Set against the picturesque backdrop of Seaside Park on the shores of the Long Island Sound, the inaugural Soundside Music Festival on September 28-29, 2024, established itself as a cornerstone in Connecticut’s music scene. With a unique rotating single-stage setup, festival-goers were treated to an uninterrupted flow of top-tier performances from artists spanning a variety of genres.

The gates opened up just before noon on Saturday to a sky filled with overcast, grey clouds. It was appearing dreadful for Soundside as the rain began pelting down early in the day, with no signs of lightening up. Although the weather wasn’t ideal, moods were far from tampered as fans showed up bright and early to camp out at the barricade for GRAMMY-nominated folk sensation and New England native, Noah Kahan.

Some might recall Seaside Park’s transformation last year during the same dates for what was previously marketed as Sound on Sound Music Festival. This year, Soundside elevated the experience Sound on Sound was, with greater security measures, more interactive activities for fans, an even more diversified lineup, and an overall enhanced experience for festival-goers. In the same fashion, Sound on Sound was welcomed with torrential rain last year that caused the event to be delayed and the park to be a swamp that was ultimately difficult to navigate. Despite the ongoing rain on Saturday, Soundside kept on schedule, with little delays in between sets that persisted throughout the rainy day. The general layout of the festival was far more manageable this year, with everything strategically placed so all the food vendors were in one place and the interactive activities were in another. With only one stage, Soundside takes the crown for being the most accessible and convenient music festival in the East Coast, granting attendees the opportunity to see ten phenomenal, genre-spanning artists all in one day with a promise of something for everyone to relish.

Arriving to the venue was effortless. Signs lined the streets approaching the park, directing people to the parking lots and entry points. While there was an option to pre-pay for parking closer to the entrance gates, this upgrade had sold-out relatively fast, so I opted for the free parking which was around a mile away from will-call. I would highly suggest investing in the pre-paid parking options if you’re contemplating attending next year, as the mile walk, while filled with stunning views, is not the most ideal trek to take during ongoing rain when the park grounds become muddy.

Even so, one of the standout features of Soundside was how accessible they made the event. They ensured all ADA accommodations were considered and cared for efficiently, with an ADA tent right upon entry for any immediate assistance necessary. At this tent, you could register for ADA accommodations if you hadn’t prior to the event, which granted those who parked in the free lots a ride back to their cars a mile away on one of the festival carts. This service was persistent throughout both days, thus, if you arrived well after doors opened or decided to leave way before the headliner performed, there were accommodations to assist those in need. Beyond arriving to the venue, the event also had a designated ADA viewing area that was well-staffed with security and first-responders present all day to assist with any needs.

Saturday’s performances at the Soundside Music Festival began with a Berklee College of Music student, Rijah, marking a glimmering introduction for many to her budding artistry. Taking the stage at noon, she opened the day with a fresh, immersive take on R&B, captivating early festival-goers with a heartfelt blend of soul, jazz, and vulnerability.

Rijah’s performance was anchored by her distinct, ethereal voice—a quality that has earned her praise from renowned artists like Baby Rose and Sudan Archives. Her live delivery of “Up” and “House in Tattoos” from NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf episodes felt both intimate and expansive, perfectly suited for the festival’s outdoor setting. Her voice, rich with emotion, glided through melodies with ease, and the audience was quick to be drawn into the stories behind her songs.

Rijah’s set felt like a window into her journey—an artist navigating the transition between youth and adulthood, with songs that invite listeners to share in her reflections. It was clear that she has much more to offer, and festivalgoers left with the sense that they had just witnessed the beginning of something special. Rijah’s performance at Soundside was nothing short of luminous. With a voice that can soothe and provoke, and songwriting that reflects both personal growth and broader themes of human nature, she proved herself as an artist to watch. As a representative of Berklee College’s Popular Music Institute, her festival debut was a triumphant success, and it’s exciting to think about where her music will take her next.

