LaRussell jumps into the pit to greet his hometown crowd at Outside Lands 2025 Day 2 (Photo by Dan Garcia).
Saturday brought a different kind of electricity to Golden Gate Park, one built on nostalgia, hometown pride, and unexpected genre mash-ups. The second day of Outside Lands wasn’t about easing into the weekend; it was about hitting the gas and keeping it there until the last note rang out.
Crowds spilled between stages chasing everything from Bay Area hip-hop to polished indie rock, never staying still for long. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances that defined the festival’s middle day.
Ludacris
With the confidence of someone who’s been commanding stages for decades, Ludacris turned the Lands End field into one giant block party. His rapid-fire delivery, playful banter, and string of early-2000s anthems had fans rapping along like muscle memory.
LaRussell
Few artists can connect with a hometown crowd the way LaRussell can. Between sharp verses and motivational asides, the Vallejo native made his set feel like a rally for the Bay, drawing cheers that echoed well beyond the stage.
Bakar
Bakar’s genre-bending sound was tailor-made for a festival afternoon, smooth one moment, jagged the next. “Hell N Back” became a full-on park-wide singalong, while his more off-kilter tracks kept listeners leaning in.
Matt Champion
Shedding expectations from his Brockhampton days, Matt Champion delivered a set that felt forward-looking and unpredictable. Swapping between laid-back flows and bursts of high energy, the former Brockhampton standout showed just how far his artistry has evolved.
Vampire Weekend
Bathed in natural lighting and backed by a crowd that knew every word, Vampire Weekend brought an easygoing close to the day. The classics from their matinee set hit like old friends, while newer songs proved the band’s charm hasn’t faded.
LaRussell jumps into the pit to greet his hometown crowd at Outside Lands 2025 Day 2 (Photo by Dan Garcia).
Singer Chappell Roan proved why her star is on the rise with a memorable golden hour set for the final day of the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Day 3 of the Austin City Limits Festival’s second weekend capped off the event in a sweltering fashion, with temperatures hitting record highs. Despite the heat, festival-goers were treated to a diverse lineup of artists, delivering high-energy performances across multiple stages. Here’s a recap of the highlights from the final day.
Petey Petey kicked off the day on the IHG Stage with his usual quirky charm, drawing the audience in by broadcasting the Bears vs. Jaguars game on a giant screen behind him while he performed. His mix of comedic antics and emotional alt-pop songs set the tone for a fun-filled day.
Misterwives On the Honda Stage, Misterwives brought an electrifying performance, with lead singer Mandy Lee delivering her signature dynamic stage presence. Their set closed with fan-favorites “Reflections” and “Our Own House,” complete with energetic guitar riffs and infectious beats that had the crowd bouncing along.
Medium Build Next up was Medium Build on the Miller Lite Stage, blending alt-rock and introspective lyrics into a soulful performance. Their set captivated the crowd as they shared personal stories through music, creating a strong connection with the audience.
Bakar On the T-Mobile Stage, Bakar delivered his unique blend of indie rock and hip-hop. His laid-back yet powerful performance stood out as one of the cooler moments of the hot afternoon, with tracks like “Hell N Back” getting the crowd swaying despite the heat.
Orville Peck Orville Peck graced the Honda Stage in his signature fringed mask, bringing a blend of country and alternative music to life. His haunting baritone voice and western aesthetic captivated the audience, especially during tracks like “Dead of Night.” And for the cherry on top, Peck invited Willie Nelson on stage for a memorable collaboration.
Kevin Abstract Over on the IHG Stage, Kevin Abstract, formerly of Brockhampton, brought an introspective and energetic performance, blending his personal, raw lyrics with an upbeat production. His set was a mix of old favorites and newer tracks, as he engaged with the crowd, offering a deeply personal connection through his music.
That Mexican OT Bringing his blend of Texas hip-hop to the T-Mobile Stage, That Mexican OT had the crowd hyped with tracks like “Johnny Dang.” His rapid-fire flow and heavy beats kept the energy high as festival-goers flocked to his set, even as fans for Chappell Roan began gathering nearby.
