On Saturday (May 25), Jack Harlow kicked off the inaugural Gazebo festival in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Although the “Lovin' on Me” MC didn't get to enjoy the whole experience because the second day of Gazebo Fest was canceled due to inclement weather, he enjoyed touring the event on its opening day.
Whether he was stationed at Rich Homie Quan's set, animatedly singing “Lifestyle” or screaming his heart out to Majid Jordan, Harlow immersed himself in the experience as one of the fans. “What he's done for the city is amazing,” said Faith, an Uber driver and longtime Louisville resident. Advertising sign.
Scheduled to feature 26 acts, the Gazebo festival was the brainchild of Harlow, which he first announced last February. Harlow's musical adventure featured him and SZA as headliners while featuring a formidable crew of performers including Vince Staples, Larry June, Veeze, Pink Panthress, Amaraee and more.
Harlow's vision to give back to the town that raised him looked promising after an impressive first day that was different. Unfortunately, Gazebo festival was unable to make it to Day 2 due to unforeseen circumstances. A tornado watch was issued, posing a significant safety hazard to performers and attendees. This decision, while disappointing, was made in the best interest of all involved.
“Good. We have to cancel the second day of the Gazebo,” Harlow wrote. “We are currently on a tornado watch. I know things have cleared up a bit, but the bad weather has destroyed the site and there are more storms and dangerous winds on the way. This means that everyone including me won't be playing anymore I'm trying to focus on the positives because all I felt was happiness yesterday and the way this city came together thank you so much . Sorry.”
Despite the cancellation, Advertising sign was on hand to capture the five best moments from day one of Harlow's Gazebo festival.
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Raven Lenae & Jordan Ward Bring R&B Shine to Louisville
While SZA remains a big hit thanks to her powerful vocals and commercial success, she wasn't the only attraction on the R&B circuit during Day 1 on Saturday.
Raven Lenae was electric as her sensuality and calm demeanor reverberated across the Gazebo stage. “I am so honored to be with all you beautiful people. We'll dance tonight,” Lena vowed. True to her word, Lenae went through her catalog, treating fans to sweet treats, from “Xtasy” and “Spice” to her sting. Hypnos record “Venom”.
Jordan Ward, a St. Louis hottie with an impressive repertoire, was up next after Lena performed on the Gazebo Stage. He kept the vibes intact during his scintillating set, aiming to thrill festival goers with a mix of original music and covers. Showcasing his vocal skills, the former dancer turned heads during his energetic rendition of “MUSTARD” and his dazzling rendition of “FAMJAM4000.” And when Ward lost his cool, he skated to a silky rendition of Bob Marley's “Waiting in Vain,” with the crowd swaying along.
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Larry June creates smoker's heaven
Although Larry June's music offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe, the Bay Area star brought a wave of fun and excitement during his set. June planted his roots on The Garden Stage, where the sweet aroma of marijuana smoke permeated the air, creating a hazy, dreamy atmosphere. The stage area became a smoker's paradise, with June's music as the perfect soundtrack. Songs like “Smoothies in 1991,” “Corte Madera” and “30 Day Run” got fans excited about the June chill. June wasn't too cool to have fun, though: she danced her way through her set with commercial classics like “Good Job, Larry” and “Aye, Aye, Aye,” adding to the lively set.
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James Blake Gets Busy in 1s and 2s
When Jack Harlow recruited James Blake to join his Gazebo festival, the in-demand singer didn't get his vocals right. Instead, Blake was on DJ duty, trying to keep the crowd entertained and engaged, which he did with seamless precision.
Blending dance, R&B and hip-hop, Blake spoon-fed music fans a hearty helping of hits. Roddy Ricch's “The Box” gets the remix treatment, as Blake gives the 2019 Hot 100 topper a makeover with a dance instrumental. He also took the younger audience back to 2000, where he played Outkast's “Bombs Over Baghdad,” igniting loud roars from the older fans.
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Vince Staples is becoming a true dual threat
Following the success of the Netflix limited sitcom The Vince Staples Show earlier this year, fans wondered if Staples would take a full turn at TV and movies. Staples silenced those questions when he released his sixth studio album, dark times, on Friday (May 25).
Despite being 15 minutes late due to flight issues, Vince Staples arrived at the Gazebo Stage wearing a Kentucky Wildcats jacket. He effortlessly commanded the energy of the crowd, performing signature tracks from his discography including “Laws of Averages”, “Norf Norf” and “Magic”. From rapping fans for his song lyrics to singing “Happy Birthday” to a nine-year-old, Staples showed his ultimate versatility as a rapper and entertainer.
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SZA gives Kentucky a full trip to SOS
SZA, the night's headliner, was 30 minutes late, but that didn't stop fans from watching her first performance in Kentucky. Arriving at 10:15 p.m., SZA kicked things off right away with “Seek & Destroy.” The Louisville crowd was fully invested as they started warning sign experience alongside the Grammy Award winner.
Traditionally a small-market city, Louisville wasn't lucky enough to receive a tour during SZA's SOS trek last year, but that alone allowed the singer to deliver an indelible set. She didn't shortchange fans, bringing a similar set from her acclaimed tour and weaving the choreography into the middle of the song.
“It's my first time in Kentucky. Thank you for welcoming me,” he said before singing “Blind”. While SZA aimed to seduce and dazzle, Harlow was spotted driving a golf cart, helping fans get a better idea of her performance.
CTRL Fans weren't left out to dry either, as SZA returned to her 2017 project and performed 'Supermodel', 'Broken Clocks', 'Love Galore' and 'The Weekend'. And when SZA wasn't in the mood for disappointment, she performed the sultry Doja Cat-led 'Kiss Me More' before doing a relay twerk to Drake's 'Rich Baby Daddy', giving Louisville the ultimate experience.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/jack-harlow-gazebo-festival-recap/
