Beck surprised everyone by playing "Loser" a mere five songs into his set. The reaction of the whole crowd when we heard the opening guitar riff was priceless. It was such a cool musical moment to be a part of. (Photo credit: 88.9's own Kristy Tayler.)
At Pitchfork, Tune-Yards was on the top of my acts-to-see list. Merrill Garbus was armed with a small team that included sparkle-clad backup vocalists/dancers, a percussionist, and a bassist/synthist. Like a well-oiled machine, the group brought forth an electrifying live version of "Bizness" complete with dancing, wordless anthemizing, and golden harmonies. (Photo credit: Kristy Tayler).
Two words: crowd surfers. (Photo credit: Kristy Tayler).
The most fun thing about seeing SZA live was her spritely stage presence. After taking a sip of whiskey and tossing her springy pigtails, she told the crowd "HiiiJack" was her favorite song to do live, and asked us if we were cool with her playing it. Of course we were. (Photo credit: Kristy Tayler).
The musicians of psychedelic rock band Circulatory System played instruments including cello, violin, clarinet, xylophone, all types of percussion, and some guitars. The shock value of seeing dollar-store plastic maracas onstage may have been the highlight. (Photo credit: Robert Loerzel).
