As golden hour hit, we took to the ferris wheel and the swings as we thanked the sun for finally setting around us. From that vantage point, the Riot Fest grounds looked stunning, bathed in the warm evening light and filled with music lovers. While we enjoyed the ride, we could spot Basement struggling with technical difficulties from the ferris wheel. These setbacks caused delays in their performance, but they persevered, delivering their gritty, emotional punk once things were sorted.
As night fell, St. Vincent took the stage and transformed the festival grounds into a surreal dreamscape. Her avant-garde style—both musically and visually—kept the audience mesmerized. St. Vincent’s performance was a masterclass in blending genres, moving effortlessly between rock, synth-pop, and experimental soundscapes. Her stunning guitar work and ethereal vocals brought an otherworldly vibe, making her set one of the most memorable of the day. Her unique stage presence and sonic craftsmanship were perfectly suited for the nighttime atmosphere. Closing out the night, Beck delivered a vibrant, career-spanning set that felt like a celebration. He took the crowd on a journey, mixing funky, genre-bending hits like “Where It’s At” with his alt-rock staples like “Loser.” The audience was fully engaged, dancing and singing along, as Beck’s ability to navigate through various musical styles kept everyone on their toes. It was the perfect, uplifting way to cap off a day full of diverse and unforgettable performances.
Saturday’s Riot Fest was a rollercoaster of sounds and emotions, from punk legends and rock innovators to the genre-bending brilliance of St. Vincent and the joyous nostalgia of Beck’s finale.
