You know the festivals that you happen upon every once in a blue moon that remind you why you spend your hard earned money on festivals in the first place? I speak for not only myself but for all in attendance of Sloss Music and Arts Festival 2017, that this weekend will go down in the books to never be forgotten. The two-day festival in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama featured four stages, 40 bands, and a wide array of food and beer from the up and coming foodie city.
Precipitation mixed with humidity equaled a weather event that was uniquely Alabama. The mud stuck to the shoes of the patrons who bravely trudged on with smiling faces. The weather did nothing to hinder the excitement of the weekend but proved just how adaptable people can become.
Saturday featured numerous acts over a wide array of genres. Charles Bradley & His Extrordinaires electrified the energy on the grounds, while Conor Oberst touched every single one of your emotions with his raw stage presence, The HeyDaze brought down the Shed stage, followed by Tycho with their unique soul transporting experience.
As the day faded into night Sloss Fest engaged the big guns. Run the Jewels made a statement with their performance making use of their stage presence bringing to light bigger issues raging in the world. Odesza animated the Steam stage with a one of a kind performance, dropping new music as they edge closer to the release of their new EP.
Closing out Saturday in the Shed stage was Cherub who played hit after hit that everyone in attendance sang along too. Widespread Panic fans giddy with delight parked in front of the Blast stage as the jam band manipulated their instruments in unison, and converted even the onlookers into “SpreadHeads” for the night.
An abundant crowd descended upon the historical monument on Sunday. The rain continued only long enough to cool the crowd during the mid day heat. K.Flay’s voice shook everyone to their core as she performed “It’s Strange.”, Judah & The Lion followed on the Blast stage committing to their performance with the main goal of making sure the crowd stayed involved, Waka Flocka Flame gave the kids what they came for, and as the sun set Cashmere Cat’s set echoed through the tin roof of the Shed stage.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats quenched the thirst of the attentive crowd with an enthusiastic performance highlighted by the sun setting over the Steam stage. Sturgill Simpson followed with a mix of guitar solos and soulful southern roots that fit perfectly in the heart of Alabama.
The finale of the night and the weekend was one that I will not soon forget. Alabama Shakes took the stage and every hair on my arm stood up. A bridge cuts through the middle of Sloss connecting East and West Birmingham, during the Alabama Shakes cars lined the road with their hazards on to catch a glimpse of this amazing performance. The fact the band was playing as the headliner of a festival in their own hometown filled the performance with a unique comfort.
Compared to the past two years Sloss Fest 2017 surpasses them all, not only in the line-up but in planning, sponsorship, and participation. Birmingham through trial and error has erected a festival that can stand its own when being compared to the rest.
Connect with Sloss Music And Arts Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/SlossFest
https://twitter.com/SlossFest
https://www.instagram.com/slossfest
http://slossfest.com
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