Levitate Music and Arts Festival continued to captivate attendees on its second day at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, offering a stellar lineup of artists, beautiful weather, and an atmosphere brimming with positive vibes. Day 2 of the festival was marked by an eclectic mix of performances that showcased the diverse range of musical talent present, creating an unforgettable experience for festival-goers.
I arrived at the Fairgrounds early Saturday morning, granting myself more than enough time to explore the expansive festival grounds, ready for another phenomenal day filled with unforgettable memories impending. The front gate staff greeted me with wide smiles, sporting custom t-shirts that displayed their volunteer status and asking how my photos from the day before were. Everyone hired as staff at the festival were extremely welcoming and overall very accommodating. The volunteer program for the festival is one definitely worth checking out and applying to participate in if you're from the local area. It offers anyone 16 and older a chance to be hands on at a spectacular event that cares about the community, not to mention you're contributing to expanding a non-profit organization that appreciates artists of all creative forms. Those who do opt to be a volunteer at the event, receive free entry and can also select the time slots they'd prefer to work, therefore allowing their staff to enjoy the experience as both an employee and fan. If one of your favorite artists are playing and you're volunteering, you can opt to have off during that performance slot to fully immerse yourself in the musical experience.
As I wandered around the Fairgrounds early Saturday morning, I stumbled upon various aspects of the festival I had missed the first day, which admittedly isn't hard to do considering how many immersive activities are scattered across the acres of land. The first to catch my eye were the muralists, who had arrived bright and early to continue their artwork. I had noticed the painters the day prior, sketching out ideas on large blank boards, but by the time Saturday morning rolled in their masterpieces were beginning to become recognizable. Even a few weeks after the event, I still rave about how talented the six artists showcased were. They worked tirelessly throughout all three days of the event, but, nonetheless, it still amazes me how quickly they were able to produce flawless paintings of landscapes, people, animals, and more. The three paintings that took my breath away were the portrait of Levitate owner Dan Hassett, the visual of Bradley Nowell's, from Sublime, Dalmatian Louie, and Erica Sedler's stunning forest landscape, which, with one look, transported you to the mystical world she imagined with paint and a brush. In addition to the professional painters displaying their incredible aptitude, attendees could also contribute to the art decorating the Fairgrounds at the paint-by-number community mural, which crowd members of all ages participated in bringing life to.
Just past these wonderful murals was the vendor village, though this section of the festival is nothing comparable to other large-scale music festivals similar to Levitate, in fact meandering through the tents it feels almost as if you've exited the festival and are at another artisans, farmer's-market-esque, event. The dedication Levitate Foundation puts into providing artists a platform to sell and promote their artwork cannot go unnoticed, there were easily 50 different vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry, to hand-painted one-of-one portraits, and even henna tattoos.
One of my favorite art vendors at this year's Levitate was concealed in the VIP section, which is most definitely worth paying extra for if you are 21 and over. Idle Hand Collective is a barbershop and hair braiding company based out of the New England area. Throughout all three days of the event, Idle Hand was offering free haircuts and trimmings as well as braiding colorful extensions into organic hair for all those who opted for VIP upgrades. Each day of the event, Idle Hand Collective was booked out for every session they offered, with others waiting around hoping to get squeezed into their tight schedule, both for haircuts and braiding. At first, I wondered why Idle Hand Collective was only accessible to those in VIP but after stopping by both Friday and Saturday to indulge myself, I realized there would've been no possible way for them to accommodate the tens of thousands in attendance with how popular they were in just the VIP section alone. The staff working the booth were so welcoming and friendly, not to mention extremely skilled at what they do, braiding colors into natural hair in less than 30 minutes so attendees didn't have to miss a single performance just to get their hair braided. Idle Hand Collective attends countless music festivals and other similar entertainment events annually, if you ever see their booth at an event, you must stop by and fully embody the festival experience.
In addition to exclusive vendor, food, and drink options, VIP ticketholders were also granted a larger lawn area, that was entirely shaded, to set up beach chairs for the best views of the main stage performances. Levitate Music Festival further surprised attendees with a handful of guest performances at a more intimate stage just beside the VIP section. Those with VIP upgrades were also offered the most premiere viewing spots for these artist spotlights, allowing them to be right against the fences of this makeshift stage.
On top of all the handmade clothing and accessories being sold by local artists, Levitate also partnered with Sublime for a limited edition merchandise collection, celebrating the iconic band's upcoming headline appearance on Sunday. The special collection honored the share spirit and connection between the West Coast and East Coast communities. Dan Hassett shared his excitement about this collaboration: "The opportunity to work with Sublime to make this special collection to celebrate their appearance was the cherry on top of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The exclusive collection included a limited edition Cantina Shirt (made with hemp and organic cotton), men's and women's tees, and a hat, most of which sold-out by the end of each day. A percentage of the proceeds benefitted the Nowell Family Foundation, an addiction recovery service for the music community created as a response to Sublime lead singer Bradley Nowell's heroin overdose in 1996, and the Levitate Foundation, supporting music, arts, and outdoor communities. Limited quantities of the one-of-a-kind merch are still available for purchase at levitatebrand.com for those who missed out during the festival!
