The All Things Go Music Festival made its highly anticipated return to Merriweather Post Pavilion over the weekend, featuring a two-day lineup for the first time ever. On the second day of the festival, several artists acknowledged its longstanding commitment to female and queer performers. The pop-punk band Meet Me @ the Altar, for example, hailed the event as “GAYCHELLA” on Twitter, while Katie Gavin, lead vocalist of Muna, referred to it as “Lesbopalooza” during their set. Molly Rankin, bandleader of Alvvays, drew comparisons to Lilith Fair, expressing her excitement about the diverse lineup.
This year’s festival showcased the spirit of inclusivity that was present during the late ’90s touring festival, Lilith Fair. The organizers did an excellent job of curating a diverse lineup of indie-sounding artists across two stages, representing various genres like pop, rock, and folk. These artists brought a range of sounds, from upbeat and dancey to melancholic and jubilant. All Things Go provided attendees with an opportunity to embrace and “own the vibe,” as a drone-shot photo op sign suggested.
Midday acts Alvvays and Arlo Parks perfectly embodied the ethos of the festival. Alvvays delivered propulsive pop with reverberating guitars and shimmering keys, while Parks brought a fresh update to yacht rock with her soothing grooves and wispy vocals. Parks, who is one of the few performers of color at the festival, added a unique flavor to the lineup.
Ethel Cain stood out as a highlight of the day, offering a contrast to the overall upbeat atmosphere of the festival with her brand of slow-burn, Southern Gothic singalongs. Her haunting tunes seemed out of place in the daylight, but her powerful performances filled the amphitheater. Cain’s every move was met with adoration from fans, who eagerly reached out with gifts and gestures of appreciation.
On the side stage, Alex G brought a different energy as one of the few male-fronted acts. His ability to find beauty amidst dissonance and unease was evident in his captivating performance. With his DIY sensibility, he showcased his talent for crafting intimate bedroom pop into something larger.
Co-headliner Boygenius offered a dose of irony with their name, and their set was bookended by unexpected song choices like Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town” and 100 Gecs’ “Dumbest Girl Alive.” However, the trio, composed of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, proved their artistic prowess and solidified their status as beloved figures in contemporary music. Each member shined individually but also complemented each other’s talents, resulting in a powerful and memorable performance.
After a long day of music, it was time for Lana Del Rey to take the stage and deliver her signature brand of pop music. Her performance transformed the stage into a neon dream fantasy, reminiscent of the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, and the Vegas Strip. With her background singers and dancers, Del Rey created a spectacle that perfectly matched her unique style.
Del Rey’s voice has evolved over the years, and watching her perform live in an amphitheater amplified the epicness of her songs. She surprised the crowd by bringing out Jack Antonoff, her frequent collaborator, for a duet. As the curfew approached, Del Rey rearranged her set to ensure she performed her best songs before the lights went out.
The highlight of her set was when she took a swing and performed “Video Games,” a song that still resonates deeply with audiences. Del Rey closed the night with “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have — But I Have It,” and the performance ended with dancers symbolically wrapping her in a straitjacket-like shroud and dragging her offstage. It was a powerful metaphor that highlighted the challenges Del Rey faces as a female artist.
For festival attendees, the appeal of All Things Go lies in the sense of community and communion. It’s a place where people can come together to celebrate their shared identities, favorite bands, and overall vibe. Muna perfectly captured this spirit with their electro-pop-rock set, performing “I Know a Place,” a song they wrote in their college dorm room as “three queers.” They thanked the audience for creating a space where they could express themselves freely.
All Things Go Music Festival succeeded in creating a unique and inclusive experience for attendees, showcasing a diverse lineup of talented artists. The festival’s commitment to celebrating female and queer performers was evident throughout the event, making it a standout moment in the music festival scene.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
