Extra Innings Festival day two opened bright and early for another sunny Saturday at Tempe Beach Park. Eager fans had another stellar lineup for the last day of this extended festival, culminating with the long-awaited appearance of Dave Matthews Band to close out the event.
The afternoon kicked off with New York’s up and coming singer and songwriter, Ben Goldsmith, who kicked it off with energy and enthusiasm. He certainly made some new fans, and you can check out his debut album ‘The World Between My Ears’ wherever you stream music. Vibes for day two were less cowboy hats, more sundresses and tie dye.
The grounds began to buzz (and burn) as London’s Jade Bird took the main stage. “I can also smell a bit of hotboxing going on. Are we having fun? I wish I could join you,” she remarked after mentioning the heat on stage from the brutal Arizona sun. Fans were treated to a performance of a brand new, never played before song called “Stick Around”.
Next up, just a man and his guitar, Josiah & The Bonnevilles (we are The Bonnevilles) brought the masses to the second stage to sing along to some of the songs that brought many to know and love him, “Jersey Giant” and a cover of “Ghost” by Justin Bieber. The latter of which lives as a tribute to the mother he lost to cancer. He is currently on his first headline tour sharing songs from his most recent album, which tells the story of a relationship that brought him to his depths.
Back on the main stage, festival goers were treated to an incredible performance of songwriting and artistry by Richy Mitch & The Coalminers, a group of lifelong friends currently living in Seattle. Their song “Evergreen” gained popularity on social media, catapulting them into a well-deserved spotlight at this year’s festival and beyond.
Larkin Poe rocked the stage next, bringing some of the best energy we had seen at the entire festival. The audience swooned as the sisters showcased the incredible talent that won them a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album this year. Make sure to follow along with them on socials for your chance to see them live across the country. Getting fans hyped for the next set, lead vocalist Rebecca related “who doesn’t want to crowd sing with Sheryl Crow?!”
Fittingly, Sheryl Crow opened up her set with “All I Wanna Do” as the crowd flocked to the main stage, filling the grounds. “Our biggest song and it’s from a freaking cartoon!” she continued. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the set, singing along to the classics and eating up the new song “Do It Again”.
Our Arizona hometown heroes Gin Blossoms took the stage as the sun set on day two of the inaugural Extra Innings Festival. They opened with a favorite on the ultimate soundtrack to the 90’s, “Follow You Down” and kept the energy flowing throughout their set that satisfied more of the older audience while all of the girls in their sundresses pushed their way to the front of the main stage in anticipation for the next act.
“I’ve been called the Jewish Ed Sheeran, the American Hozier, Folk Malone…” he said, as if he needed any introduction. Noah Kahan has taken over and it’s easy to see why with his witty charm in between songs and the authenticity that comes through in his music. “My goal at festivals is always to leave people a little sadder than when they arrived,” he joked with the enraptured crowd. His talent is augmented by the skill of his backing musicians who he shows incredible chemistry with throughout live performances. His current tour is making waves across the country right now so his addition to the Extra Innings lineup was hugely anticipated by attendees of this special weekend.
The crowd shifted around as devoted fans moved in to secure spots for the evening’s headliner while a more modest audience attended the performance of Morgan Wade. She announced she had released new song “2AM in London” the day before.
Finally- what many had been waiting all day for- Dave Matthews Band took the main stage to close out the inaugural Extra Innings Festival with a bang. Getting everyone into the groove, they played a cover of Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” before jamming into the night with crowd favorites such as “Crash Into Me” and ending the night with “Ants Marching”. Festival goers dispersed into the cool evening air on a high from the incredible music experienced both days. We can’t wait to be back next year!
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Story and photos by Kristen Bourdeau
