Soundside – The Next Generation of Bridgeport Music Festivals
By Kris Forland and Jessie Fuentes
The Soundside Music Festival in Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a weekend to remember, despite the wildly different weather conditions across both days and losing one of the most anticipated performers – The Foo Fighters. Nonetheless, with a remaining stellar lineup of artists, the approximately 35,000 fans were treated to an eclectic mix of genres, styles, and unforgettable performances.
Day 1: Battling the Elements
The first day of the festival was nothing short of a test of endurance for both the performers and the audience. A cold front moved in with wind, rain, and unrelenting chill, but that didn’t stop the music or the enthusiasm of the fans.
Thee Sacred Souls took the stage early on, bringing a soulful warmth to the frigid day. Their smooth blend of R&B, soul, and vintage sounds acted as a comforting balm to the biting cold. Their performance was full of heart and authenticity, and though they’re still relatively new to the scene, they played like seasoned pros. Although not as familiar with Thee Sacred Souls as I should have been – they easily stood out as perhaps one of the very best acts of the entire festival.
Boyz II Men were one of the highlights of the first day. The legendary R&B group battled through the rain and wind, but they didn’t miss a beat. Their harmonies were flawless, their energy infectious, and their nostalgia-inducing hits had the rain-soaked crowd singing along. It was a testament to their enduring talent and ability to connect with fans, regardless of the conditions.
Fleet Foxes, whose atmospheric indie folk seemed to almost mirror the weather, followed. The band’s lush arrangements and ethereal vocals created a mood that matched the overcast and rainy skies perfectly. It was a hauntingly beautiful set, and despite the cold, the audience was captivated by the band’s intricate musicianship and Robin Pecknold’s mesmerizing voice.
Closing out the first day was Noah Kahan, and despite the gloomy weather, he lit up the crowd with his raw, emotionally charged performance. His songs, many of which touch on themes of mental health and self-discovery, felt especially poignant against the backdrop of the dreary weather. Kahan’s raspy vocals paired perfectly with the atmosphere, and though the rain was coming down, it felt like he had everyone hanging on every word.
Other acts throughout the day included Rijah, Madi Diaz, Lisa Loeb and the Nine Stories, Grace Potter and the Goo Goo Dolls, each delivering strong performances despite the less-than-ideal weather.
Day 2: A Change in the Air
The second day brought much-needed relief with milder temperatures and only a light overcast sky. It felt like a different festival altogether, as the energy in the air was much lighter and more relaxed.
Gregory Alan Isakov came to the stage early in the afternoon with a gorgeous, understated set. His quiet, introspective folk songs fit the mood of the day, and his poetic lyrics seemed to drift through the crowd like the breeze. It was a peaceful way to spend fifty minutes, and he set the tone for what was to come. Isakov is another standout performer to keep an eye on. He was truly amazing and well worth getting to know.
Norah Jones was one of the most anticipated acts of the day, and she did not disappoint. Her smooth, jazzy set was a perfect match for the overcast skies, with her smoky vocals wrapping around the crowd like a warm blanket. She played a mix of her classics and newer material, and her quiet charisma was impossible to ignore. It was a laid-back, beautiful set that had everyone swaying along. Her performance of “Come Away With Me” made the crowd go wild.
Teddy Swims brought a different kind of energy. With his soulful voice and passionate performance, he won over the crowd in no time. Swims has an undeniable presence, and his genre-blending style—mixing soul, pop, and R&B—was a hit with the festival-goers. His vocal range is something to behold, and he left the audience wanting more.
Bleachers delivered one of the most vibrant performances of the evening, creating a lively atmosphere that transformed the festival grounds into one gigantic party. The setlist featured a dynamic mix of anthems featuring their distinct indie-pop style, including the exuberant “I Wanna Get Better” and the nostalgic “Rollercoaster.” Each song highlighted lead singer Jack Antonoff’s undeniable charm and unique musical prowess, reinforcing exactly why he is a titan of the modern pop genre. The instrumentals carried a driving pulse, ensuring that the track’s infectious choruses would linger long after the final note had faded.
Greta Van Fleet’s headlining performance, fresh off their Starcatcher tour, proved to be one of the standout moments of Day 2. Although the set began with some initial vocal shakiness, frontman Josh Kiszka quickly found his footing, delivering increasingly powerful performances, Light My Love for example, as the show progressed. Known for their interactive stage presence, Josh engaged directly with the audience, often coming down to eye level and tossing flowers to adoring fans, making them one of the most personable acts of the day. The performance also featured intricate solos from each band member, a signature of their live shows, further underscoring their technical prowess. Fans were particularly vocal in their appreciation, with many debating afterward whether Greta Van Fleet outshined the Foo Fighters as a more captivating headliner for the festival. The band’s ability to connect with the crowd and maintain an electric energy throughout the set left little doubt that they were the right fit as a replacement act.
Jack White closed out the festival with a bang. His high-energy, electrifying performance was the perfect way to end the weekend. White’s guitar playing was, as always, mind-blowing, and he tore through a setlist that spanned his solo work and hits from The White Stripes. Constantly in dialogue with his fellow musicians on stage, White’s seamless improvisation and call-and-response moments added layers of spontaneity and depth to the performance, making it feel more organic. A certain mysticism radiates from Jack White, infusing his performance with a bewitching sense of intrigue and intensity that fans couldn’t get enough of. The crowd was completely enthralled, and White’s rock-and-roll intensity was a sharp contrast to the more mellow acts that had come before. His performance of “Seven Nation Army” was a true highlight and left the audience buzzing as the festival came to a close.
Other notable performances on the second day included Darren Kiely, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The War and Treaty, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Bleachers, and, of course, Greta Van Fleet, all of whom kept the energy up and made the most of the improved weather.
All in all, the 2024 SoundSide Music Festival was a triumph, even with the Foo Fighters dropping out and the challenges of the first day’s weather. The diverse lineup, ranging from folk to soul to rock, ensured that there was something for everyone, and the artists’ dedication to their craft shone through, rain or shine. It’s safe to say that everyone left Bridgeport with memories of an incredible weekend of music.
Click here to view photos from Day 1
Click here to view photos from Day 2
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