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 Eagles of Death Metal |
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Review and photos by Frances Sealy The Innings Festival was destined to be a success on its first outing with music headliners Queens of the Stone Age, The Avett Brothers, and Chris Stapleton performing on three stages to accommodate the 36 musical offerings. The top notch supporting bands included The Decemberists, Young The Giant, Eagles of Death Metal, Cold War Kids, Sylvan Esso, Gin Blossoms, Lord Huron, Counting Crows, Jake Bugg and much more. The format included Spring Training baseball games early in the day and music in the afternoon that went into the night. Here are some of the musical highlights of the weekend.The first day of the festival was focused on rock music. Early in the day Sylvan Esso's infectious electronic pop got the crowd dancing. The Indie duo consists of singer, lyricist, and dancer, Amelia Meath. Nick Sanborn provides the musical tracks behind Meath's vocals. Meath was constantly moving across the stage in her platform sneakers with her unique dance moves as she sang. The songs performed were from their two album releases. They managed to have creative lighting on stage even in full daylight. Phosphorescent gave a fine performance of their brand of folk-rock. Matthew Houck's led the band with his expressive vocals fringed with his Dylanesque phrasing. Scott Stapleton's Jerry Lee Lewis piano licks were a real treat. Songs played included "Los Angeles," "Terror in the Canyons," and "The Quotidian Beasts." Eagles of Death Metal (EODM) was ready to rock with their dusk set. Jesse Hughes on vocals and guitar transformed the crowd into rock ecstasy. The band was basking in the love given by the crowd early in the set. There was an awesome cover of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" along with their other well-known songs. An extra surprise bonus during the grand finale was when Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age sat in playing drums. Homme was an original found member of EODM. Young the Giant thrilled crowds across the field after EODM and they kept the high-energy going. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia has really stepped up his stage presence since the band started in 2008. Their set consisted of their biggest hits from the first album including "Apartment," "Cough Syrup," and "My Body." Tunes from their newer albums added the raucous delivery of "Jungle Youth' and "Something To Believe In." A mesmerizing set for sure. Queens of the Stone Age finished the night. The stage was very high and the photographer could help but wonder how lead singer Josh Homme could have possibly kicked a photographer in the face. Just sayin,' it seemed impossible. The dude is tall, but not that tall. The band burst on the stage and started the set with "If I Had a Tail" and "My God Is the Sun." They rocked hard with conviction. Day two seemed to be Americana, folk rock day with The Avett Brothers headlining the night. The Avett Brothers always deliver a set of great songs exuding good feelings with pomp and pretension. Songs performed "Kick Drum Heart," "I and Love and You," and "Die, Die. Die." George Michael's "Faith' was the encore. Earlier The Decemberists delivered one of the most memorable sets of the weekend. They just released a new album I'll Be Your Girl on March 16th. They recently emerged from hiatus while Jenny Conlee recuperated from breast cancer. They decided to change their sound a bit for their new album and the song "Severed" is an example of that change. They played several tunes from the new record, but did not ignore their songs from the past. It was a great set from a band that is evolving with the times. Chris Stapleton headlined Sunday's country and Southern rock day. Counting Crows may not have fit in that description however. Tyminski or Dan Tyminski started the day's festivities. Tyminski is a member of Alison Krauss and Union Station. His biggest hit record to date is the vocal on "O Brother Where Art Thou?" He has more recently sung on Avicii's EDM hit "Hey Brother." Country crooner, Luke Combs performed is hit record "Hurricane" on the smaller stage. It was a crowd-pleasing set from a singer we are bound to hear more from in the future. Counting Crows drew a large crowd that opened with "Round Here." There were many hits including "Mr. Jones," "Big Yellow Taxi," A Long December," and "Rain King." Chris Stapleton finished the night and the Innings Festival displaying his love of traditional country music and rock music. He spent many years writing hit records for other singers before he decided to step into the entertainer spotlight. Songs performed included "Midnight Train to Memphis," "Second One To Know," "Nobody To Blame," "Them Stems" and "Tennessee Whiskey." The Innings Festival was a success with over an estimated 33,000 people attending. Many fans came to view Spring Training. Most came for the music, the tempting libations, and the tasty food presented. It was a professionally produced festival that leaves us wondering how they will top it next year. |
 The Decemberists |
 The Decemberists |
 The Decemberists |
 The Decemberists |
 The Decemberists |
 Queens of the Stone Age |
 Queens of the Stone Age |
 Queens of the Stone Age |
 Eagles of Death Metal |
 Queens of the Stone Age |
 Eagles of Death Metal |
 Eagles of Death Metal |
 Eagles of Death Metal |
 Lord Huron |
 Lord Huron |
 Lord Huron |
 Lord Huron |
 Sylvan Esso |
 Sylvan Esso |
 Sylvan Esso |
 Young The Giant |
 Young The Giant |
 Young The Giant |
 The Head and The Heart |
 The Head and The Heart |
 The Head and The Heart |
 The Head and The Heart |
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