E-LEV-EN, LEV-IT-ATE! Number 11 for the win and still feelin’ great while we marinate on Levitate (aaand exhale yes it was that good) two weeks after it all began. This July 5-7, 2024, Levitate Music and Arts Festival (LMAF) leveled up on the quintessential New England 4th celebratory vibes with a swell of serious talent! There’s really no bettah time to ride the wave on ovah to the good ol’ south shore of Mass; where the Cape Cod Bay meets the Massachusetts Bay, right here in Marshfield (Mahhhshfield) - Plymouth County - got that? It was this Massachusetts born ’n’ based Snowbird’s 2nd Levitate (read about the 1st here) and, again, I’m honored to take you on a journey around the Marshfield Fairgrounds; trying my best to capture the essence of Levitate, whilst dipping into a little Massachusetts accent throughout. After last year’s 10th-anniversary lineup, I was curious as to how they would “turn it up,” so to speak.
No one can bettah “capture the essence” than Spinal Tap’s own Nigel Tufnel: “You’re on 10... Where can you go from there? Where? ... Eleven. Exactly. One louder.” Lucky for us, Levitate proved that this festival can go 11, because 11 years ago dreams were made manifest when they opened up their gates (and hearts) for the first time; cheesy but true. Year after year over 15,000 music lovers ride that creative wave to the fairgrounds to soak in the sounds of whatever music rocks their yachts...or motors their boats...or, ok, I’ll stop. I joined along, lending my ears to the wind, stopping/dancing by all of the 3 stages (Stoke, Style, and Soul), and getting down at “secret sets” sprinkled throughout the weekend. So get ready to tune those musical ears/vibrations from funk to punk to soul to reggae to country to hip-hop to acoustic to rock ‘n’ roll. There’s plenty for us all.
Day One - July 5, 2024
As overly prepared as I usually am for festivals/tour, I did not think ahead to parking. I was relieved to find plenty of “$20 parking” signs and a way to take my payment electronically. All of the parking proceeds go to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Marshfield. My weekend was off to a great start when the pahhhking eh hem attendant, Doug, who has been coming to Levitate for years, kindly struck up a warm convo. I caught on quickly that this community rallies together, shows up for each other, and supports youth-centered programs. Learn more about the Levitate Foundation.
Leading the Levitate lineup, Lee Ross made his debut splash on the Soul Stage in front of a “sea of people” here to see Ross in his element. This one-man-show totally wowed the crowd by bringing that funky dance party and high vibrations! We caught up backstage about his first “LEEvitate” performance. It was a surreal moment for Ross. He told me when he was a young “festie guy” in his early 20s, he just kept showing up with his saxophone and he was always needed/wanted. Playing music may be like breathing air to Lee Ross, but it’s not always easy for artists to drop those nerves offstage, especially on these bigger gigs. He described a moment at Levitate in which he “released all expectations and focused on the music.” That’s when all of the nerves/worry washed away. Ross looked out on a beautiful “sea of people” as he released it all. With clear joy on his face, I asked him where he finds joy. “In that moment when the stress/logistical stuff melts away. That is joy,” Ross replied, referring back to that moment onstage.
This worry-washing/melting moment must happen at every show because his contagious joyful vibe is what you get when you see Lee Ross perform (an added bonus/burst of joy when his wife, Stefania, is there dancing)! When I asked Ross where he would live if he could live anywhere (a new place for every season if he desired), I was not surprised to hear him say home sweet “New England.” With a big smile, he shared how wonderful it is to be able to travel within 4 hours, in any direction, and be surrounded by nature’s beauty (mountains, lakes, rivers, the sea) and, of course, the city life of Boston, Providence, Portsmouth, and Portland!
Lee Ross isn’t going anywhere, New Englanders. If he does, it’s on tour, so you better go catch him! He’s a one-man show and makes it impossible not to dance, but I dare you to try. With influences in New Orleans and P Funk (to name a few), you’ve got quite the show. You might even find yourself saying, “feet don’t fail me now!” Also, be on the lookout for his new song, “Ship Lizard,” because it’ll be worth the wait!
