This past weekend, Jack Harlow’s inaugural Gazebo Festival lit up Louisville, Kentucky, with an unforgettable mix of music, camaraderie, and hometown pride. Despite facing a weather-related cancellation on the second day, the festival’s opening day was a triumphant celebration of the city’s vibrant music scene and Harlow’s vision to give back to his community.

Day One: A Triumph of Talent and Enthusiasm

On Saturday, May 25, fans flocked to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, eager to experience the debut of Gazebo Festival. The day kicked off with a palpable sense of excitement as attendees gathered to see a diverse lineup of performers curated by Harlow himself.

Jack Harlow’s Hometown Celebration

Jack Harlow, the mastermind behind Gazebo Festival, was not just the event’s organizer but also one of its most enthusiastic participants. Harlow could be seen throughout the day, mingling with fans and enjoying performances as much as anyone else. His genuine excitement and pride in his hometown were evident as he engaged with the crowd, creating a sense of unity and celebration.

Rich Homie Quan and Majid Jordan Set the Tone

The festival’s opening acts set a high bar for the day. Rich Homie Quan energized the crowd with an animated performance of "Lifestyle," while Majid Jordan captivated with their soulful tunes. Harlow, reveling in the moment, sang along with the fans, further cementing his connection with the community.

Highlights from the Gazebo Stage

The Gazebo Stage was a hub of activity, featuring standout performances that left lasting impressions on festival-goers.

Ravyn Lenae’s Sensual R&B Showcase

Ravyn Lenae delivered an electric set, her sensuality and calm demeanor resonating through the crowd. Performing hits like "Xtasy," "Spice," and "Venom," Lenae created a mesmerizing atmosphere. "I’m so honored to be with all of you beautiful people. We’re gonna dance tonight," she promised, and she delivered on that promise, leaving the audience entranced.

Jordan Ward’s Dynamic Performance

Following Lenae, Jordan Ward kept the energy high with his scintillating set. The St. Louis native blended original tracks with covers, showcasing his vocal prowess and dance skills. His performances of "MUSTARD" and a soulful rendition of Bob Marley’s "Waiting in Vain" were particularly well-received, demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with the crowd.

Larry June and the Smoker’s Paradise

Larry June transformed The Garden Stage into a smoker’s paradise. The Bay Area star’s laid-back vibe was complemented by the sweet scent of marijuana permeating the air. June’s cool demeanor and engaging set, featuring tracks like "Smoothies in 1991," "Corte Madera," and "30 Day Run," had fans grooving along. His signature ad-libs, "Good Job, Larry" and "Aye, Aye, Aye," added to the fun, creating a memorable experience for all.

James Blake’s Eclectic DJ Set

James Blake, known for his soulful voice, took on a different role at Gazebo Festival as he manned the DJ booth. Blake’s set was a masterclass in musical diversity, seamlessly blending dance, R&B, and hip-hop. Highlights included a dance remix of Roddy Ricch’s "The Box" and a nostalgic play of Outkast’s "Bombs Over Baghdad," which delighted fans of all ages.

Vince Staples: The Versatile Entertainer

Despite a slight delay, Vince Staples delivered a powerful performance at the Gazebo Stage. Sporting a Kentucky Wildcats jacket, Staples engaged the crowd with hits like "Laws of Averages," "Norf Norf," and "Magic." His interactions with the audience, from quizzing fans on lyrics to singing "Happy Birthday" to Nala, showcased his versatility and charisma.

SZA’s Headlining Performance

The night’s headliner, SZA, delivered a performance that was well worth the wait. Arriving 30 minutes late, SZA quickly won over the crowd with "Seek & Destroy." Her set included fan favorites from her albums SOS and CTRL, such as "Supermodel," "Broken Clocks," and "Love Galore." The Louisville crowd, experiencing their first SZA concert, was fully engaged, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Day Two: A Disappointing End

Unfortunately, the second day of Gazebo Festival was canceled due to a tornado watch, prioritizing the safety of performers and attendees. While this was a disappointing turn of events, the decision was made in the best interest of all involved.

Despite the abrupt end, the inaugural Gazebo Festival’s first day was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse lineup and creating unforgettable memories for all who attended. Jack Harlow’s commitment to his hometown was evident throughout the event, and his festival has set a high bar for future music events in Louisville. Fans and performers alike are already looking forward to next year’s Gazebo Festival, anticipating another weekend of musical magic and community spirit.

Gazebo Festival 2024: Photo Gallery Recap

Experience the vibrant energy of the inaugural Gazebo Festival through our Day 1 photo gallery. Captured by our talented photographer, Mike Gooden. This collection showcases the dynamic performances and electric atmosphere that marked the event. From Jack Harlow's hometown pride to Rich Homie Quan's animated set, Majid Jordan's soulful tunes, and KARRAHBOOO captivating performance, every moment is immortalized. Highlights include Jordan Ward's energetic performance, Larry June's laid-back vibes at The Garden Stage, James Blake's eclectic DJ set, and Vince Staples' versatile engagement with the crowd. SZA's headlining act brought the night to an unforgettable close. Relive the magic of Gazebo Festival Day 1 through these stunning images.