The first artist I am reviewing is also the first artist on that day: Jessie Reyez. Hot off of her first album, Kiddo, the angsty 26-year-old dazzled while on stage. The album is one of my current personal favorites, consistently cheering me during the dreaded school in the morning. Although performing for only about a half hour, Reyez killed some of the more popular songs on her album, namely “Figures” and “Gatekeeper”, also performing covers of songs such as “THat Part” by ScHoolboy Q, among others. What was even more surprising was that it was Reyez’s first time performing at a music festival. The atmosphere of a festival unlike any other, and Reyez certainly started off what would be a great day with a bang. I know that at least personally, the passion that Reyez showed during her short time on stage made me forget all about the blazing sun above me; it was as if nothing but her voice mattered. I, along with likely everyone else who heard her perform, predict that Reyez has a long successful career ahead of her.

Also on my list is the fun, energetic EDM-style music of Marshmello. A much more well-known artist, he went near the end of the day, making for a much more packed audience. The music he played was fantastic, and for someone who isn’t a huge fan of electronic music, the upbeat tempo displayed during the set was impossible not to jump around to. Original songs like “Alone” and “Summer” made the set among the best of the day. My only grievance with the set is not even with the music itself, but the surrounding environment. Marshmello’s performances are known to be very extravagant, with confetti, fire, and a general flare for the insane that can make you feel as if you are attending a “Blue Man Group” performance in disguise. However, the set performed last Saturday did not quite live up to that, relying almost completely the pure music and a few lights to energize the crowd. Maybe this had more to do with the venue itself, and while I still thoroughly enjoyed the music, the atmosphere was not as “hype” as I had expected going in.

Stormzy, the midday performance, showed New York what South London is all about. Stormzy and his DJ, Merky, turned the crowd into what he likes to call the “Energy Crew”. I had never heard of the pair but after an hour and a half of jumping and shoving in the mosh pit I would have to consider myself a fan. Songs like “Shut Up” and “One Take Freestyle” embody the hype that Stormzy and Merky kept throughout their set. When all was said and done, it was undeniable that Stormzy was among our favorites of the day, and would recommend that everyone who loves a good time goes to see the British rapper whenever they get the chance.

Childish Gambino wrapped up the festival with what was his first and only performance of 2017. The Two time Grammy nominee performed songs from his album Awaken, my Love! which debuted #1 on the Billboard R&B charts. Gambino’s soulful voice had everyone in the crowd moving their hips, while his unique rap style had everyone jumping.  His heavily anticipated finale, “Redbone”, literally put me in a trance. Never have I heard something so melodious live. Gambino maintained a very vibrant stage presence, telling jokes as well as stories and even releasing his unborn son’s name, Legend. He ended the night by announcing to his audience that he had just one last album left in him, saying “I’ll see you for the last Gambino album” before walking off stage. If it is anything like what he has done in the past, I can hardly wait.