As the day persisted, so did the rain, but the crowd nonetheless remained lodged against the cold, wet metal barricade for a performance by Noah Kahan that we all anticipated to be equal parts healing and transcending. One thing I did miss from last year’s music festival at Seaside Park was the Ferris wheel, a sentiment many crowd members shared with me although many admitted to not having an opportunity to ride it last year with how long the lines were throughout both days. One of my favorite photos ever taken, came from the top of that Ferris wheel at the end of day two last year. Since media is not permitted to enter the Skydeck, it was a bit heartbreaking to know I wouldn’t be able to snag my usual wide shot of the crowd captivated by the moment, but, luckily, on Sunday I was able to chat with security enough to grab a singular photo from the Skydeck at the end of the night.

In my personal opinion, the Skydeck offers the best view in the entire venue, while VIP and GA+ have their own perks, I can confidently say the Skydeck is worth spending the extra money on compared to the latter two. Both VIP and GA+ have their own bars, food vendors, and upgraded bathrooms. I wasn’t permitted to enter VIP to truly scope out the experience, but both areas also had sheltered sections to hide out from the rain, which proved to be sacred during Saturday’s curation. GA+ and VIP both offer exclusive viewing sections, however, it does not compare to what you’ll experience on the Skydeck, which also offers a section for those with ADA accommodations, ensuring it is stocked with security and first responders all day.

As twilight descended over Seaside Park in Bridgeport, the veteran rockers in Goo Goo Dolls delivered a career-spanning set that bridged the past and present, connecting generations of fans through their timeless music. Despite my love for Noah Kahan’s sound, I was, hands-down, the most enthusiastic about witnessing Goo Goo Dolls perform. The rain had begun to come down harder at this point, after losing a camera to the rain at Four Chord Music Festival over the summer, I counted my losses and put away my gear for the night to enjoy the performance from the crowd like everyone else and, of course, Goo Goo Dolls did not disappoint. Everyone, including myself, stood star-struck and watched in revered awe as the band launched into the opening chords of “Dizzy,” immediately transporting the audience back to the late 90s and early 2000s. Johnny Rzeznik’s unmistakable vocals were as strong as ever, with the band’s trademark mix of introspective lyrics and catchy, melodic rock encapsulating the atmosphere perfectly.

Of course, the night’s emotional peak came when the opening notes of “Iris” rang out across the park. As one of the most beloved rock ballads of all time, it was the moment many in the crowd had been waiting for. The performance of the song felt almost transcendent, with Rzeznik’s heartfelt delivery and the crowd’s massive singalong creating a powerful connection between the band and the audience. As one of the first songs I ever learned on guitar at the prime age of eight, finally hearing a live rendition of the track was a sacred moment for me. I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears hearing the Soundside community come together into a chorus of “Iris.” It was a shared moment of pure emotion that reminded everyone why the Goo Goo Dolls have remained relevant for over three decades.

As the day drew a conclusion, Noah Kahan’s headlining performance at Soundside Music Festival was nothing short of magical. Taking the stage against the stunning backdrop of Seaside Park with the Long Island Sound directly behind him, Kahan delivered a powerful, deeply emotive set that resonated with the thousands of fans who had gathered to see him. As one of the festival’s most anticipated acts, the New England native proved why he’s become a rising star in folk-pop, combining his signature raw lyrics with a performance that was both intimate and sensational. Kahan’s heartfelt and introspective lyrics painted vivid pictures of life in small towns, growing pains, and the complexities of human relationships, all of which felt fitting to the surrounding scenery of Connecticut, which is known for small suburbs housing families. Fans sang along with every word, making the performance feel like a collective catharsis, as if the audience was reliving their own experiences through Kahan’s music.

Closing out his set with the fan-favorite “Stick Season,” Kahan left the crowd both satisfied while still craving more. The song’s climactic build, combined with his powerful vocal delivery, was the perfect way to end a performance that had taken the audience on an emotional journey. As festivalgoers dispersed, there was a palpable sense of appreciation for the shared experience, with many still humming his melodies and talking about the raw intensity of the set all the way to the parking lots a mile away.