Lee Ross setlist via Lee: Keg Leg > All Together > Cookie Jar > Stayin Alive -> Ichiban > Back Again > Mega Mountain -> Cookie Jar
My ears perked up as I walked over to the main entrance and heard Jon Muq with his angelic voice and gorgeous guitar tone. I was a moth to the flame! That sound, y’all, and his story! His personal journey from Uganda to Austin, TX, is such an inspiring one, and he gave his audience a glimpse of said voyage via his storytelling. This was the cherry on top of the Muq musical sundae; his ability to connect with his audience, offering words of wisdom and hope in the space between his songs. Go see him, read his bio, and definitely listen to him now if you can! Muq was my first (and not the last) personal new artist discovery for me at LMAF24. The second one happened quick!
I’ll always remember where I was the first time I said, “It feels like Jimi Hendrix is in my head,” as Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge filled the air with their songs. No, I was not Half Baked(ish), but I was having casual conversations with fellow fest writers/photographers in the media tent and then suddenly I was a few rows center at the Style Stage for their entire set! Their cover of Parliament-Funkadelic’s “Red Hot Mama’’ (covered by Widespread Panic) was my hook that brought me through the crowd so fast, dancing like no one was watching, and singin’ along with Emily Justin (vocals)! “Right on Red Hot Mama, girl, you sure look good to me!”
Wizard-like, waving that wand of a guitar of hers, Grace Bowers (17 yr old self-taught rock, funk, ’n’ blues guitar wizard prodigy & indigo child) gave a flawless non-stop rockstar performance; blowing minds and melting faces on day one! Bowers’ band sounds like they’ve been together for 20 years, but that is simply impossible and highly impressive! The band’s chemistry on stage was palpable and every musician in Grace’s band was insanely talented. Boy, man, I’m glad they Red Hot Mama’d me when they did because this Snowbird will be seeking them out!
Across the fairgrounds at the main “Stoke Stage,” The Moss, a four-man band from Salt Lake City via Hawaii, took me by surprise with another new favorite added to my musical rotation. From gigs serenading diners in between surf sessions at local taco trucks to touring worldwide, The Moss has a perfect blend of the right elements to grow worldwide. When the band announced they were about to play their new single, “Alive,” the crowd went wild! When I couldn’t love this band more, The Moss played one of my favorite tunes by America, “Horse with No Name,” and I was all in.
I grew up on reggae, punk, and “classic rock,” and was happy to hear The Moss’ reggae and punk influences throughout their set. I jumped/yelled for joy when those sweet reggae beats transitioned into one of my top 5-ish (hard to choose) Neil Young originals, “Harvest Moon.” The lead singer’s (Tyke James) stage presence was big and beautiful, just like those star-patterned wide-legged jeans he was swaying in and barefoot to boot!
No one lived up to the Style Stage’s name this weekend quite like Neal Francis! This Chicago-based musician looked like he was plucked right out of the 70s in his multicolored horizontally striped bell-bottom pants and his lacy white floral bell-sleeved shirt, flowing and dancing in rhythm with the stroke of his keys. Great fit, Francis! His fun-loving groovy vibes emanated from the stage, matching the band’s whole aesthetic. The harmonies were perfection and I found myself wishing I knew more of his songs, because as I dive into his catalogue post-fest I’m discovering how profound and relatable his lyrics are and now I want more.
Neal Francis Setlist via Neal: Already Gone > Broken Glass > Can't Stop The Rain > 150 More Times > Dirty Little Secret > What's Left of Me > Prometheus > Say Your Prayers > Changes, Pts. 1 & 2 > Need You Again > She's A Winner > Bnylv
Familiar Goosebumps (as I call ‘em) from the big ol’ beautiful Goose Gaggle were already on the rail after Neal Francis, ready for the 3 of 5 members of Goose - Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar), and Jeffrey Arevalo (upright bass, vocals) - to serenade the crowd with all of those songs we cherish in this beloved acoustic (“aGOOSEtic”) trio, Orebolo. People, they came out and opened with Goose’s "Turned Clouds." Perfect. I haven’t been home in 18 days and... well... the song(s) just resonate, as they tend to always do. “Settle down now mama. You better run back home.”
I could just go on about every song they played for paragraphs and what special people were in the audience dancing, but there’s so much to say and so little time to say it in. An Orebolo festival set is never long enough for this Goose lovin’ gal, but they gave the fans a stellar 12-song set with 4 great covers and a pretty sweet abridged version of “Thatch,” in the last 3 minutes they had to end the set; inevitably leaving us wanting more! If you do want more, no worries, they’ll be back. In the interim, listen to live Orebolo and, of course, buy their new album The Chateau! Bonus for dog lovers: listen for what I can only guess is Rick’s dog, Shasta, bark 3 1/2ish mins into “Dripfield” on The Chateau! Best surprise collaboration ever.
Orebolo setlist via el goose: Turned Clouds > Lead Up > Bruised Orange (Chain Of Sorrow)[1] > Animal > Amongster [2] > Madhuvan > Tennessee Jed [3] > Red Bird > Bloodbuzz Ohio[4] > Dripfield > Silver Rising > Thatch [5]
Coach's Notes: [1] John Prine [2] Polica [3] Grateful Dead [4] The National [5] Abridged
Mt. Joy, named after a mountain close to where the lead singer/guitarist (Matt Quinn) and guitarist (Sam Cooper) grew up in Valley Forge National Park (fun tidbit), brought some serious joy to a jam-packed crowd on the Stoke Stage; closing out a wicked hot first day. In preparation for my first Mt. Joy show at LMAF, I listened to their entire discography and really loved what I heard in my ear holes. I knew I had to experience them live and Levitate was my chance. Twas good, friends! Mt. Joy played their original “Astrovan” (their first recorded single) with Rick Mitarotonda (Goose) sitting in on guitar. Love that song and love that sit-in. Search the web for “Astrovan,” read the lyrics, and throw Rick Mitarotonda in the Astrovan with Mt. Joy; and maybe imagine a caravan of Astrovans led by Trevor (Goose bassist) following the Mt. Joy Astrovan on a road trip to _____. I digress!
This 5-piece indie rock band has been on the rise since 2016, signing with Dualtone Records in 2017. Almost 8 years have passed since the inception of this band and the more I hear and read about this band, the more I like it! Not all artists use their platform to speak up against inequality, police brutality, and voter democracy but Mt. Joy does, and I support artists who lift up causes that matter. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, the band publicly posted, “listen and amplify black voices, learn, protest peacefully, and put your money where your mouth is.” 100% of the sales from the first week of their album release were donated to Campaign Zero, a nonprofit dedicated to ending police violence. Yes, a thousand million times yes to this and, also, great set Mt Joy and I can’t wait to see more!
Day Two
When I arrived in Marshfield on Saturday, I showed up at the main gate slightly late and realized that attendees weren’t getting in for a while. Both lines were so thick, completely stagnant, and longer than anyone expected. This isn’t without good reason, my friends. Right before the gates opened, a large screen at Stoke Stage partially fell, inevitably leading to an efficient repair team to safely secure the screen. The fairgrounds can be windy in Mahhhshfield, which is very welcome on these hot summer days, albeit need extra caution and added vigilance is needed on these days that tease a storm. Thanks to the Levitate team for keeping us safe!
Inside the fairgrounds, Philly-based Snacktime were gettin’ down on the Soul Stage, while Philly-born G. Love warmed up the Stoke Stage. G. Love and Special Sauce feat. Mihali and The Juice Horns (DeLa, Mark Bernie, BT) was the perfect way to start Saturday. As it turns out, this was G. Love’s debut performance at Levitate! “I’ve been waiting for an invitation for 13 years,” G. Love exclaimed! Near the end of the set, G. Love gave a little shout-out to his buddy Jack Johnson and proceeded to play one of their musical collaborations, “Rodeo Clowns;” a perfect mid-afternoon > late-afternoon tune.
I’ve been listening to G. Love for over 20 years and he’s still got it. I never doubted it and I wanted more of it! If you’re an old-school G. Love fan, the setlist closer “Cold Beverage” would have had you singin’ along with the rest of us, sip-dancing our refreshing cold beverage, and pretending to “stick it in the fridge, stick it in the fridge, stick it in the fridge;” lovin’ every moment of it.
