In North Adams, MA on Saturday, Courtney Barnett and a caravan of friends stopped for the cornerstone date of her touring Here And There Festival. The site, hidden out in Western Massachusetts at Mass MoCA, couldn’t have been more perfect for the delightfully indie lineup.
The bill included Hana Vu, Bartees Strange, Caroline Rose (in place of Men I Trust who had to bow out with COVID), The Beths, Faye Webster, Lucy Dacus, and of course headliner Courtney Barnett.
From the time doors opened, you could tell everyone was in an especially good mood. This wasn’t the typical festival crowd you’d find at GovBall, Lollapalooza, or even Boston Calling. Fans of all ages and walks of life were there to embrace the music and positive energy. Nobody could feel out of place at a festival like this.
Bartees Strange’s opening performance set the bar high for everyone who followed. He seamlessly blended genres with a captivating performance that drew the crowd off their blankets and chairs and closer to the stage. He’s certainly an artist to keep an eye on.
The Beths were a pleasant mid-day set, and it was nice to get to see them perform in front of a larger crowd than they have on most of their tour so far. Their songwriting was a perfect fit to go along with legendary writers like Barnett, Dacus, and Caroline Rose.
Related: Courtney Barnett Performs “Before You Gotta Go” On ‘Colbert’ [Watch]
Speaking of, Caroline Rose was a highlight of the day. With her endearing self awareness, sense of humor, and musical talent, it’s impossible to resist her appeal. Sans band, she commanded attention with just her guitar, voice, and checkered red pants.
Faye Webster was a brilliant transition into Lucy Dacus. With her laid-back attitude, she brought refreshingly chill vibes just as the sun began to set. She’s currently on tour and definitely one worth catching.
Lucy Dacus quickly made it clear why she’s one of the hottest names in indie music. Her crowd was as invested in her set as any you’ll ever see. From the first note to the last, her singing and songwriting struck a chord with the festival audience.
Courtney Barnett put a cap on the night with a roaring set that spanned her entire discography. The indie rock icon and festival curator welcomed a special guest appearance by Faye Webster during “An Illustration of Loneliness (Sleepless in New York)”, and by the time Bartees Strange came out for “Pedestrian at Best” and “Nobody Really Cares if You Don’t Go to the Party”, it was clear that Here And There Festival has legs to be an ongoing project. The scale allows for special moments with just the right roster of artists—something Barnett got exactly right.
Here And There Festival is on the road until September 3rd, when the tour will wrap up at Denver’s Mission Ballroom. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
