Thousands Enjoy Connecticut's Largest Music Festival, Sound On Sound in Bridgeport
An estimated 50,000 plus music lovers converged on Bridgeport's Seaside Park on the last day of September and first day of October to enjoy a long list of some of music's best known and loved performers, including local boy John Mayer who was born a few miles away.
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Mayer was the closing act of the two day extravaganza which had few if any of the issues which had been problematic the previous year and was introduced by non other than the Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont. Lamont proudly proclaimed the John Mayer loves Connecticut and we love him right back.
Howard Saffan, owner of the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater was one of the organizers of the event and in fact had booked Mayer a decade ago at the Webster Bank Arena, which Saffan also owned and which was Mayer's last CT appearance.
Margo Rae Price, an American country singer-songwriter, producer, and author based in Nashville played on Sunday as well
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Hozier, famous for his hits, Take Me To Church and many others Followed Margo Price on Sunday.
The torrential rains the week before made for a fairly mucky Saturday, however measures were taken to make the grounds more visitor friendly including mulched walkways throughout the venue.
Parking was spaced out all around the venue, with police at many of the side streets insuring traffic flowed. Parking within waking distance was available early in the day. A new attraction this year was a giant Ferris wheel providing excellent views of the concert, the grounds and Long Island Sound.
A young couple brought their 10 year old to the concert to celebrate here birthday that day, while another little cutie enjoyed her first music festival.
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In true “Festy” tradition, there was a very diverse audience. The energy levels varied as well, from cheering and screaming to “nap time”.
The headliners on Saturday were the Red Hot Chili Peppers known for such top hits as Californication, Give It Away, Under The Bridge and By The Way and has had sales in the hundreds of thousands. They had not played a CT stage in nearly twenty years. Also appearing that first day was the Trey Anastasio Band led by the former Phish lead guitarist, the Gin Blossoms and several others throughout the day.
Visibility of the performers was good almost anywhere, but premium ticket holders were provided with optimum viewing.
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Mt. Joy performed as Sunday wel,l but the crowd really got revved up with the appearance of Alanis Morissette who thrilled her fans with her hits Isn't It Ironic and You Ought To Know, songs which have played continuously on radio since their release in the 90's.
Sunday's weather was picture perfect and much of the mud had dried making navigating the extensive site much easier. One of the first performers was Deep Banana Blackout, anther locally based band formed by Jen Durkin and James “Fuzz” San Giovanni both of Fairfield County. "Fuzz" is also seen frequently with his band Caravan Of Thieves.
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Between the multiple tents, a great number of food and drink vendors and various merchandise available, the brief times between acts offered a chance to browse the grounds and check out the crowd.
The Giant Ferris wheel became even more spectacular as the sun was setting and the lights of the venue began to shine.
The rising moon added a dramatic backdrop.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