G. Love and Special Sauce feat. Mihali and The Juice Horns Setlist: Easy > Light It Up > Peace love Happiness > Rainbow > Who’s Got the Weed > This Ain’t Living > Strongest of our Kind > Rodeo Clowns > Cold Beverage
Post-G. Love, I was perspiring on my way to the 2 stages near the mist tent when a familiar sound from last year’s lineup filled my ears; reeling me in to catch Saturday’s surprise pop-up artist, Ripe! These dudes were truly IN their element... and exposed TO the elements, if you know what I mean! Ripe was raw, plugged-in, and uncovered. At the start of the set, Robbie Wulfsohn (lead singer, tambourine extraordinaire) raised his arms to the ominous sky with the wind blowing through his beautiful hair, and clearly had a quick “we good??” conversation with the clouds.
Something worked; ’twas dry the rest of the day and Ripe was able to explode with creativity!! Wulfsohn shook a tambourine like no othah as he moved across the stage dancin’ with guitarist, Jon Becker. The whole band played their respective instruments as if they were extensions of their very beings. Have you seen a band with each member interpretive dancing with themselves, with each other, and with the audience singing along?! I can’t think of a band and I couldn’t take my eyes off of this 6-piece with their electric energy and palpable chemistry. It made me appreciate all of those Berklee-sprouted bands/artists doing what they were born to do - play and have fun doing it!
The Hip Abduction made another awesome appearance at Levitate, this year on the Style Stage! Their cover of “Riders on the Storm” gave me goosebumps to my brain and the whole set left me feelin’ supah irie. On the Soul Stage the Mark King Band brought the funk ’n’ soul with a special appearance from our friend Lee Ross on sax! Guitarist ’n’ frontman Cory Wong and his big beautiful band followed G. Love on the Stoke Stage, bringing a non-stop dance party from the start! I always love seeing this band in action and I always leave saying, “Wow! That was amazing!” The Huntertones, with my favorite Jon Lampley on trumpet, graced the stage in Wong’s band and I was so stoked to see Nêgah Santos on percussion (who is touring with Lake Street Dive & in the Late Show Band); she’s the best! The crowd went wild when Wong brought out Ripe’s singer, Robbie Wulfsohn, for a synergetic Wong original “Synchronicity.” You can find this tune on Wong’s The Striped Album! I’ve been seeing this band on the festival circuit for a few years now, and it’s about time I see them headline their own show. Hands down one of the best bands around!
Cory Wong Setlist (may have changed slightly): Opener > Let’s Go > Flamingo > Synchronicity (Robbie) > Welcome 2 Minneapolis > Merci > Gumshu (Lampley) > Stomping Grounds > St Paul > The Grid > Generation > Assassin
The music never stopped at LMAF and in the center of the fairgrounds, Iration was filling the summer breeze with those sweet reggae beats. I swayed along to their Dr. Dre instrumental loop letting nostalgia wash over me and LOVED their spoken word about their love for Levitate/Massachusetts over the beats. Clearly, Iration has a lotta love for the 90s because their reggae “Smells Like Teen Spirit” somehow fit perfectly with their reggae Dre, resulting in the tastiest DreVana sammy one could imagine sinking their teeth into. Thanks for that!
Those sweet familiar festival smells permeated the air reminding me I was a hungry hippie and so happy I didn’t have to go far for sustenance! That’s when I found myself in the back of the line (literally in the mist tent), 50 people deep, for “one blueberry crisp a la mode, please!” Five minutes later and slightly soaked, I decided not to wait wet, so I danced in the sunshine for a bit longer, and did return 10 minutes later to find the line had dwindled. Worth the wait, believe me!
This was the first time Fields Fields graced Levitate with its presence and it was lovely to learn this 2nd generation organic wild blueberry farm, located in Dresden, ME, has been certified organic for over 20 years. They flash freeze their blueberries within 24 hours of being harvested, “locking in peak nutritional value.” The Field Family was consistently busy throughout the weekend, but took a moment to point out my heady new Grateful Dead Dancing/Marching Bear pin I was gifted at Goose this summer. I thought it would be fun to mention that we’re everywhere, aren’t we?
As I ate my blueberry crisp next to the blue mist tent, I looked out at the sea of humans wearing real flower crowns created by Beach Plum Floral and others wearing the cutest braided headbands adorned with happy fakey flowers to last a lifetime by Peace, Love, and Halos. I was wearing my halo from last year’s fest and found a second, because I believe in the power of the sunflower! The real flower crowns from Beach Plum would have to wait until the end of the day on Sunday because I could not leave them in a hot car to ruin.
