The Kid LAROI performing at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, FL on April 27, 2026. All photos taken by Ryan-Samuel Borromeo.
The Black Keys | Atlanta
The Black Keys (with support from Miles Kane) performing at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA on April 27, 2026. All photos taken by Alyssa Hudson.
High Water Festival | North Charleston
High Water Festival was nothing short of magical — a vibrant kickoff to the season that lit up Charleston’s Riverfront Park on April 26th and 27th. With twenty acts spread across two stages, this two day celebration brought the spirit of music alive in a way coastal South Carolina won’t soon forget.
From the moment Charleston natives Easy Honey hit the stage, the energy was infectious. Their hometown pride radiated through every smile, riff, and beat, setting the tone for a weekend of non-stop joy. Festival-goers of all ages swayed, danced, and sang their hearts out, creating a collective rhythm that pulsed from the barricades to the back of the field.
The beauty of High Water was in the flow—bouncing between stages felt like surfing a wave of pure musical bliss. No matter the genre or familiarity, each crowd threw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience. It was proof that festivals are sacred ground for music lovers: a space where knowing the lyrics is optional, but feeling the beat is required.
As I roamed the grounds, band loyalty was proudly worn like a badge of honor. Shirts, hats, and tote bags were emblazoned with names like flipturn, Mt. Joy, and Lord Huron. flipturn, in particular, had a strong presence — despite their set coming late on day two, fans were already repping them on day one, a testament to their meteoric rise from Jacksonville’s indie scene to festival fame.
Day two brought a special spark as we saw more women on stage and the vibe was electric. Goldie Boutilier set the tone early, captivating the crowd with her theatrical flair and magnetic stage presence. Later, Trampled by Turtles drew curious onlookers with their eclectic instrument lineup — banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and cello weaving together a sound both timeless and fresh.
And then came the grand finale: Arcade Fire. The band delivered a performance that was not just heard, but felt. With a show full of spectacle and heart, they left the crowd awestruck, ending the weekend on a euphoric high.
Beyond the music, it was the community that truly defined High Water. Everywhere I turned, I saw beaming faces and shared moments of pure joy. Even in the press lounge, a unique camaraderie formed among creatives, all capturing the same sets through different eyes, exchanging inspiration and stories along the way.
High Water Fest wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder of how good life can be when the soundtrack is right. For me, and for Charleston, it was a weekend to remember, and a beautiful celebration of music, connection, and coastal soul.
Words and photos by Joanna Barronton
Ellis | Toronto
Ellis (with support from Burs and Heavy Sweater) performing at Hard Luck Bar in Toronto, ON on April 27, 2024. All photos taken by Carly Boomer.
Thy Art Is Murder | Los Angeles
Thy Art Is Murder performing at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on April 27, 2024. All photos taken by Adriana Torres.
Greta Van Fleet | St. Louis
Greta Van Fleet (with support from Mirador) performing at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO on April 27, 2024. All photos taken by Kaleigh Gieraltowski.
Corina Smith | Miami
Corina Smith performing at Mad Club in Miami, FL on April 27, 2024. All photos taken by Lantz Martin.
JORDY | Los Angeles
JORDY performing at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA on April 27, 2023. All photos taken by Dean Symonds.
Maisie Peters | London
Maisie Peters (with support from Cate Canning) performing at Eventim Apollo in London, UK on April 27, 2023. All photos taken by Maya Erel.
Now, Now | Boston
Now, Now performing at Royale in Boston, MA on April 27, 2019. All photos taken by Erin Crowley.
Playlist Live | Orlando
Playlist Live featuring Scotty Sire, Kristen McAtee, Toddy Smith, Matt King, Corinna Kopf, Heath Hussar, and more in Orlando, FL on April 27 - April 29, 2018. All photos taken by Allie Crump.
Echosmith | Philadelphia
Echosmith performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on April 27, 2018. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
Joey Bada$$ | Dallas
Joey Bada$$ performing at House of Blues in Dallas, TX on April 27, 2018. All photos taken by Juan Badillo.