The weather was scorching in Louisville, but the atmosphere was electric at the first-ever Gazebo Fest. Organized by renowned rapper and Kentucky native Jack Harlow, this year's event featured big names in the music industry including SZA, Vince Staples, PinkPantheress, and Omar Apollo.
Local food vendors such as Four Pegs, Ramiro’s Cantina, Pizza Luppo, and Happy Belly Bistro represented Louisville, serving delicious food to the massive crowd.
The performances were outstanding. The rap/rock duo, Paris Texas, delivered an electrifying performance that got the crowd going crazy. Singer Jordan Ward's energy waved throught the audience during his set. The pair, Majid Jordan, brought the smooth nostalgic sound that filled the air with the chillest vibes.
Vince Staples brought the California vibes to the main stage, performing a mix of his classic songs and tracks from his latest album, Dark Times.
The final act of the night was the legendary singer and songwriter, SZA. Her stage was set up like a ship at sea, and the audience surrounded her like an ocean. Her smooth voice and ethereal energy captivated the crowd as she sang hits such as "Love Galore," "Kill Bill," "The Weekend," and "Broken Clocks." It was a perfect way to end the day.
Unfortunately, due to severe thunderstorms and rain, Day 2 of the festival was cancelled. Despite this, the success of Day 1 made the festival a hit among fans, and many are looking forward to the next one.
Words and photos by William Smith