Brandi Carlile takes the stage on Sunday of Levitate.
It’s Summertime in Massachusetts, which means a lot of things: demand for slush and ice cream is at an all-time high; meteorologists are left scratching their heads deciding if it’s going to be 90 degrees & sunny, or 90 & downpouring; and residents are either cooling off in front of the AC or heading out into the humidity in search of a good time.
Concert attendees did just that, as they made their way down to Marshfield for the 10th anniversary edition of the locally-beloved Levitate Music & Arts Festival. Born out of a local skate and surf shop sharing the same name, Levitate has blossomed over the years into a nationally recognized event going from a one-day affair to taking over the entire weekend with three days of art markets, beer, art installations, food, beer, music and, you guessed it – more beer.
Lucius shares a special moment with the crowd on Friday of Levitate.
While It’s the drunkest festival I’ve ever been to, it also might be the most wholesome. You don’t see a lot of phones out during the sets at Levitate. These people aren’t here for social media clout or to “be real”, they’re here for the music and to have a good time. It doesn’t hurt that it literally takes place on a suburban fairgrounds, so the feeling of being home for the summer with friends is undeniable. Not to mention Levitate’s usual lineup/vibe attracts a certain… mellow, chilled-out crowd.
This year’s edition was no different. Boasting a stacked lineup of jam, reggae and folk adjacent acts, usual attendees and gleeful first timers alike would have something to look forward to. Friday kicked off with singer-songwriter Steve Rondo. The day continued on with The Q-Tip Bandits, L’Especial, Ripe and more. The Boston-based Ripe always brings the fun, even amidst the deadly heat. There’s no denying the infectious energy that frontman Robbie Wulfsohn always brings to the stage.
Jess Wolfe of Lucius on Friday of Levitate.
Lucius came next, delivering a beautifully sung and groovy set. However the highlight was during their final song, the duo came into the crowd, had us all sit in a big circle and they sang to us. The intimacy and connection between the artists and the crowd was something I had never experienced before at a festival.
Then the Duxbury, MA-originated Stick Figure headlined night one of the festival, kicking the weekend into gear in true hometown hero fashion. The crowd was packed and the times were good.
Rick Mitarotonda of Goose on Saturday of Levitate.
Saturday continued with duo Birch & Anna, Vancouver-based pop band Peach Pit, Aussie pop duo Lime Cordiale, and acclaimed guitarist Celisse, with the latter also venturing into the crowd to get real close and personal with fans. Jam band Goose took the stage next in front of a raucous crowd. Chants could be easily mistaken as jeers from the crowd as thousands of voices bellowed “GOOOOOOSE”, with some unwitting bystanders wondering why everyone was “boo-ing” the band.
Boston based reggae band The Elevators finished off the Style Stage for Saturday night and they deserve recognition for one of the best pieces of merch available at Levitate. A Red Sox style white jersey with the trademark red font reading “The Elevators” across the chest. If you’re going to pander to Boston area locals this is how you do it.
Trey Anastasio Band wrapped up Saturday night in true jam band fashion, working their way through a 13-song setlist complete with Phish standouts “Wolfman’s Brother” and “The Moma Dance,” as well as Trey Anastasio solo tracks “Cayman Review” and “Push On ‘Til the Day”.
Celisse on Sunday of Levitate.
Sunday closed out the weekend with more clouds, less heat and much more music. Celisse performed their second and final set of the weekend, reggae mainstay Ziggy Marley and roots rock band Larkin Poe lit up the Stoke & Style stages respectively before making way for Americana heartthrob Shakey Graves and Levitate veterans Rebelution.
As the weekend closed, Brandi Carlile commanded the Stoke stage for one last performance in 2023. A “mother” if there ever was one, Carlile continues to prove what an unstoppable and fiercely wholesome talent she can be. The power in her voice is only matched by the genuine spirit and compassion she has for each and every person on stage, behind the stage and those losing their minds in front of it. Ripping through classics like “The Story”, “Mainstream Kid” and “Wherever is Your Heart”, Carlile delivered a closing performance fitting of a 10-year anniversary. Here’s to 10 more!
For more information about Levitate Music Festival, click here!