As the sun began to go down on Saturday, July 6, rising reggae rock sensation Joe Samba delivered an unforgettable performance at Soul Stage. Meshing original tracks with a few cover songs, Samba rejuvenated the crowd with authentic musicality and a vibrant live performance. Each song was delivered with unfiltered emotion and honest lyrics, reflecting his experiences as a father, husband, son, friend, and artist, something he further honed in on during his heartfelt and relatable anecdotes between songs. At one point, Samba mentioned how meaningful it was to be performing on the mainstage at Levitate Music Festival. His sentiment regarding how community-based and familial the environment created is compared to other large corporate festivals was something I had noticed from the moment I stepped past the front gates day 1. It simply cannot go without mentioning, the environment at Levitate Music Festival is so accepting and carefree, it is truly a wonderful weekend escape from the stresses of every day life.
The Massachusetts-born, New Hampshire-based Joe Samba brought his A-game to Marshfield, engaging the crowd with his infectious energy and charisma. His performance of "Little Love" was particularly memorable, with its chantable handclap-boosted chorus making the world feel bright and new, as the song promises. Throughout his set, Samba demonstrated why he is considered one of the best visual songwriters in reggae today. His melodies warmed the audience's spirits, and his sing-along hooks had everyone celebrating the moment. Samba's ability to connect with fans was on full display, and his performance at Levitate Music and Arts Festival solidified his place as a rising star in the reggae rock scene.
Taking home the crown for our favorite performance of the day was, without question, the Australian multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana. As the evening sun dipped behind Marshfield Fairgrounds, Sultana took the stage, transforming the festival atmosphere into an electrifying blend of soundscapes and raw emotion that left the audience in awe.
Tash Sultana, known for their ability to masterfully loop guitar, percussion, and vocals into a one-person symphony, delivered a performance that was both technically impressive and deeply soulful. After a few technical difficulties, which Sultana was able to troubleshoot themselves, their fingers danced across the fretboard with precision and passion, opening with their hit single "Mystik." The setlist spanned across Sultana's discography, each song being an immersive experience, with them seamlessly blending genres from reggae and rock to soul and R&B. "Jungle," in particular, was a standout moment, with its dynamic shifts and extended improvisational segments showcasing Sultana's unparalleled skill and creativity. The audience erupted in applause as the song reached its crescendo, a testament to the emotional connection Sultana forged with the listeners. Pride flags waved in the air, a non-binary flag was held proudly at the front barricade, a testament to Levitate and Tash's dedication in harboring an all-inclusive environment for every listener to feel appreciated, represented, and safe.
Sultana's ability to create a full-band sound while performing solo is nothing short of magical. Their use of loop pedals, combined with a vast array of instruments including guitar, trumpet, and percussion, filled the festival grounds with rich, textured sound that enveloped the audience. The improvisational nature of Sultana's performance kept everyone on their toes, each note and beat feeling spontaneous and alive. Tash Sultana's performance at Levitate Music and Arts Festival was a masterclass in musicianship and stage presence. Their ability to blend technical prowess with heartfelt emotion created a performance was both mesmerizing and deeply moving.
Ending another spectacular day showcasing music and art at Marshfield Fairgrounds was the genre-defying Lake Street Dive. Blending pop, jazz, and soul, the band delivered a set that left festival-goers in awe and solidified their reputation as one of the most versatile and dynamic live acts in contemporary music.
From the moment Lake Street Dive took the stage, their chemistry and charism were palpable. Lead vocalist Rachael Price's powerhouse vocals filled the fairgrounds, effortlessly soaring over the band's tight, groove-laden instrumentation. The crowd was immediately entranced by her commanding stage presence and soulful delivery, especially during fan favorites like "Good Kisser" and "Call Off Your Dogs."
The band's set was a masterclass in musicality. Mike "McDuck" Olson's fluid guitar and trumpet work, Bridget Kearney's intricate bass lines, Mike Calabrese's dynamic drumming, and Akie Bermiss's lush keyboard textures created a rich, full-bodied sound that perfectly complemented Price's voice. Each member had moments to shine, showcasing their virtuosity and deep connection to the music. Throughout the set, the band's genuine enthusiasm and love for performing were evident. They interacted with the crowd, shared anecdotes between songs, and visibly enjoyed every moment on stage. This warmth and authenticity created a sense of community and shared experience that is often rare in large festival settings.
For those who have yet to experience Lake Street Dive live, their performance at Levitate Music and Arts Festival was a clear reminder of why they are a must-see act. Their music transcends genres and brings people together, making every concert a celebration of musical excellence and communal spirit.
Just when I thought nothing could compare to Day 1, Day 2 of the Levitate Music and Arts Festival at the Marshfield Fairgrounds was another resounding success, offering an unforgettable array of performances that celebrated the diversity and talent within the music world. From local acts to internationally acclaimed headliners each artist brought something unique to the stage, creating a day filled with joy, connection, and outstanding music. As the festival continues, it’s clear that Levitate is more than just a music festival – it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the shared love of music.
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