5 Best Moments From Jack Harlow’s First-Ever Gazebo Festival

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.

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. 

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. 

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, 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.