No training wheels were required for Kingston’s first RoadTrip Music Festival.
On Sept. 12, this inaugural one-day event transformed Downtown Kingston into a multi-genre music extravaganza. From indie darling Katie Tupper to headliners Peach Pit, there was room for everyone on this exciting ride, jump-started by Flying V Productions and Polaris Music Prize founder Steve Jordan.
After the gates opened at around 5:30 p.m., a small crowd formed at the barricade. These early festivalgoers sported Peach Pit merch from their latest tour, but “PP Head” or not, everyone in Springer Market Square happily supported each act.
Katie Tupper opened RoadTrip’s main stage event. PHOTO BY JASHAN DUA.
At 6:30 p.m., Saskatchewanian soul singer-songwriter Katie Tupper opened the main stage performances, bringing a moody, mellow start to the night.
Katie Tupper’s deep alto voice resonated throughout the Square as she opened with “Disappear,” the opening track of her debut album, Greyhound. Tupper played a few tracks off that album throughout her set including her funky jam, “Right Hand Man,” and her neo-soul song, “She said.”
After, Tupper complimented Kingston as a “beautiful city” before dedicating “Cowboy Lullaby” to a rowdy festival goer in a cowboy hat.
Kasador’s lead singer and guitarist, Cam Wyatt. PHOTO BY CLAIRE BAK.
By 7:15, Kingston’s alt-rock band Kasador took the wheel with “Big Man Keane.”
Before playing hits like “Quit Your Crying” and “R.I.P. Me Down,” Kasador performed one of their new songs live for the first time. Singer and guitarist Cam Wyatt admitted that RoadTrip was a “special night” for Kasador and played the special new song in honour of performing for their hometown’s inaugural festival.
Kasador’s contagious high energy carried throughout the show, as they shredded riffs and kicked their legs up on hard-hitting beat drops.
Gabriel Jacoby performs for concert-goers. PHOTO BY CLAIRE BAK.
After trickling in throughout the first two sets, the crowd grew to a thousand attendees eager to celebrate. At 8:30 p.m., rising American R&B sensation Gabriel Jacoby greeted everyone with his song, “Hello.”
“This is my first time in Canada,” Jacoby told the crowd, who welcomed him with loud cheers as he performed hits like “Forever” and “Bootleg”.
Later, Jacoby played a brand-new song that has yet to be released, which featured an exciting drum beat that got everybody dancing.
In November, Jacoby makes his debut at Tyler, the Creator’s annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, performing alongside Future, Steve Lacy, and Earl Sweatshirt. It’s no question why — his soulful sound is a dreamy blend of blues with bursts of funk. Paired with his magnetic aura, whether he was on stage or in the crowd supporting other acts, all eyes were on Gabriel Jacoby.
Peach Pit’s Christopher Vanderkooy plays a double-neck guitar. PHOTO BY CLAIRE BAK.
Vancouver’s indie pop band Peach Pit finished off the festival. They opened with their catchy tune “Brian’s Movie,” followed by a deep cut, “Everything About You,” then some classics like “Shampoo Bottles” and “Alrighty Aphrodite.”
Peach Pit’s lead guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy captivated the crowd with his solos and at one point stood on top of the pit’s speakers to get closer to his cheering fans.
“This is my first time playing in Kingston,” lead singer Neil Smith shared. In celebration of Peach Pit’s first stop in Limestone City, Neil said he visited Brian’s Record Option, where he bought a copy of The Tragically Hip‘s Phantom Power, which the crowd praised.
Peach Pit’s blend of their song “Give Up Baby Go” with the Eagles‘ rock anthem “Hotel California” was the best way to say goodbye to a fun night of musical talent.
Fans throw their hands up. PHOTO BY CLAIRE BAK.
As the night went on, the crowd took off their seatbelts and let loose. With crowd surfing, fence hopping, and lots of dancing, the night was electrifying.
Tags
Kasador, Kingston Music, Live Music, local music, Music Festival, RoadTrip Music Festival, rock, Springer Market Square
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Cassidy Comeau
Amazing!!!
Such good photos !!