Soundside Music Festival
By Rickelle Hunt
Soundside Music Festival - September 28th & 29th Bridgeport CT Seaside Park
September 28th
Noah Kahan ∙ Goo Goo Dolls ∙ Fleet Foxes ∙
Boys II Men
Grace Potter ∙ Thee Sacred Souls∙Christone “Kingfish” Ingram ∙ Lisa Loeb And Nine Stories ∙ Madi Diaz ∙ Rijah
September 29th
Jack White ∙ Greta Van Fleet ∙ Bleachers ∙
Gregory Alan Isakov
Teddy Swims ∙ Norah Jones ∙ Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors ∙ The War And Treaty ∙ Hurray For The Riff Raff ∙ Darren Kiely
Photography by: @alivecoverage | @annadowns | @itchyeyephotos | @maggiefriedman | @okaynicolita |
This year’s Soundside Music Festival was nothing short of an unforgettable experience, featuring artists like Noah Kahan, Greta Van Fleet, The Goo Goo Dolls, Gregory Alan Isakov, Fleet Foxes, Bleachers, and more. Despite the rain that made its presence known throughout the event, festival-goers gathered under umbrellas and ponchos, still buzzing with excitement and vibrant energy. The scenic waterfront location provided a beautiful backdrop, even as gray clouds and migrating birds loomed overhead. It made for a cozy autumn weekend, attracting both local and regional visitors who came together to enjoy an event that showcased a diverse lineup of artists across various genres and ages. The Soundside Music Festival featured several art displays, dozens of food vendors, and numerous activities throughout the grounds, creating an uplifting community atmosphere.
The event offered something for everyone, but the highlight of the weekend was undeniably Noah Kahan and his memorable performance. The Grammy-nominated 27-year-old from Stratford Vermont, has a folk-pop sound that reflects the landscape and experiences of the region, resonating with many fans. His storytelling and authenticity connect deeply with listeners, making him a distinctive voice for New England culture and a worldwide sensation. Noah Kahan captivated an audience of nearly 57,000 people with his powerful performance showcasing his award-winning hit album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever). Opening the show with "Dial Drunk," he instantly ignited the crowd with his soulful voice and relatable lyrics as fans enthusiastically sang along to each word. Memorable moments of the night featured heartfelt tracks like "All My Love," “Maine,” “Northern Attitude,” and "The View Between Villages," where his vulnerability and powerful live vocals shined through. Kahan's eccentric energy turned the night into a memorable celebration, leaving fans exhilarated and connected. His closing song, "Stick Season," echoed the evening's themes of community and emotion, marking it as an unforgettable autumn concert experience for all.
Other standout performances included Greta Van Fleet, the glam American rock band consisting of brothers Jake, Josh, and Sam Kiszka, along with drummer Danny Wagner. Undoubtedly, Greta Van Fleet delivered an electrifying performance that drew in many loyal and dedicated fans, even after stepping in for the Foo Fighters’ last-minute cancellation. The Grammy Award-winning artists gained widespread attention in 2017 from the hit song “Highway Tune” and have since been highly praised for their ongoing legacy with fan-favorite songs such as “Heat Above” and “Light My Love.” Greta Van Fleet’s vibrant performances and authentic talent make each show a memorable experience.
The Colorado songbird Gregory Alan Isakov was another highlight of the festival weekend. The ambiance of his performance was beautifully set by the soft rain, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the chill to the warmth of his music. Isakov’s soothing voice, along with his talented band feature guitar, bass, drums, violin, banjo, piano and more that contribute to the rich, layered quality of his music. Gregory Alan Isakov’s collaborative spirit is a true staple of his performances, making them feel both intimate and expansive. Each member brings a unique touch to the setlist, incorporating timeless nostalgic hits like “Big Black Car,” “Amsterdam,” “San Luis,” and more.
As Fleet Foxes took the stage, their music soundtracked the autumn breeze in the twilight sky. The legendary indie-folk group, formed in 2006, is known for their lush instrumentation, intricate lyrics, and genius harmonies that blend elements from various genres. Their self-titled album, Fleet Foxes released in 2008, received critical acclaim and established the band as a prominent force in the indie music scene. Songs like “Mykonos,” “White Winter Hymnal,” and “Blue Ridge Mountains” remain fan-favorite classics for well over a decade, with the audience singing along to each melody echoing in the falling raindrops
As we conclude this year’s Soundside Music Festival 2024 it has been proven a little rain can’t wash away the joy of live music and memories. The festivals energy remained in high spirits with unforgettable performances. The dedicated fans who braved the elements of the weather are left with stories to tell and a deeper appreciation for the music. It was a celebration of sound and spirit that will not soon be forgotten. As we already look forward and count down the days to Soundside Music Festival 2025.