SOUND ON SOUND 2023 – SEASIDE PARK – BRIDGEPORT

The second Sound On Sound music festival was held on Sept. 30th – Oct. 1st at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Ct. The event was a huge success despite the wrath of mother nature. Last year was the initial offering of this festival and even though the music was excellent, the disorganization by the producers left much to be desired. Food and beverage lines were way to long. The seating sections were not properly delineated. This created total confusion and volatile situations between patrons on blankets and lawn chairs and those wishing to stand in the pit area. On a whole, Sound On Sound 2022 was not well thought out.

This year was a complete different story. Instead of two side by side stages which led to mobility issues, there was only one. The food and drink vendors were abundant. The bathrooms were upgraded and plentiful. Sitting sitting sections were well marked and the staff seemed to be much more prepared for all situations. The only problem came in the form of torrential downpours the day before the festival.

Due to the rain, the festival was delayed while the promoters and the city of Bridgeport desperately tried to make the park manageable, Tons of gravel and metal gratings were placed in the wettest areas which was extensive. Several of the opening acts were bumped due to the later start time. I felt sorry for Julai And The Serotones who are local upstarts and an amazing band. Kieran Rhodes (who we interviewed for a future feature) and Briscoe also got cancelled. Although mother nature can be a bitch, I commend everyone involved for making a bad situation better. They really made this doable which, to me, was a miracle.

Photos Ralph Beauchamp

Now to the music. This year’s Sound On Sound lineup was exciting. Saturday’s grouping was exceptional with the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining. Sunday had John Mayer and Alanis Morissette as top bill. Due to the number of artists involved, we will only supply short synopsizes of each performer.

SATURDAY

Deep Banana Blackout opened the entire affair. DBB is a Ct/NY funk band that knocked it literally out of the park. Their first album entitled Live in the Thousand Island was recoded in Hartford in 1997. Their music is full of melodic rhythms that entices you to shake, rattle and roll. Lead singer Jen Durkin was such a powerful singer. The band cranked and delivered audacious romps. Highlights included “Bump & Sway”, “Tug” and “Groove Is Here”. This was the perfect act to start the festivities. The crowd enjoyed their stellar musicianship and fun vibe.

Joy Oladokun was intriguing. Her voice was strong and emotive. Joy’s music meshes together folk, R&B and a touch of rock in a truly brazen fashion. Oladokun last album, Proof of Life (Amigo Records) was released this year and features collabs with Mt. Joy, Chris Stapleton and Manchester Orchestra. Her ability to mesmerize the audience with her amazing vocals and music was divine. In addition her band was top notch. “Changes”, the “Sweet Symphony/My Girl” medley and “Taking Things For Granted” all hit home.

From the moment they entered the stage, Lord Huron captivated the audience with their mystical blend of folk, western flavors and indie rock. Ben Schneider was intoxicating with his onstage antics. He even donned a skeleton mask later in their performance to the delight of the attendees. Schneider controlled the dais with his manic meanderings. Lord Huron’s popular song, ‘Meet Me In the Woods” went over well as did their huge hit, “The Night We Met”. As the sun set over the stage, Lord Huron transported the venue to a place of aural magic.

Photos Ralph Beauchamp

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats were absolutely spectacular. Rateliff and his band never disappoint. Their funky groove is totally infectious and everyone at Sound On Sound was feeling the effects. Everyone was swaying to the vibrant play of the group. Rateliff was a human dynamo. His brassy voice resonates well with the bold sounds the band emits. Their 13 song set was full of tenacious music including “I Need Never Get Old” and “Survivor”. Rateliff’s massive hit “S.O.B.” slayed. The band closed out with “Love Don’t”.

The Trey Anastasio Band was killer. I’m not a big jam band or Phish fan but Trey and his flock of glowing musicians came to play. The band was tight and extremely entertaining. Trey is a magnificent guitarist but the musicianship of the entire band was imposing. Every song was a sonic jewel. His all female horn section was fearless. The backbeat kept the energy up high. The audience was completely plugged into Trey’s elevated fervor. Most of his repertoire came from Phish songs with “Sand” and “First Tube” being fan favorites.

What can you say about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They have been a staple of the rock scene for quite awhile. Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante have always entertained the masses with their rambunctious beats and crazed shenanigans. Tonight was no exception. Kiedis was rapacious on vocals while Flea jumped and leaped everywhere. Chad Smith on drums was par excel lance. Songs like “Scar Tissue” and “Dani California” had the audience constantly dancing and swinging. They closed out with a superb version of “Give It Away”. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were the ideal closer to a spellbinding evening of music.

SUNDAY

Sunday the sun came out and it started as a beautiful day. Because of family obligations, I missed the early acts. I apologize to Snacktime, Calder Allen, Gin Blossoms, Cautious Clay and Margo Price. Hopefully, I can catch another performance from them in the near future.

Mt Joy’s set was exhilarating. The five piece indie rockers’ 9 song performance contained elements of alternative, folk and Americana. The band has amassed a huge following due to their constant touring and imaginative songwriting. Besides their inventive tunes such as “Lemon Tree”, “Strangers” and their big hit, “Silver Lining”, they managed to sneak in snippets of “Old Town Road” (Lil Nas X) and “Crazy” (Gnarls Barkley). The Sound On Sound audience loved it.

Dispatch is a jam band stalwart based out of Boston. The band has released quite of few full lengths and EPs throughout their existence. Tonight their music flowed airily through the Bridgeport skies. Tracks like “Open Up”, “Bang Bang” and closer “Letter to Lady J” filled the festival with masterful auras of textured fluidity.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals opened their performance with an acapella version of “Below Sea Level” from his latest album. From there, everything was melodically smooth. His fellow musicians (whom he constantly praised) were dexterous with flaring accents. Songs like “Steal My Kisses” and “With My Own Two hands” went over extremely well. It was a memorable set.

Hozier was one of the main reasons I attended this festival. I’m a giant fan. And the man did not fall short. Every song was a distinct gem. His band was on fire and his vocals reached across the venue and drew every soul in. All twelve songs of this performance were pure perfection with “Francesca” and “Eat Your Young” being personal faves. When he closed out with “Take Me To Church”, everyone was singing the words out loud. It was one of the best sets of the entire night.

The last artist I got to see is the iconic Alanis Morissette (sorry Mayer, not a fan). Her music has truly defined a generation. Her vocals were strong and spirited. Songs like “Hand in My Pocket”, “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know” brought back memories to a good portion of the audience. Her last song, “Thank U’, was accompanied by a video of fans she has aided throughout the years. It was emotional and poignant.

I have to end by saying Sound On Sound 2023 proved to me that things can change for the better. I spoke to many attendees who were there last year and every one of them gave this year’s festival glowing marks. Even with the soggy situation and ankle deep mud, Sound On Sound triumphed. I can’t wait for next year. Hopefully, mother nature gives them a break.

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