by daniela shella
Outside Festival featured a huge focus on sustainability, celebrating the Denver community and welcomed big names in indie rock, folk and bluegrass.
Here are some highlights from our coverage:
Khruangbin brought the funky jams, as per usual. They are experts at blending genres together, mixing psych funk with classic soul sounds that are fluid, lightly melodic and relaxing. They were the perfect act to end an incredible day of music and the crowd moved and danced along to their instrumental hits.
Lord Huron made everyone sway and shed tears. They sounded impeccable on the mic and had the crowd in a loving trance. They were one of my favorite acts of the entire weekend. They brought out singer, Misty Boyce for her vocals truly added to the magic of their performance. They featured fan favorites like “The Night We Met” citing it to be a “good song to make out to,” per the lead singer’s recommendation. The crowd sang every word so loud you could barely hear them playing, it was truly beautiful.
Sylvan Esso played crowd favorites that had everyone kicking, jumping, and twisting to their dance hits. They made political statements and urged the crowd to spread love to each other, because each other is all we have.
Waxahatchee hit every note in a perfect, twangy mix of emotion and folky and flirty hits. She’s got the iconic southern drawl which makes listening to her music feel like walking through a tall field of grass on a hot summer day.
Hazlett took the stage and announced it was only his second festival ever. He captivated the audience with hits like “doing my best.” He brings a sort of melancholy approach to folk music that paired well with the stormy summer skies that afternoon. His lyrics are poetic and heartfelt, which the crowd seemed to love.
Neal Francis had the crowd moving and grooving in his 70s inspired tunes, groovy and loose-with-it vibes. He’s so comfortable on stage, and his whole band engaged the audience so soulfully. I ran into him later for some quick portraits too!
Overall, Outside Fest was a crowd pleasing, laid back festival that should be on your radar. Every act was incredible, and the Denver crowd really showed up for this festival. Don’t miss it next year!