The dust settled from an eventful day one (although the cloud kicked right back up again) and fans once again descended on Tempe Beach Park for another beautiful day at Innings Festival. The final day of the first weekend got started early with a great lineup of artists that really brought the party to the overcast afternoon.
While fans weren’t quite rushing through the gates, there were still plenty of people at the barricade for both stages and meandering through the various activities still present on the festival grounds. Atlas was onsite bright and early for a stellar group of artists and we’re already missing the perfect vibes of day two.
Something for Everyone
Innings Festival is well known for mixing genres in a way that appeals to every type of fan- from the indie rockers to the high energy partiers to everyone in between, this festival has it all. Day two’s opening acts proved that with the back to back excellence that was Nat and Alex Wolff and Finish Ticket. The Wolff brothers- far removed from their Nickelodeon days- performed songs from their extensive discography and even threw in a Naked Brothers Band cover for the nostalgia. Plenty of curious fans made sure to get there early and gave the guys a very warm Arizona welcome and from the smiles on their faces, they were thrilled to be back onstage.
Finish Ticket is another Atlas favorite and one we couldn’t have missed. Taking the Home Plate stage at the peak of the afternoon, the band smiled into the direct sunlight and gave their fans a show to remember. Their energy is infectious and no one could resist dancing along to the group’s upbeat tunes.
Young the Giant and Macklemore Steal the Show
The legends that are Young the Giant hit the stage at the prime of golden hour for a stunning set, both visually and musically. Fans were openly tearing up during “Cough Syrup” before the band picked everyone right back up with their energy. Singer Sameer Gadhia was determined that his audience have as much fun as the band so- armed with a cowbell and a tambourine- he got the whole field jumping along to all the band’s hits. Naturally they couldn’t leave the stage without jamming to “Silvertongue” or the perpetual closer of “My Body” and fans walked away from their set drained but wholly thrilled at the experience.
Later on in the evening, Macklemore took this party to the desert with his rowdy set. His time onstage was serious and silly in turns as he regaled the crowd with stories about his kids, anecdotes about the music and, right before “Same Love”, a high-voltage speech with an impassioned plea for a free Palestine. While his show antics can be quite goofy (Raven Bowie made yet another appearance- sequined cape and all)- it was his genuine emotion that won the evening. After a dance battle between two eager fans, he closed the night with “Can’t Hold Us”, jumping into the audience to party with everyone there.
Hozier Closes Another Amazing Year
A single spotlight illuminated the main stage as Hozier emerged into its glow to close out Saturday’s show. Drawing on the setlist from his current North American tour, fans had the chance to experience the set again if they’d caught him in Phoenix late last year or witnessed the magic for the first time at Innings. Hozier’s dreamy vocals had the packed crowd singing along to favorites like “Jackie and Wilson” and “Cherry Wine”.
In the same vein as Macklemore- and with a shout out to the Seattle rapper- Hozier also spoke passionately and eloquently about Palestine and civil rights for all. The audience was delighted at his mid-set monologue and cheered even louder for the rest of the show. For the final number of “Take Me to Church”, he even jumped into the audience to grasp hands with the devoted fans at the front and whip the tired audience into one final frenzy of energy. As the full moon rose, the second day of Innings Festival concluded with “Work Song” and one more photo for the road.
It was another incredible year at one of the best spring festivals in the country and no one walked away dissatisfied at the experience. Fans braved the choking dust cloud and unseasonably hot temperatures to make the most of a weekend packed to the brim with talented artists and quality time spent with friends and family- we’re already looking forward to next year.
Check out all the photos from day two!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel
