On Saturday (May 25), Jack Harlow kicked off his inaugural Gazebo Festival in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Though the “Lovin’ on Me” MC didn’t enjoy the whole experience because the second day of Gazebo Fest was canceled due to inclement weather, he reveled in the event’s escapades during its opening day.
Whether parked at Rich Homie Quan’s set, singing “Lifestyle” in animated 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 adventure featured him and SZA as headliners while boasting a formidable crew of performers, including Vince Staples, Larry June, Veeze, Pink Panthress, Amaraee and more.
Harlow’s vision to give back to the city that raised 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 risk 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 bad weather has damaged the site and there’s more storms and dangerous winds on the way. This means everyone on Day 2, including myself, won’t be performing anymore. I’m trying to focus on the positive because all I felt was happiness yesterday. I’m grateful 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 capture the five best moments from the first day of Harlow’s Gazebo Festival.
Raven Lenae & Jordan Ward Bring R&B Shine to Louisville
Though SZA remains a blockbuster draw because of her powerhouse vocals and commercial success, she wasn’t the only attraction on the R&B circuit during Day 1 on Saturday.
Raven Lenae was electric as her sensuality and calm demeanor reverberated through the Gazebo Stage. “I’m so honored to be with all of you beautiful people. We’re gonna dance tonight,” vowed Lenae. True to her word, Lenae hopscotched through her catalog, giving fans sweet ear candy ranging from “Xtasy” and “Spice” to her stinging Hypnos record “Venom.”
Jordan Ward, a St. Louis slugger with an impressive repertoire, was up next following Lenae’s performance at the Gazebo Stage. He kept the vibes intact during his scintillating set, aiming to delight festival-goers with a mix of original music and covers. Flexing his vocal abilities, the former dancer strutted his stuff during his energetic performance of “MUSTARD” and his soulful rendition of “FAMJAM4000.” And when Ward dimmed the mood, he skated to his silky rendition of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain,” with the crowd swaying alongside him.
Larry June Creates a Smoker’s Paradise
Though Larry June’s music offers a chill, laid-back vibe, the Bay Area star brought a wave of fun and excitement during his set. June planted his roots on The Garden Stage, where the sweet scent of marijuana smoke permeated the air, creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. The stage area became a smoker’s paradise, with June’s music as the perfect soundtrack. Songs like “Smoothies in 1991,” “Corte Madera” and “30 Day Run” had fans enthralled with June’s coolness. Still, June wasn’t too cool to have fun: he danced, and he peppered his set with classic ad-libs such as “Good Job, Larry” and “Aye, Aye, Aye,” adding to the lively 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 pack his vocals. Instead, Blake was on DJ duty, looking to keep the crowd entertained and engaged, which he did with seamless precision.
Intertwining dance, R&B and hip-hop, Blake spoonfed music enthusiasts a hearty helping of hits. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” received the remix treatment, as Blake gave the 2019 Hot 100 chart-topper a makeover with a dance instrumental. He also took the younger crowd back to 2000, where he played Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad,” sparking loud roars from the older fans.
Vince Staples Is Becoming a True Double-Threat
After the success of his Netflix limited comedy series The Vince Staples Show earlier this year, fans pondered if Staples would make a full pivot to TV and movies. Staples silenced those queries when he released 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 sporting a Kentucky Wildcats jacket. He effortlessly commanded the crowd’s energy, performing signature records 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 sheer versatility as a rapper and entertainer.
SZA Gives Kentucky a Full Voyage Into SOS
SZA, the night’s headliner, was 30 minutes late, but that didn’t derail fans from watching her first-ever performance in Kentucky. Arriving at 10:15 p.m., SZA immediately kicked things off with “Seek & Destroy.” The Louisville crowd was fully 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 trek last year, but that only enabled the singer to deliver an indelible set. She didn’t short-change the fans, bringing in a similar stage design from her lauded tour and weaving in choreography mid-song.
“It’s my first time in Kentucky. Thank you for welcoming me,” she said before singing “Blind.” While SZA aimed to entice and enchant, Harlow was spotted driving a golf cart, helping fans get a better view of her performance.
CTRL fans weren’t left out to dry either, as SZA raced back to her 2017 opus and sang “Supermodel,” “Broken Clocks,” “Love Galore” and “The Weekend.” And when SZA wasn’t in the mood for heartbreak, she performed the ebullient Doja Cat-led “Kiss Me More” before doing a twerk relay to Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy,” giving Louisville the ultimate experience.
