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2019 McDowell Mountain Music Festival
Margaret T. Hance Park
Phoenix, AZ
March 1-3, 2019

Lukas Nelson

Kurt Vile

Empire of the Sun

Review and photos by Frances Sealy
Photos of Chromeo by C. Elliot

This is the 16th year for the 100% non-profit McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) music festival in Phoenix, AZ. All ticket purchases go toward the Phoenix Children's Hospital's Music Therapy Program, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The festival has evolved from being a predominantly jam-band and folk festival to hosting the most popular music genre of the day. This year there were several EDM, country, Latino, jazz, R & B as well as jam bands entertaining on three stages. It was a cornucopia of new and legendary artists. Here are some of the highlights.

Australian up and coming band, Mansionair performed a sunset show for the dance fans. Today marked the release of their hotly anticipated debut album, Shadowboxer. Jack Froggatt leads the band in songs from the album that included "Waiting Room."

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real provided one of the best sets of the day. From Nelson's guitar shredding to his powerhouse vocals, he has a mesmerizing stage presence. Nelson (son of country legend Willie Nelson) was particularly proud to speak of his involvement with the Oscar nominated film "A Star is Born." He mentioned that Lady Gaga sang on the original cut of "Find Yourself." "Since Lady Gaga isn't here, Margo Price will join me tonight." The set ended with a energetic version of "Uncle Neil's" "Rockin' in the Free World."

Both Price and Nelson sat in on each other's sets. Price is in the late stages of her pregnancy and mentioned that this will be the last appearance before her delivery. In Price's concert, she brought Nelson on stage to sing Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" after she did a drum solo.

Odesza fans got their EDM fix at the Rattlesnake stage. Their beats could be heard all over the park while those in attendance could be dazzled with bursts of lighting effects and drummers pounding their rhythms in the foreground. The drumline and the brass that marched out front were like a power rush for the senses. The blizzard of confetti shot from the canons was a bonus for the fans to wear home after the show. The fans definitely got what they came to experience.

On the second day, jam band, Lettuce, drew an enormous crowd. The band was scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday this year. Erick Coomes on bass was amazing while Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom on brass gave admirable performances.

Kurt Vile and the Violators had the sunset slot at the Rattlesnake stage. Vile's existential edge captivated the fans. Dressed in his plaid shirt and jean. His face was framed by long curly hair that often hid his face. Vile has become known for his stoner pop music. Musical offerings included "Bassackwards," "I'm an Outlaw," and "Jesus Fever." This was a set that clearly deserved a longer time slot.

The U.K. dance ensemble, Jungle, was the perfect band ahead of Empire of the Sun. The pulsing beats and their vision gave the night the rhythm and vibe for the crowd to dance around and keep warm. There was no stand out musician in the seven-piece band, but together they delivered spectacular dance music.

NoMBe, aka Noah McBeth, closed out the Coyote stage on the second night and he was one of the best discoveries of the entire festival. The 27-year old singer/ songwriter gave a high energy R & B set that was reminiscent of Prince.

Empire of the Sun performed the most spectacular set of the night. Their shows are legendary and it permeates all of your senses. Fans get a taste of an alternate reality. Their shows are a new kind of electronic music. The video graphics are astounding, the illuminating lights are mesmerizing, the music is infectious, and the choreography is stellar.

The third day was headlined by jam-band favorites, Umphrey's McGee. They opened with "Attachments" on a strong note. They showed just how capable they are at cross-genre mash ups. The vocals are never the centerpiece of their music. The band has a penchant for extended improvisations and this was in full force as the closing act for the festival.

There were many more great acts during the festival, but it was impossible to see them all. It was a great festival for worthy causes. For more information on the M3F festival follow the link. www.m3ffest.com.

McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) - Festival review - Phoenix, AZ March 2017