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Soundside Music Festival 2024 – Sunday’s Curation

Sunday rolled in like the tides engulfing Seaside Park’s perimeters and, although the sky remained dismal, the weather held up for a wonderful final day of Soundside. The inaugural Soundside Music Festival came to a thrilling close on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Seadside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut, leaving festival-goers mesmerized with a stellar lineup and unforgettable atmosphere. With tickets for Sunday’s curation selling out almost immediately, fans were left startled by Foo Fighters’ last-minute cancellation of their headlining set, a performance many were eager to witness and came solely to Connecticut for. Despite Foo Fighters pulling out of Soundside’s lineup the day before the festival, the event organizers worked tirelessly to make the experience still worth every penny spent and, in return, Soundside’s stage was graced by two headlining acts, rising rock titans Greta Van Fleet and the legendary Jack White.

After getting trapped in over an hour of traffic the day prior, I arrived bright and early on Sunday morning to truly soak in the experience. With some time to spare before the music began, I wandered around the park, taking in the stunning scenery and making new friends along the way. The location itself added a magical element to the festival. Seaside Park, with its picturesque views of the Long Island Sound, provided the ideal backdrop for a music festival of this caliber. The park, while substantial in size, felt intimate and inviting. Even with tens of thousands of people filling the empty spaces, the festival never once felt overwhelming. There was an abundance of space for attendees to layout blankets and lawn chairs while still offering a secluded area close to the stage for those who opted to stand. The section designated for the bars was equipped with seats and a tent for those who needed a break from the crowds. Overall, attendees were respectful of one another and the venue, it was easy to make lifelong friends while dancing along to the folk-rock melodies filling the air.

The immersive activities offered were ideal for Connecticut’s culture, which is overflowing with families and college universities. The attention to detail cannot go unnoticed, it felt as if the festival coordinators were from the area, or had some sort of personal connection to the culture, and everything beyond the music was fitting to the demographics the festival attracted. The Sports Hall was a standout feature and kept crowds, especially kids, entertained all day long with games such as foosball, basketball, pool, cornhole, and ping pong. On this note, Soundside does grant children eight and under free entry with a ticketed adult, so the Sports Hall was a phenomenal addition to keep kids entertained while also establishing a good meeting spot for families who might lose one another during the mayhem of the headlining acts. At the same time, for an event claiming it is kid-friendly, there weren’t many family-related activities or additions, such as a breastfeeding area, diaper changing stations, or an arts-and-crafts booth. Most of the interactive activities were alcohol related, so while the event is kid-friendly, I wouldn’t exactly recommend bringing your child to Soundside.

Beyond the Sports Bar, Walmart partnered with Soundside to give attendees free color-matchings, which is something I had never seen at a festival before but ultimately ended up being a popular installment both days of the event. Many of the alcohol sponsors transformed their booths into areas for attendees to mingle and participate in fun drinking games. A standout was the Skrewball Tent, which had a relay race drinking game that caught my eye right away with how unconventional it looked. Participants were hooked up to pulley systems where the drink was placed in the middle of a board attached to the wires. Players then had to use handles to keep the drink balanced and ultimately finish off the shot without spilling. You might not guess it, but Connecticut has a secret talent for relay drinking races because not a single person I witnessed playing the game, dropped their beverages. While I do not drink, this was very amusing to watch, especially later in the day when people became less sober. Like most music festivals in 2024, Reign supplied attendees with free pick-me-ups in the form of tasty energy drinks throughout both days. At this booth, there was also someone braiding hair with fun colors and sparkles that embodied the music festival attire seen online.

In between sets, the impressive array of gourmet food options kept attendees fueled for the marathon of music. With over 50 diverse selections to choose from, Soundside ensured there was something for everyone to lick their fingers after, including many gluten free and vegan choices as well.