The Tash Sultana dance party I expected to be in full effect on the Style Stage was experiencing serious technical difficulties, resulting in a delay of start. However, Tash did make up for the missed minutes of music with one of the best shows of the weekend; a short but sweet one! I watched (and danced) in awe as this true force of nature flawlessly played guitar, sax, keys, PAN FLUTE, and used their voice/lyrics to fill the air with poetry. Their lyrics were amplified by Tash lovers singing along in unison. It’s no surprise this Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer was given a guitar at age 3 and performed at open mic nights across Victoria at age 13. They continued to follow their dreams via busking and sharing video/recordings online. Sultana inevitably went viral, hitting millions of views on YouTube in 2016 > a sold-out world tour in 2017 > Levitate 2024!
As the sun was starting to set only a few songs in, Sultana shared that “messages come to [them] through dreams, and sometimes I hate that!” They told us about a dream they had where they were onstage about to perform, and every time they went to play an instrument, someone would take it away and on-and-on until the crowd would dissipate. “Thank you for staying,” Tash said with utmost gratitude while the crowd laughed and cheered in reflected gratitude! Crowd cheers escalated into a ROAR as a familiar guitar rift from Sultana’s “Jungle,” the 4th track off of their 2016 EP Notion (a clear favorite) played to end the set! When it was over, the audience wasn’t ready because chants of, “we’re not leaving,” echoed for a while until the instruments were finally being taken away IRL. It was time. Lake Street Dive was about to end the day with an “Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Exhale.”
Lake Street Dive (LSD) was the dose of love everyone needed to end their Saturday and the dose that LSD needed, starting off their tour to the band’s personal largest crowd to date! Well deserved. Singer, Rachel Price (who had a glowing Pink Barbie Energy in that hot pink gorgeous dress), nodded to the days of playing at Toad and the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge thanking upright bassist/founding member, Bridget Kearney, for taking on the early logistical challenges artists don’t need/like to deal with. Throughout their set, I closed my eyes imagining I was seeing them play downstairs at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA; a hidden gem they’d perform at frequently, where they’d inevitably record a live record from in 2011, and a time when the whole world didn’t know the sweet sweetness that is LSD... Lake Street Dive, baby!
Besides their incredible setlist of oldies and newbies, two more LSD honorable mentions: their set design and drummer, Mike Calabrese! The show felt like a hug with a vintage variety show vibe draped with lush velvet fabric and a multicolored 4-tiered arch centerpiece illuminating the prettiest rainbows in pastel and then some. Just as beautiful is their drummer, Mike Calabrese, who they called the “Consciousness Philosopher.” He has made it his mission, on and off tour, to be less wasteful (aligning with Levitate’s vision) and to leave the world in a better place than we started in. Price admits his efforts have made the band more mindful on the road. His song, “Making Do,” is a letter to the next generation. “Merry Christmas, you’re working harder than ever now... making do with what we’ve got.”
Goosebumps and lots of laughs were shared when Cory Wong sat in with LSD to cover Celine Dion’s, “Looks Like We Made It” > a song inspired by a muse at Waffle House at age 25. What in the world?! Lake Street Dive’s fun-loving fan favorite song, “Dance with a Stranger,” brought on more excitement, especially when Price brought up a literal stranger onstage and danced with them! Turns out they do this all of the time! How is it at every show they make you fall in love all over again?? Because they do. It’s the best way to describe it. There’s truly never a dull moment with LSD!
Day Three
It’s the last day and “like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go,” right on through to the end. Low key rollin’ my trusty ’n’ dusty tour vehicle (with Jerry’s handprint on the back windshield) into a new parking area, I was glad to see Doug from day 1 greeting us again with a smile! I tell ya, nothing but the kindest and highest vibrations from LMAF family! I even parked behind folks tailgating with local brews and a casual shrimp cocktail to snack on. You gotta love New England and their unique tailgating style because I’m here for it and “may I have some next time, please?”
