Sound On Sound returned to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT over the weekend for the festival’s second edition featuring performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Alanis Morissette, Trey Anastasio Band, and more.
The festival made a number of improvements after facing logistical challenges in its first year, including shifting to a single-stage format that made it easier for attendees to catch all the action and upgrading the sound and production. Unfortunately, torrential rain and flooding before the fest forced organizers to cut the first few performances, but local Bridgeport dance-rock band Julai and the Serotones, who were booked to open the event, made lemonade out of lemons with a “Sound Off Sound” pre-party at Park City Music Hall that drew quite a turnout.
Luckily, the rain let up in time to kick off the fest on Saturday afternoon with another local favorite, Deep Banana Blackout, who was a mainstay at the park back when it was home to Gathering of the Vibes. The festivities continued with a mellow set by Joy Oladokun, followed by a rocking performance from Lord Huron. Another high-energy set from Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats carried the festival into the evening before primetime performances by Trey Anastasio Band and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Opening Jam – 9/30/23
[Video: MKDevo]
Saturday marked TAB’s first performance since the passing of James Casey, and Trey Anastasio took a moment to dedicate the set to the band’s former saxophonist/vocalist. “This show tonight is dedicated to our brother, our friend who we love, James Casey,” he told the crowd. “This is our first show since James passed on and we love him very much. He’s with us tonight and I want to say that out loud and have you guys help us through this one.” Singer Jo Lampert joined Natalie Cressman and Jennifer Hartswick on background vocals in Casey’s absence. Lampert previously joined Phish in 2016 for the band’s David Bowie Halloween set and sat in during Anastasio’s Beacon Jams livestream concerts in 2020.
Sunday opened with a fun daytime set by Gin Blossoms featuring classic ’90s hits, followed by multi-instrumentalist Cautious Clay, who played guitar, sax, and flute. Margo Price ratcheted up the intensity rocking out with her band and even played drums during her set. Following a set from genre-blending singer-songwriter Ben Harper, folk-indie outfit Mt. Joy led fans through a set sprinkled with spirited singalongs and accompanied by stunning visuals.
The energy mounted Sunday evening as Dispatch and Hozier delivered electrifying performances leading up to a pair of pop stars, Alanis Morissette and John Mayer. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont took the stage to introduce Mayer, who grew up in nearby Fairfield, CT, and to thank the festival organizers and attendees for making this year a success. During his set, Mayer responded to a fans request to play “3×5” from his 2001 album Room for Squares. He managed to squeeze the song in during his encore ahead of a cover of Tom Petty‘s “Free Fallin’”.
Click below to view fan-shot videos and galleries of photos from Sound On Sound Festival 2023 courtesy of photographer David Gray.
Deep Banana Blackout – Sound On Sound – Seaside Park – Bridgeport, CT – 9/30/23
[Video: LiveMusic420]
The post Sound On Sound Returns With Trey Anastasio Band, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, More appeared first on L4LM.
