In freezing rain, gusting winds, and cloudy skies the once debated validity of Connecticut officially being a part of New England was no longer put into question this weekend at Soundside music festival in Bridgeport. With Headliners including singers such as The Goo Goo Dolls and Noah Kahan there couldn’t have been a more accurate setting than a storm in New England.
Day one kicked off with a performance from singer/songwriter Rijah, who was followed by some slightly more popular names such as Lisa Loeb, Thee Sacred Souls, and a personal favorite, Grace Potter who’s performance of hit song “Something That I Want” from Disney’s Tangled was nothing short of a childhood dream. While daytime performers kept up the crowd’s stamina, there was nothing that weekend that could have compared to the transcending performance of “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls. The popular song has flooded the media in recent years with videos of the bands 98’ performance in the pouring rain circulating the most. Making the down pour over the park that began right at the end of their set prior to “Iris” all the better for those looking to check this one-of-a-kind experience off their bucket-list.
Fans intoxicated by sadness and excitement eagerly waited for the man who lured us all into the 50-degree, wet hell we were all stuck in, Noah Kahan. Rising to quick fame after the release of his song “Stick Season” in fall of 2022, the star of his generation has touched a wide fan base that ranges from granola teenage girls to grown southern men. Opening his set with “Dial Drunk” which could be considered the most “upbeat” one of his songs set by the very low bar of his gut-wrenching lyrics, the indie folk singer performed for about 2 hours including songs from various albums. Known for his sarcastic personality and constant interaction with his crowd, he was able to make those two hours feel like 2 minutes and create a night that no one wanted to end.
The festival’s ability to promptly and punctually run through each performer without feeling rushed was nothing short of flawless. Marking this high on the scale of east coast music festivals that took place that final September weekend such as Oceans Calling and All Things Go.