I stopped by Beach Plum Floral to say hello on my way to catch hip-hop duo, Little Stranger, and told them I would be back later in the day to pick out my real flower crown for a friend et moi! These crowns are so sweet, fragile, and delicate, so it was a good choice for this dancing hummingbird to wait until the very end!
I listened to Little Stranger before the fest, so I knew what to expect; a whole lot of laughter and some seriously spicy language! Little Stranger’s “hippie speedball” vibes made the audience laugh with their original, “Coffee & A Joint,” and definitely the giggly kind, bud! I couldn’t stop dance/laughing when tuning into their clever and explicit lyrics. If you’re a fan of comedy, hip-hop, and getting weird with it, go see this band! They open for Stick Figure at the Xfinity Center (aka Great Woods) in MA September, so get there early if you’re going!
En route to Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country via the VIP path, I stopped when I saw a secret Neighbor show setting up in VIP! I will always stop for Neighbor because I have so much love for this music, the band members, and the sparkly fans and fam that follow. A short secret set was not nearly long enough, but I loved it and was dancin’ along ’n’ fannin’ friends & strangers alike! I did have to fly away pretty quickly as not to miss Daniel Donato’s set!
Neighbor Setlist via Neighbortunes: Rosalia > Old Dog > Sunday Afternoon, Carmelita [1] > Lonely Rider > Words On A Line (Footnotes: [1] Rosalia tease)
I must admit for this first timer, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country (DDCC) rocked my gypsy soul. I was so into it that I couldn’t wait to plan a show with my gals, who I know are down with the improv (jams), country love (something I dabble in), and cosmic vibes (a place I live in)! When I first approached the stage, I couldn’t see the band but I could sure hear/feel it. The falsetto from the keyboardist gave me goosebumps, whoever they were, and DDCC harmonies were so ON point! Once I could see the whole band, I could see their hat game was also ON point! There’s nothing not to love. This show went to 11, folks, and one higher for style on the Soul Stage, plus for one taking me on a rock ’n’ roll journey segueing smoothly into reggae grooves taking me home! Country rock reggae, yes, please, and more thank you! Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country will be at Adirondack Independence Music Festival in Lake George on Labor Day weekend and I can’t wait and I hope to see you there!
Daniel Donato’s Levitate Setlist 7.7.24: Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin > Half Moon Night > Ghost Riders In The Sky > Lady Justice > Luck Of The Draw > Sugar Leg Rag > Tell Me I’m A Lover > Dance In The Desert
While Daniel Donato’s crew was loading out for Karina Rykman to load in on the Soul Stage, I decided to have a couple of refreshing beverages to change up the vibe. Responsible partying is my favorite and I knew the one adult beverage I would enjoy that day would have to be “made right”; and then I discovered Dillon’s Gin Cocktail. This gin gal (light drinker) very very much enjoyed the Blackberry, Lemon, & dash of Elderflower libation and in the shade of their EZ Up! Honestly, all of the flavors were tasty having had mini samples of them all, and the danger is that I couldn’t taste the alcohol. I will be seeking these lovely canned gin drinks when the moment calls for it! Please do not drink and drive & drink responsibly. With gratitude, Snowjams.
Directly across from Dillon’s, I enjoyed a watermelon limeade at one of the busiest food trucks of the weekend. With a refreshing heaping scoop of watermelon on top (or strawberries if you prefer), it’s a win-win! My advice: wait until the end to eat your limeade infused fruit because, yum! It was the perfect boost I needed. I was in the homestretch and feeling hydrated and elevated.
Bonafide bassist, Karina Rykman, is another artist that should never be skipped on your hypothetical musical roster. If you have your finger on the pulse of rock ’n’ roll, you may have even seen Karina onstage with My Morning Jacket. For real. If not, it happens, so keep showing up; believe, nobody knows for sure! Magic follows Karina wherever she goes, because music brings her joy and joy is magical. Her band, this trio, is tight - Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) left me jaw-dropped, as did her drummer, Chris Corsico. The music sounded so good that I had to make my way to the sweet spot; right near the soundboard to take in another perspective.
For the second half of Rykman’s set I danced in the sweet spot where I was fully transported within the jam, and then suddenly I was eating another blueberry crisp (oh my, how did that get there?)! Seriously, we were surrounded by the good stuff! Karina and her band have got the “it factor,” so GO SEE KARINA RYKMAN at a music venue near you!
