Celebrating 25 Years of Kilby Court
Article written by Destiny Ross and photos by Destiny Ross
Celebrating a quarter-century of musical excellence, Kilby Block Party's 5th year was a monumental tribute to the legacy of 25 years of Kilby Court and its illustrious alumni. From the likes of Mac Miller to this year's headliners Vampire Weekend and LCD Soundsystem, the festival has been a national hub for musical talent. This year's installment marked a significant milestone, boasting its largest footprint yet with four stages sprawling across the local Utah State Fair Park grounds, a testament to its growth and enduring influence.
Day one kicked off with a bang, as local act Drusky set the stage for a day filled with eclectic performances. Gustaf delivered a surprisingly dynamic set, while Hemlocke Springs captivated the crowd, redeeming herself most beautifully. The highlight of the evening came when headliners Vampire Weekend invited an audience member on stage to play Connect with them, exemplifying the festival's ethos of inclusivity and community. Thanks to Celsius, one of the official sponsors, attendees stayed refreshed and energized with the help of free drinks. By the end of the weekend, I started enjoying Celcius even more than before, most likely due to the environment of the amazing music and good vibes.
On day two, the energy was palpable as local band Boyfriend Sushi Town took the stage, setting the tone for a day filled with unforgettable moments. The Garden seriously ignited the crowd with its infectious energy, as attendees screamed and jumped in excitement. Wyatt and Fletcher brought the energy that we all needed mid-day. Despite a short and unfortunate weather delay, Santigold delivered a stunning performance, leading into a beautiful finale with Death Cab for Cutie and a seamless transition to The Postal Service, leaving fans in awe of the musical journey.
The third and final day, which also happened to be Mother's Day, saw local talents Nicole Canaan, 26 fix, and Persona 749 leaving their mark on the crowds. Little Moon, a local band that is fresh from their NPR Tiny Desk Concert success, delivered a mesmerizing set, while Model/Actriz and Pond engaged with the audience in dynamic ways, ensuring every moment was memorable. Ginger Root's special screening of his new anime movie trailer added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. The festival culminated in a fiery performance by LCD Soundsystem, leaving attendees already anticipating next year's installment.
For those who have yet to experience the magic of the Kilby Block Party Festival, next year is a must. With its blend of great music and even better people, the festival creates an environment where everyone feels welcome and embraced. Whether it be everyone’s cool outfits or it’s the staff and security being surprisingly sweet, this festival is different than the rest. From the diverse lineup to the friendly atmosphere, Kilby Block Party is an experience not to be missed.
