Kilby Block Party 2024 delivered an unforgettable musical experience, blending indie charm with powerhouse performances across its three-day run in Salt Lake City.
DAY 1
Day one at Utah State Fairpark delivered an eclectic mix of indie rock, heartfelt ballads, and interactive fan moments, all set against a backdrop of stunning visuals and a devoted crowd.
Vampire Weekend headlined the day with a set that celebrated the 25th anniversary of Kilby Court, a venue they first played in 2007 to a crowd of just 30 people. Frontman Ezra Koenig reflected on that history with humor and nostalgia, even bringing a fan named Connor on stage to play the intricate piano intro of “Connect.” Vampire Weekend's set was a 19-song journey through their discography, including a crowd-pleasing cover of SBTRKT's "New Drop, New York"
Another highlight of the day came from Joanna Newsom, who took the stage as the sun dipped below the horizon. Dressed in a red ensemble, she mesmerized the audience with her harp and piano skills. Her unorthodox vocal style paired with the ethereal sound of her harp had fans visibly moved.
Kilby Block Party 2024 Day One balanced nostalgia, raw emotional connection, and big-name performances, setting the tone for what would be a memorable weekend of music and celebration.
DAY 2
Saturday was stacked with legendary indie icons and rising stars who captivated the crowd from start to finish.
The night concluded with powerful back-to-back performances by Seattle's Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, both fronted by Ben Gibbard. The sets celebrated the 20th anniversary of Transatlanticism and Give Up, with each album performed in its entirety. Death Cab for Cutie brought a nostalgic flair, with the band donning all-black attire and channeling the quintessential emo aesthetic that defined much of their early appeal.
The Postal Service, featuring the now-acclaimed solo artist Jenny Lewis, closed out the night with a fittingly emotional and energetic finale. The seamless transition between the two acts, both led by Gibbard, created a sense of continuity and emotional resonance, making for an unforgettable evening of indie nostalgia and timeless anthems.
DAY 3
The highly anticipated performance from LCD Soundsystem marked the band's first of just 12 U.S. shows announced for this year before heading to Europe for the summer festival circuit. James Murphy and his bandmates delivered a career-spanning 13-song set, opening with “Get Innocuous” from their Grammy-nominated 2007 album Sound of Silver. The choice set the tone for a high-energy show, with their iconic disco ball casting beams of light like cosmic lasers over a euphoric crowd.
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