Best Moments From Jack Harlow’s First-Ever Gazebo FestivalOn Saturday (May 25), Jack Harlow started off his inaugural Gazebo Festival in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Though the “Lovin’ on Me” MC didn’t appreciate the whole experience because the second day of Gazebo Fest was canceled due to inclement weather, he delighted in the event’s escapades during its opening day.
Whether seated at Rich Homie Quan’s set, singing “Lifestyle” in ebullient fashion or crooning his heart out to Majid Jordan, Harlow immersed himself in the experience as one of the fans. “What he’s done for the city is amazing,” Faith, an Uber driver and long-time Louisville resident, told Billboard.
Slated to have 26 performers, Gazebo Festival was Harlow’s brainchild, which he first announced last February. Harlow’s musical excursion featured him and SZA as headliners while possessing a formidable retinue of performers, including Vince Staples, Larry June, Veeze, Pink Panthress, Amaraee and more.
Harlow’s vision to give back to the city that nurtured him seemed promising after an impressive first day that was diverse. Unfortunately, Gazebo Festival couldn’t make it to Day 2 due to unforeseen circumstances. A tornado watch was issued, which posed a significant danger to the safety of performers and attendees. This decision, though disappointing, was made in the best interest of everyone involved.
“Well. We have to cancel day two of Gazebo,” Harlow wrote. “We are currently on a tornado watch. I know things cleared up a little bit, but the poor weather has damaged the site and there’s more cyclones and hazardous gusts on the way. This means everyone on Day 2, including myself, won’t be performing anymore. I’m attempting to focus on the positive because all I felt was pleasure yesterday. I’m appreciative for our flawless first day and for the way this city came together. Thank you so much. I’m sorry.”
Despite the cancelation, Billboard was on-site to document the five finest moments from the first day of Harlow’s Gazebo Festival.
Ravyn Lenae & Jordan Ward Bring R&B Shine to Louisville
Though SZA remains a blockbuster draw because of her formidable vocals and commercial success, she wasn’t the only attraction on the R&B circuit during Day 1 on Saturday.
Ravyn Lenae was electrifying as her sensuality and serene demeanor reverberated through the Gazebo Stage. “I’m so honored to be with all of you beautiful people. We’re going cavort tonight,” vowed Lenae. True to her word, Lenae hopscotched through her catalog, giving admirers delectable aural delights spanning from “Xtasy” and “Spice” to her searing Hypnos record “Venom.”
Jordan Ward, a St. Louis slugger with a formidable repertoire, was up next following Lenae’s performance at the Gazebo Stage. He kept the energy intact during his scintillating set, intending to enchant festival-goers with a blend of original music and renditions. Flexing his vocal abilities, the former performer displayed his thing during his effervescent performance of “MUSTARD” and his emotive rendition of “FAMJAM4000.” And when Ward subdued the atmosphere, he skated to his fluid rendition of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain,” with the crowd undulating alongside him.
Larry June Creates a Smoker's Paradise
Though Larry June’s music offers a calm, laid-back atmosphere, the Bay Area star brought a surge of joy and enthusiasm during his set. June planted his roots on The Garden Stage, where the delicious fragrance of marijuana smoke suffused the air, creating a foggy, hallucinatory atmosphere. The stage area became a smoker’s sanctuary, with June’s music as the appropriate soundtrack. Songs like “Smoothies in 1991,” “Corte Madera” and “30 Day Run” had listeners enraptured with June’s elegance. Still, June wasn’t too sophisticated to have fun: he danced, and he punctuated his set with classic ad-libs such as “Good Job, Larry” and “Aye, Aye, Aye,” adding to the vivacious set.
James Blake Gets Busy on the 1s and 2s
When Jack Harlow enlisted James Blake to be a part of his Gazebo Festival, the sought-after singer didn’t bring his vocals. Instead, Blake was on DJ duty, aiming to keep the audience entertained and engaged, which he did with seamless precision.
Intertwining dance, R&B and hip-hop, Blake spoonfed music devotees a substantial helping of songs. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” received the remix treatment, as Blake gave the 2019 Hot 100 chart-topper a transformation with a dance instrumental. He also took the younger audience back to 2000, where he played Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad,” prompting deafening roars from the elder supporters.
Vince Staples Is Becoming a True Double-Threat
After the triumph of his Netflix limited comedy series The Vince Staples Show earlier this year, admirers pondered if Staples would make a full pivot to TV and movies. Staples silenced those inquiries when he published his sixth studio album, Dark Times, on Friday (May 25).
Despite a 15-minute delay due to flight issues, Vince Staples arrived at the Gazebo Stage donning a Kentucky Wildcats windbreaker. He effortlessly commanded the crowd’s energy, performing signature recordings from his discography, including “Laws of Averages,” “Norf Norf” and “Magic.” From quizzing fans on his song lyrics to singing “Happy Birthday” to a nine-year-old, Staples showcased his total versatility as a rapper and entertainer.
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SZA Gives Kentucky a Full Voyage Into SOS
SZA, the night’s centerpiece, was 30 minutes late, but that didn’t deter admirers from witnessing her first-ever performance in Kentucky. Arriving at 10:15 p.m., SZA promptly started things off with “Seek & Destroy.” The Louisville audience was entirely invested as they embarked on the SOS experience alongside the Grammy award winner.
Traditionally a small-market city, Louisville wasn’t fortunate enough to receive a tour stop during SZA’s SOS excursion last year, but that only enabled the vocalist to deliver an indelible performance. She didn’t short-change the fans, bringing in a similar stage design from her lauded tour and incorporating in choreography mid-song.
“It’s my first time in Kentucky. Thank you for greeting me,” she said before singing “Blind.” While SZA sought to beguile and enthrall, Harlow was spotted operating a golf cart, enabling supporters get a better view of her performance.