Karina Rykman Setlist via Setlist.fm: Joyride > All That You Wanted > Plants > Springtheme > City Kids > Reboot > No Occasion / Psycho Killer / No Occasion / Daft Punk Is Playing at My House > Atom Dance > Elevator
Songs filled their evening air from Ziggy Alberts and Oliver Anthony before the main attraction, Sublime, lit up the Stoke Stage. I skipped along to Beach Plum Florals and walked away feeling very Midsommar (IYKYK) with my new flower crown (and one for my friend Jennie who kept my room cool in Medford on Levitate Daze - love you, Jennie)!
The closing set for the 11th Levitate undoubtedly went to 11. E-LEV-EN, one higher than 10 when the original members of Sublime, Eric Wilson (bassist) and Bud Gaugh (drummer) came out with the late lead-singer Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob Nowell (guitar, vocals), and gave me (and Levitators) the catharsis I didn’t know I needed in these heated times. “Summertime and the livin’s easy.”
The revival of Sublime in its new formation feels too cosmic not to shine a light on. Even Jakob, who sounds just like his Daddio, at one point shared with the crowd that he was experiencing a “supernatural... real cool moment right now.” Yeah, heard. I felt that, bro. It was kismet, cosmic, and as if we were seeing the real thing. Jakob Nowell has his own band/project, Jakob’s Castle (I’ll be checking that out for sure), and/but may the universe conspire in his favor to carry on his father’s musical legacy while simultaneously honoring his own creative journey! Sublime is too good to stop. Stars seem to be aligning for this band because, in part, hard work is being done behind the scenes providing addiction recovery services and support for musicians; thanks to the Nowell Family Foundation non-profit. I have yet to watch the documentary The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd Z-Man Zalkins, but I will seek it out because it is now so clear to me how lucky we are that Sublime is touring with Bradley’s boy, Jakob, singing his dad’s songs. This show went to 11, no doubt, and will go down in history as the concert that gave me perpetual goosebumps throughout the entire night. If I never see another concert again (which is a silly thought & highly unlikely), I’m forever grateful to Levitate for bringing us Sublime. It was just the right dose of nostalgia I didn’t know I needed and the highest of vibrations to end the weekend on. Just in case y’all were curious, I did gently remove the flower crown once I realized Sublime made me DANCE BIG. I’m still reeling over this show almost two weeks later. Lucky us.
Sublime Setlist via Setlist.fm (might be out of order): Garden Grove > Wrong Way > Same in the End > STP > Pawn Shop > What I Got > Greatest-Hits > April 29, 1992 (Miami) > Date Rape > Badfish > Ball and Chain > Right Back > New Thrash > Jailhouse (Bob Marley and The Wailers cover) > Romeo > Doin' Time > Pool Shark (Jakob solo; played while technical difficulties were being resolved) > Big Salty Tears (The Ziggens cover) > The Ballad of Johnny Butt (Secret Hate cover) > Boss DJ > Saw Red (Jakob makes a joke about Eric being Gwen) > Feel Like That (Stick Figure cover with Stick Figure & Live debut) > Santeria
There’s so much to take away from this Snowbird’s second Levitate, but I really have to shine a light on the acronym for this beautiful festival (LMAF) and the perfect dual meaning I discovered: “Love Makes a Family.” This is truly a family fest. A dream like this starts with love and, if Love Makes A Family, this wickehd loving family is “YUGE!” The south shore/Mahhhshfield is fueled by the love of community and the common belief that art is love, food is love, play is love, and sustainability is love. From Doug greeting drivers, to Paige catering to needs in the media tent, to the sparkly humans I coated with glitter, to my new friends on the Levitate construction crew & others big-hearted humans working behind the scenes I’ve known throughout the years (i.e. James MacDonald); these humans work around the clock to make sure Levitate can elevate. These people make it the BEST FEST!
Whatever happens next year, we’ll never forget that this one went to 11. Eleven went one higher than last year and will probably stand out from all of the rest. Thank you, Levitate for keeping this tradition going strong. I don’t know how you’re going to “level up” the lineup/fest next year, but I guess I’ll prepare to actually float/levitate. May the force be with you until 2025 (Twenty-Twenty-Thrive)!
