The East Coast has been experiencing a wet start to the lead-up of summer and despite the slight effect it had on Governor’s Ball in New York City, the weekend was filled with stellar performances. Headliners Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo and Hozier brought their A-game to the festival and there were many special moments throughout the weekend from the other performers. Taking place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY over the weekend of June 6-8 with Friday the sixth opening things up relatively warm and dry before the rainy weather affected the Saturday lineup.
Tyler, The Creator performed his Chromakopia set that he’d been on the road with and brought all the energy and excitement to the festival. With numerous shoutouts and references to New York City, Tyler was on-point with his wordplay and dancing as he performed alternate condensed versions of fan favorites like “Yonkers”, “She” and “Tamale”.
Saturday’s headliner Olivia Rodrigo had a slightly delayed start to her original set time due to the rain delay but the organizers still had her play past the 10pm curfew. Arguably the festival’s biggest draw based upon the number of attendees comprised of families and young fans, Rodrigo put on a show that left an indelible imprint on many. A slightly different presentation than her GUTS Tour, Rodrigo was only accompanied by her band as opposed to the band and her dancers. Highlights included the surprise appearance by David Byrne of Talking Heads who joined Rodrigo to perform the band’s hit song “Burning Down The House”. It was the ultimate crossover for the parents in the audience who got a moment to sing along to a song they most likely had grown up with while being there for their kids.
Befitting for headlining on Sunday, Hozier battled through illness to perform an outstanding set. Although it was evident his voice as hoarse and energy level was not at full strength, the Irish musician delivered a remarkable set filled with passion. From “Nobody’s Soldier” to “Eat Your Young” and “Too Sweet” Hozier and his backing band and singers were impressive and interactive. Taking time to honor outspoken musicians of the past who stood up for civil rights, including Mavis Staples and others, Hozier was captivating in speech just as he was in song.
Other highlights from the festival was certainly the year’s current “it” performer in Benson Boone. Energetic and performing flips across the stage and from his piano, Boone drew a huge diverse crowd of both the young and older fans as well as many families with young children on their parent’s shoulders. The “Beautiful Things” singer was vocally strong and the ultimate showman as he interacted with the crowd, waving to the kids while acknowledging others. Conan Gray has taken his stage presence to the next level, as his set that was before Olivia Rodrigo’s, was theatrical and filled with just as much dancing and performance as it was singing during his sailor moon-themed set. Young Miko brought the energy to her Saturday set as her brand of reggaeton inspired many to dance and jump along. Up-and-comer Isabel LaRosa had a fun set that had many singing along to her dark alt-pop songs, while Role Model had an incredibly enthusiastic crowd that danced along to his music. The audience during his set went wild as he brought out Conan Gray during “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” and giving Role Model a big kiss that surprised many.
Currently on tour, artists like Glass Animals, Clairo and Wallows added to the festival vibes with familiarity and enthusiasm. From Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley bouncing around the stage and running into the crowd to sing “Gooey”, to Dylan Minnette of Wallows running through the crowd to high-five fans and sing, fans had the opportunity to see their favorites up-close and personal.
Throughout the entire weekend, rain or shine or cloudy, GovBall delivered a fun weekend that captured the essence and diversity of today’s musical offerings. Artists who gained a prominent fanbase via social media like Mk.Gee, Artemas and Royel Otis, were able to showcase their talents and demonstrate to the casual festival go-er that they’re more than just a fifteen second clip. For a festival that was either overcast or sprinkling rain, GovBall brought together a community of music fans eager to kick off the summer in the city with great music and performances. One that is certainly “only in New York”.
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