antonoff and crew were great. His noisy, Jersey-flavored rock style is reminiscent of Springsteen and Southside Johnny. The band was tight and the two saxophonists (Evan Smith and Zem Audu) practically stole the show. Antonov was a delight. His lively stage demeanor only added to his sweet vocals and inspiring songs. The crowd erupted and you could feel the electricity in the air. Bleachers' huge hits “I Wanna Get Better”, “Rollercoaster” and “Modern Girl” were sung at festivals. The stands were practically incendiary.
Greta Van Fleet and Jack White closed the night. I'm not a huge Greta fan, but I found them stimulating. The band knows how to rock a show. The Kiszka brothers (Joshua, Jake, Sam) pulverize the scene. They are constantly attacking all areas of the dia. Lead singer Joshua has a great voice and his classic rock balance brings back memories of Plant. Plus, it's a blast to photograph. Jack White is a musical genius and this performance just cemented the fact. His guitar was crushing and his vocals were ferocious. He was a ferocious beast and the perfect act to say good night to Sound side.
An editor aside.
On Thursday, when I went to pick up our credentials, I stumbled upon a wonderful Italian restaurant called Ralph 'n' Rich's. It is located directly across the highway from the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport – just a five minute walk. I found the food amazing and the service excellent. Also, their price was quite reasonable. It is truly a hidden gem and a neighborhood hot spot. The place was packed, as the locals know for its great food. When they heard we were attending Sound side and needed parking, they offered to let us park in their lot.
Now, who does that? We didn't need it as we parked on the street, but I was overwhelmed by their generosity. If you're playing a show at AMP next year, be sure to come early and enjoy their old school charm. The address is 815 Main Street, Bridgeport. Their phone number is 203-366-3597.
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