For local music appreciators across genres, Hopscotch was far more than just another music festival — it was an artful explosion of music-induced passion. The three-day event offered attendees the chance to delve into a dream world full of exceptional talent, positive vibes and a well-rounded lineup. This year’s eighth annual music festival officially took place Thursday through Saturday.
Before the night’s festivities, artists circled around downtown Raleigh, kick-starting the action with live performances at the wealth of day parties which have become a much-loved Hopscotch tradition. The Good Graces, an Atlanta-based indie folk compilation, performed at the day party at Slim’s on Thursday. Kim Ware, the group’s lead singer, has been playing at Hopscotch day parties for three years now — a record that proves worthwhile.
“It’s so exciting to be a part of that energy where you don’t know who you’ll play in front of, and as a music fan it’s fun to go around to the different shows and I might fall in love with their music too,” Ware said.
Acting as the center hub of the festival, City Plaza’s main stage was the primary attraction. With two white and red Hopscotch banners hanging on each side, the stage hosted a wide variety of bands ready to jam. Vintage band tees, cups filled with foamy beer and merchandise stands filled with Hopscotch-inspired finds greeted fans walking into City Plaza. Most notably was the impressive crowd that took over the space, with music lovers of all kinds coming together in support of the craft.
“My friend told me about [Hopscotch] a couple of years ago, and I started coming every year,” said Mandy Reinhold, who travelled from North Carolina’s Outer Banks for Hopscotch. “It’s always a really good variety of genres, and people that come out. … I was really excited that Future Islands was coming.”
On Thursday evening, Nashville, Tennessee, resident Margo Price took the stage at City Plaza, transfixing the audience with soft, dream-like vocals and a hint of country-esque twang. After roaming City Plaza, festivalgoers dispersed in search of their next music-viewing spot.
This year, there was a new addition to Hopscotch’s extensive list of venues — the Basement — further proving the festival’s growth over the years. Walking into the Basement is like walking into a galactic world, lit up by glittering neon lights. Located in the lower level of the Raleigh Convention Center, the venue was specifically created for Hopscotch.
Spaceface, a Memphis, Tennessee-based indie rock group, took the stage Thursday at 8 p.m. in the newly added space. With an infectious energy and an electric guitar heavy sound, Spaceface effortlessly blended classic rock ‘n’ roll with lighter airy tones. The result can only be described as out of this world.
In addition to the lineup of indie bands Hopscotch is known for, this year brought even more to the table with the addition of hip-hop artists such as P.A.T. Junior, whose set at Lincoln Theatre was well worth the hype. The vintage speakeasy proved the perfect backdrop for the performance, with dimmed lights, a theater-like stage and a full bar to top it off.
It was obvious that P.A.T. Junior had a well-developed fan base, as eager attendees lined the stage, anxious for the hip-hop artist to arrive. Once he did, the crowd’s energy immediately exploded. For P.A.T. Junior, who grew up reading his mom’s poetry, the arts have always been a part of his reality and, in 2012, P.A.T. Junior began a creative endeavor of his own — recording and producing his own music.
“I would say definitely when it comes to who I’m writing to, I would say it’s to one of those crowds of people that are afraid to be transparent,” P.A.T. Junior said. “Because I used to be that guy. I used to be afraid to be transparent with people, and I’d hear other people be transparent about their lives and what they’ve been through … that’s what I want to do, be that person who’s very transparent in my music.”
P.A.T. Junior’s set had the crowd jumping to the beat, and relating to the well-versed lyrics of his music, which are especially versatile.
“When you hear my set you hear different feelings,” P.A.T. Junior said. “Some songs are dark. Some are transparent. Some are introspective, but I’m able to tell a story.”
Friday night, the already booming City Plaza turned into a magical supernova of all things indie. Headliner Future Islands had the crowd throwing their hands in the air, swaying to the smooth, almost ‘80s-like tunes that travelled from the purple-lit stage. For many Future Islands fans, it was a night to remember.
Additional headliner Solange made her mark at Red Hat Amphitheater Saturday night. Often dismissively categorized as “Beyonce’s little sister,” Solange managed to prove her musical talents all on her own. With smooth vocals that oozed soul, Solange wore her heart on her sleeve Saturday night as the audience screamed in support of the artist. What set Solange apart from other artists at Hopscotch this year were her dance moves, which were impossible to ignore. Backed up by a team of hip-hop dancers, Solange choreographed her dancing squad to success.
Another performance worth mentioning was that of Richard Lloyd, who acted as the lead guitarist in game-changing ‘70s punk band Television. Now, Lloyd proves an impeccable solo performer, whose intricate guitar riffs vibrated through The Pour House Music Hall on Saturday night. The perfect venue for the punk rock show, The Pour House Music Hall was filled with punk-appreciating listeners, who filtered upstairs for complimentary breakfast food. Simply put, The Pour House had everything one could want when going to a punk show: beer, pancakes and good music.
Overall, Hopscotch 2017 is another example of the ever-growing arts culture brewing here in Raleigh. Joshua Gruder, owner of locally-based Porch Fly Supply Company, was one of the many vendors at the festival, selling everything from apparel to handmade leather products to vegan candles. Gruder notes the festival’s unique approach.
“I think the fact that they’ve brought in so many different types of artists and utilized so many different types of venues to create a huge footprint in Raleigh is an interesting format for a festival,” Gruder said.
For a complete list of all the artists that participated in Hopscotch, visit the festival’s website at http://hopscotchmusicfest.com/lineup/.
Fans cheer from the pit and throw up the Run the Jewels hand sign. The concert was a part of the Hopscotch Music Festival and took place at Red Hat Amphitheater Friday. The entire festival took place on Thursday through Saturday in downtown Raleigh.
