By the Hudson River in Sleepy Hollow, we attended the kickoff to the summer music festival season with a day of rain, rock ‘n’roll and summer fun at the second annual Sleepy Hollow Music Festival on June 7.
The day opened with Christine Chanel on the second stage, blending blues and pop with a cool ease that set the tone early.
Over on the main stage, The Brighton Beat brought the funk, starting the party right with high-energy grooves that got people dancing despite the off-and-on drizzle. The weather may have come and gone all day, but the crowd wasn’t going to let a little rain ruin the fun. Shakeout, a two-piece rock band, took the second stage next and added some humor to the day by inviting someone dressed as the Headless Horseman on stage to “play bass” during their set. It was the perfect nod to the festival’s namesake and a fun, weird little moment that only happens at local festivals like this.
Carissa Johnson & the Cure-Alls kept things moving on the main stage with a gritty, tight rock/punk set.
Then came Fantastic Cat, an indie supergroup made up of Don DiLego, Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, and Mike Montali. They swapped instruments between songs and showed off tight harmonies that were reminiscent of The Band. Their stage banter included constant references to a running countdown clock they had onstage, tracking how long until they become eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – equal parts joke and rock star prophecy.
Right as the rain broke, Living Colour took the main stage and tore into a set celebrating the 30th anniversary of Time’s Up. Their energy was unreal, and the crowd fed off it singing along, dancing, and cheering like the sun itself had come out just for them. They haven’t lost a step, and honestly, they may have stolen the show.
After a quick rain delay, Jade Bird stepped up and completely changed the vibe in the best way. Her voice was as stunning as ever, and she brought a calm, intimate moment to an otherwise rowdy day. Her set gave the soaked crowd a chance to breathe, and she made it feel effortless.
Finally, as the sky turned golden and the sun set over the Hudson, Band of Horses took the stage. Their set was a soaring, emotional closer to the day equal parts beauty and power.
Watching the sunset while they played was the kind of magic moment you hope for at a festival, and they delivered.
Other highlights throughout the day included local talent Jake Wildhorn, who headlined the Regional Stage after winning Rock the Riverbank; Dan Zlotnik and his band playing some heartfelt, soulful rock; and a fun, energetic set from the School of Rock kids, who ripped through classic hits like seasoned pros.
Rain or not, the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival kicked off the summer season with good music, good vibes, and a crowd that didn’t let the weather slow them down for a second.
We are already looking forward to next year’s festival.
All photos by Brian Berson
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