On Saturday (Might 25), Jack Harlow kicked off his inaugural Gazebo Competition in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Although the “Lovin’ on Me” MC didn’t take pleasure in the entire expertise as a result of the second day of Gazebo Fest was canceled attributable to inclement climate, he reveled within the occasion’s escapades throughout its opening day.
Whether or not parked at Wealthy Homie Quan’s set, singing “Life-style” in animated trend or crooning his coronary heart out to Majid Jordan, Harlow immersed himself within the expertise as one of many followers. “What he’s executed for town is superb,” Religion, an Uber driver and long-time Louisville resident, instructed Billboard.
Slated to have 26 performers, Gazebo Competition was Harlow’s brainchild, which he first introduced final February. Harlow’s musical journey featured him and SZA as headliners whereas boasting a formidable crew of performers, together with Vince Staples, Larry June, Veeze, Pink Panthress, Amaraee and extra.
Harlow’s imaginative and prescient to present again to town that raised him appeared promising after a formidable first day that was numerous. Sadly, Gazebo Competition couldn’t make it to Day 2 attributable to unexpected circumstances. A twister watch was issued, which posed a major danger to the security of performers and attendees. This determination, although disappointing, was made in the very best curiosity of everybody concerned.
“Properly. We’ve got to cancel day two of Gazebo,” Harlow wrote. “We’re presently on a twister watch. I do know issues cleared up slightly bit, however the unhealthy climate has broken the location and there’s extra storms and harmful winds on the best way. This implies everybody on Day 2, together with myself, gained’t be performing anymore. I’m attempting to deal with the constructive as a result of all I felt was happiness yesterday. I’m grateful for our flawless first day and for the best way this metropolis got here collectively. Thanks a lot. I’m sorry.”
Regardless of the cancelation, Billboard was on-site to seize the 5 finest moments from the primary day of Harlow’s Gazebo Competition.
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Raven Lenae & Jordan Ward Convey R&B Shine to Louisville
Although SZA stays a blockbuster draw due to her powerhouse vocals and business success, she wasn’t the one attraction on the R&B circuit throughout Day 1 on Saturday.
Raven Lenae was electrical as her sensuality and calm demeanor reverberated by means of the Gazebo Stage. “I’m so honored to be with all of you stunning individuals. We’re gonna dance tonight,” vowed Lenae. True to her phrase, Lenae hopscotched by means of her catalog, giving followers candy ear sweet starting from “Xtasy” and “Spice” to her stinging Hypnos file “Venom.”
Jordan Ward, a St. Louis slugger with a formidable repertoire, was up subsequent following Lenae’s efficiency on the Gazebo Stage. He stored the vibes intact throughout his scintillating set, aiming to please festival-goers with a mixture of unique music and covers. Flexing his vocal skills, the previous dancer strutted his stuff throughout his energetic efficiency of “MUSTARD” and his soulful rendition of “FAMJAM4000.” And when Ward dimmed the temper, he skated to his silky rendition of Bob Marley’s “Ready in Useless,” with the gang swaying alongside him.
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Larry June Creates a Smoker’s Paradise
Although Larry June’s music affords a chill, laid-back vibe, the Bay Space star introduced a wave of enjoyable and pleasure throughout his set. June planted his roots on The Backyard Stage, the place the candy scent of marijuana smoke permeated the air, making a hazy, dreamlike environment. The stage space grew to become a smoker’s paradise, with June’s music as the proper soundtrack. Songs like “Smoothies in 1991,” “Corte Madera” and “30 Day Run” had followers enthralled with June’s coolness. Nonetheless, June wasn’t too cool to have enjoyable: he danced, and he peppered his set with basic ad-libs reminiscent of “Good Job, Larry” and “Aye, Aye, Aye,” including to the full of life set.
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James Blake Will get Busy on the 1s and 2s
When Jack Harlow enlisted James Blake to be part of his Gazebo Competition, the sought-after singer didn’t pack his vocals. As a substitute, Blake was on DJ obligation, trying to maintain the gang entertained and engaged, which he did with seamless precision.
Intertwining dance, R&B and hip-hop, Blake spoonfed music fanatics a hearty serving to of hits. Roddy Ricch’s “The Field” obtained the remix therapy, as Blake gave the 2019 Sizzling 100 chart-topper a makeover with a dance instrumental. He additionally took the youthful crowd again to 2000, the place he performed Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad,” sparking loud roars from the older followers.
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Vince Staples Is Turning into a True Double-Menace
After the success of his Netflix restricted comedy sequence The Vince Staples Present earlier this 12 months, followers contemplated if Staples would make a full pivot to TV and films. Staples silenced these queries when he launched his sixth studio album, Darkish Instances, on Friday (Might 25).
Regardless of a 15-minute delay attributable to flight points, Vince Staples arrived on the Gazebo Stage sporting a Kentucky Wildcats jacket. He effortlessly commanded the gang’s vitality, performing signature information from his discography, together with “Legal guidelines of Averages,” “Norf Norf” and “Magic.” From quizzing followers on his track lyrics to singing “Blissful Birthday” to a nine-year-old, Staples showcased his sheer versatility as a rapper and entertainer.
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SZA Offers Kentucky a Full Voyage Into SOS
SZA, the night time’s headliner, was half-hour late, however that didn’t derail followers from watching her first-ever efficiency in Kentucky. Arriving at 10:15 p.m., SZA instantly kicked issues off with “Search & Destroy.” The Louisville crowd was absolutely invested as they launched into the SOS expertise alongside the Grammy award winner.
Historically a small-market metropolis, Louisville wasn’t lucky sufficient to obtain a tour cease throughout SZA’s SOS trek final 12 months, however that solely enabled the singer to ship an indelible set. She didn’t short-change the followers, bringing in an analogous stage design from her lauded tour and weaving in choreography mid-song.
“It’s my first time in Kentucky. Thanks for welcoming me,” she mentioned earlier than singing “Blind.” Whereas SZA aimed to entice and enchant, Harlow was noticed driving a golf cart, serving to followers get a greater view of her efficiency.
CTRL followers weren’t overlooked to dry both, as SZA raced again to her 2017 opus and sang “Supermodel,” “Damaged Clocks,” “Love Galore” and “The Weekend.” And when SZA wasn’t within the temper for heartbreak, she carried out the ebullient Doja Cat-led “Kiss Me Extra” earlier than doing a twerk relay to Drake’s “Wealthy Child Daddy,” giving Louisville the final word expertise.
