Inning Festival 2023 Day 2: A Celebration of Both of America’s Favorite Pastimes
Tempe, Arizona - February 26th, 2023
WORDS: ALYSSA BUZZELLO
PHOTO: BLAKE CRANDALL
Innings Fest Day 2
The second day of Innings Festival 2023 was a laid-back celebration of music, baseball, and good times. With a lineup that included Eddie Vedder, Marcus Mumford, The Revivalists, baseball players, and more, the festival drew music lovers from all over the country.
The Festival
As fans wandered around the festival grounds for day 2, they could hear the sound of bats hitting balls and the cheers of fans watching both musical acts and interactive baseball-themed games.
The festival had a wide variety of food offerings for festival-goers to indulge in, from classic festival fare to more gourmet options, sprinkled with some classic ballpark snacks. The quality of the food and the variety of options made it clear that the festival organizers put a lot of thought and care into the culinary aspect of the festival. Standouts included Danzeisen Dairy Creamery, El Jefe Tacos, and Hot Bamboo.
Zia Records, Arizona's beloved record store, added a special touch to the Innings Festival by hosting a pop up record store. Their record lover’s oasis became a hub of activity and excitement, as fans eagerly browsed through the specially curated collection of baseball-themed Zia merchandise and signed records from bands playing both days of the festival. These signed records were a coveted item that made a treasured addition to any music lover’s collection.
One of the most popular attractions at the festival was the opportunity to see major league baseball players up close and personal. Randy Johnson, Grady Sizemore, and Ryan Dempster were all in attendance, and fans were thrilled to watch these legends of the game take to the batting cages and speed pitches. Fans were able to ask them questions, get autographs, and snap selfies, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
The Music
Paris Jackson @ Innings Fest 2023
With a powerful and emotional performance, Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, showcased her incredible talent as a singer and songwriter early on in the day. It was an emotional, raw, and deeply personal performance, with songs tackling tough topics like mental health and addiction.
Magic City Hippies also brought their funky, groovy sound early to Innings Festival, delivering a fun and energetic performance that had the crowd dancing and jumping along. Their unique blend of funk, soul, and indie rock made for a memorable and enjoyable performance.
Mt. Joy @ Innings Fest
The Head and the Heart's performance was a masterclass in indie folk rock, with the band delivering an intimate and captivating performance that left the audience spellbound. They created a sound that was both delicate and powerful with their harmonies and instrumentation. It was a beautiful moment for everyone watching when the group performed "Lost In My Mind" perfectly timed to the most beautiful part of the sunset.
An Americana-inspired performance by Mt. Joy was one of the highlights of the day, with heartfelt lyrics resonating with the crowd and a sound that fit in perfectly with the vibe of the rest of the lineup. Their set included hits like "Lemon Tree" and a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Fire on the Mountain" and the band's chemistry on stage was undeniable.
The Revivalists took the stage after dark and brought their electrifying New Orleans rock and roll sound to the desert before the headliner of the night. With "You Said It All" and "Criminal", the seven-piece band kicked off their performance giving the crowd an explosive performance from start to finish. Lead vocalist David Shaw commanded the stage with his powerful voice and irresistible energy, moving seamlessly from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems. The band's rhythm section, consisting of drummer Andrew Campanelli and bassist George Gekas, held down the groove and kept the energy high throughout the set. Of course, no Revivalists set would be complete without their signature hit "Wish I Knew You", and the crowd went wild as they launched into the song's infectious chorus while bringing their set to a close. Overall, The Revivalists' performance was a highlight of the festival, showcasing the band's undeniable talent and infectious energy.
While it’s a bold choice to have two frontmen turned solo acts as headliners on the same night of a festival, it worked beautifully for this year’s Innings Fest and was a perfect pairing to woo the crowd. Marcus Mumford, frontman of the folk band Mumford and Sons, delivered a stripped-down and heartwarming performance that left the audience feeling uplifted and inspired. Mumford's soulful voice and intricate guitar work were on full display, and he connected with the crowd on a deep level, delivering a performance that felt like a spiritual experience that culminated with a special version of Mumford and Sons’ staple “I Will Wait”.
The Revivalist @ Innings Fest
Eddie Vedder @ Innings Fest
Taking center stage with a powerful one-man show complete with sing-alongs and heartwarming stories, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder closed out the weekend. “Alright, let’s play ball,” Eddie said with a smirk before starting his set off with Pearl Jam’s “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town”. As Vedder weaved through his set of Pearl Jam songs and classic rock covers, he also told stories and brought friend baseball player Bronson Arroyo and Josh Klinghoffer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the stage to play with him. After smashing a ukulele and dedicating Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” to the Chicago Cubs, he described the upcoming baseball spring training season as “One of my favorite times of the year, where everything seems possible”. Vedder ended the night on that high and hopeful note with a spontaneous jam of Neil Young’s “Rockin' in the Free World” that had everyone leaving with a smile on their face.
Innings Festival 2023 hit a grand slam with its dynamic fusion of music and baseball, creating an unforgettable experience that was anything but ordinary. The lineup had a little bit for everyone, showcasing a wide range of genres that had everyone grooving, singing, and swaying along. From the heartfelt and introspective melodies of Eddie Vedder and Marcus Mumford to the energetic and electrifying performances of The Pretty Reckless and Mt. Joy, every moment was a hit. The baseball-themed activations added a whole new dimension of fun, from meeting major league baseball players to testing out your throwing arm at the interactive games. With such a spectacular event, it's no surprise that everyone left with a smile on their face and great memories. Innings Festival 2023 proved to be an incredible event that left no doubt as to why it has become a staple for music and baseball fans over the years.