Soundside’s stage production this year was absolutely incredible. I contemplated all the ways I could’ve said this but there is no better way to put it than simply. The rotating single-stage setup was executed brilliantly. It is something I haven’t seen utilized often but it allowed for such a seamless transition between sets, with only ten minute intermission periods in between artists. In terms of sound production, Soundside excels. They install extra speakers on posts closer to the field set aside for blankets and lawn chairs, making the performances sound just as crisp from the back of the crowd as they are from the front row. Although it is a photographer’s nightmare to see a stage over five feet tall, it worked in Soundside’s favor to install a taller stage since the park isn’t on much of a hill, this allowed attendees in the back to still see the artists from their obscured view. The light production was spectacular and intricate. From the photo pit, I got the perfect view of the effort that went into making this single stage experience absorbing and it delivered on all prospects.

Teddy Swims ultimately stole hearts at Soundside Music Festival with an unfeigned performance that left the audience awestruck and emotionally moved. Teddy Swims kicked off the evening with a soulful, heartfelt set that showcased his power vocals and undeniable charm. His blend of R&B, pop, and soul had the crowd swaying and singing along, creating an early evening high that set the tone for the night.

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Teddy Swims’ performance was his vulnerability. He shared personal stories between songs about his substance abuse and struggling with mental health as well as about his love for music and the people who inspire him. The way he spoke to the crowd broke the barricade, in a setting that already felt so intimate and personal, he was a phenomenal performer to complement the atmosphere. His vulnerability only made his music hit harder, and the audience responded with overwhelming love and appreciation. The ambiance he brought to Soundside lingered in the crowd as the night slipped by us, leaving a lasting impact on many.

One of the most anticipated performances came from Norah Jones, who brought her signature blend of jazz, pop, and country to the stage. Jones’ soothing voice was perfect for the late afternoon, casting a spell over the crowd with hits like “Sunrise” and “Come Away With Me.” While she was stoic on stage, her musical prowess shined through and the vibrant visuals kept attendees fixated on the performance. Her set was visceral, relaxed, and felt deeply personal, as if the festival’s massive crowd was momentarily transported to a cozy jazz lounge.

Stage presence, stage presence, stage presence! As the sun began to set, Greta Van Fleet took the stage, bringing their bombastic brand of classic rock revival to a fever pitch. Clad in sparkling suits that changed mid-set to be alternate colors, the band had jaws dropped and attention grasped for the entire hour setlist. Their Led Zeppelin-esque energy, complete with soaring vocals from Josh Kiska and guitar solos from Jake Kiska, turned the festival into a full-blown rock spectacle. The band’s youthful exuberance and throwback style fit like a passing of the torch from rock legends to the next generation. Songs like “Safari Song” and “Highway Tune” mixed with the band’s memorable crowd interactions set the audience into a frenzy, proving why Greta Van Fleet are one of the most exciting live rock acts today.

But it was the one-and-only Jack White who brought the night to a climactic close. White’s virtuosity on guitar was full display, moving effortlessly between blues, rock, and punk in a way that only he can. Much to my surprise, his setlist featured hits from his days with The White Stripes, songs I thought he had long ago retired to focus on material from his solo career; “Seven Nation Army” had the crowd chanting in unison. White’s unpredictable, raw, and alluring performance was the perfect way to cap off the festival, leaving fans buzzing as they exited Seaside Park.

Sunday’s curation of Soundside Music Festival delivered everything a music fan could hope for: variety, energy, emotion, and world-class performances. From emerging talents like Teddy Swims and Hurray for the Riff Raff to established stars like Norah Jones and Jack White, the day offered something for everyone. The festival’s unique setup, beautiful location, and top-tier lineup cement Soundside as a must-attend event on the festival calendar. If this weekend was any indication, this is only the beginning of something truly special in the heart of Bridgeport.

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