Chappell Roan The star of the day was Chappell Roan, who performed to one of the largest crowds ACL has ever seen. Her energetic and theatrical set on the American Express Stage was a festival highlight, especially when she performed “Pink Pony Club,” her final performance of the track in 2024. Fans sporting pink cowboy hats and “Midwest Princess” merch filled the area, making this one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.
Qveen Herby Closing out the night on the IHG Stage was Qveen Herby, whose unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and witchy visuals made for a spellbinding performance. Dressed in a flowing purple velvet cloak, she moved through her set with hits like “Balenciaga Dreams” and “Abracadabra,” offering a perfect close to the final day of ACL.
Day 3 was packed with unforgettable moments, from Petey’s humor to Chappell Roan’s record-breaking crowd. Despite the heat, the artists brought their best, closing out Weekend 2 of ACL with a bang.
Las Vegas’ T-Mobile arena came alive on Friday, September 22nd, as night one of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 unfolded. With a lineup that promised a fusion of musical legends, emerging stars, and surprise collaborations, the night held the promise of an unforgettable musical journey through a wide spectrum of genres.
The evening kicked off with the dynamic Agnez Mo, whose pre-show performance was a burst of energy that set the tone for the night. With her infectious stage presence and captivating vocals, she primed the crowd for a night of musical excellence.
Next, the iconic Lenny Kravitz graced the stage, reminding us all why he’s considered a rock legend. Opening with timeless classics like “American Woman” and “Fly Away,” Kravitz transported the audience back to the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll. His emotional rendition of “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” was a defining moment of the night, and his dramatic exit, leaping into the photo pit as his band played on, left an indelible mark.
Following Kravitz, TLC took center stage, reminding the world why they’re the best-selling female group of all time. The crowd danced and sang along as they opened with “Creep.” An emotional peak was reached during their heartfelt performance of “Unpretty,” a song close to their hearts. Their tribute to Lisa Lopes during “Waterfalls,” allowing her verse to resonate, was a touching gesture. They closed their set with electrifying renditions of “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls,” leaving the crowd begging for more.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Sheryl Crow, a newly minted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2023, made her iHeartRadio Festival debut with grace and charm. Hits like “If It Makes You Happy” and “Favorite Mistake” showcased her timeless songwriting and vocal prowess. The crowd couldn’t get enough of her stage presence, and they sang along with every word.
British singer Bakar brought his unique, experimental indie rock style to the festival, captivating the audience with his distinctive sound and stage presence. His performance was a testament to the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical talents.
Next, Lil Durk took the stage and surprised fans by bringing out none other than J. Cole, easily one of the best moments of the entire night. Their joint performance of “All My Life” was a hip-hop highlight, and the energy in the Sin City arena was electric.
A very different turn from Lil Durk, country music icon Tim McGraw took the stage in his all maroon outfit, exuding charisma as he delivered a charming and crowd-pleasing performance. His songs, spanning classic and contemporary hits, resonated with fans of all generations, and his stage presence was magnetic.
Adding a dose of rhythm and blues to the evening, R&B sensation Miguel took the stage despite an injured hand, proving his dedication to both his craft and his audience. He delivered his hits with unmatched passion, leaving a lasting impression, not to mention the way he blew fans away with his mesmerizing vocals.
Matching Lil Durk’s surprise guest, Kane Brown had a surprise of his own up his sleeve, inviting Khalid to join him for their hit track “Be Like That.” The unexpected collaboration left the crowd in awe and emphasized the power of music to unite artists and fans alike, even across genres.
Last but certainly not least, Lil Wayne closed out the epic lineup for night one, humbly reminding the crowd that his success was indebted to them. He then proceeded to perform some of his biggest hits, leaving the audience on an exhilarating high note.
Night one of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 was a storm of musical talent and emotions. From country legends to emerging stars and rap icons, from unexpected collaborations to heartfelt tributes, this night had it all. It left the audience eagerly anticipating what the rest of the festival had in store, promising even more magical musical moments in the days to come. This was an extraordinary kickoff to a weekend of music that would surely be etched in the memories of all who attended.
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