On Saturday, July 12, the Levitate Music and Arts Festival returned to Marshfield, Massachusetts, for what turned out to be a sun-soaked, sold-out day of music and fun. With a revamped layout, a shortened schedule, and a few interesting format tweaks, the festival admittedly felt like it was in the midst of a growth spurt. But in classic Levitate fashion, the focus stayed right where it belongs: on community, creativity, and a lot of really good live music.

The main stage opened with a set from Hush Club. They’re a local favorite made up of Harvard grads now living in Somerville, who’ve been cutting their teeth in some of Boston’s most famous local venues, winning over fans with their rich alt-pop sound and undeniable chemistry. Having them kick off the day felt intentional. Levitate has always championed homegrown talent, and starting with a Boston act sent a clear message: the locals matter here.

We caught up with the band after their set where they talked about meeting back in school, dream collaborations, and the accolades they’ve been stacking lately, performing at Levitate among them!

Gems on the songwriter stage

While big-name acts like Ripe and Stick Figure were obvious draws, much of Saturday’s real magic happened off the main stage. The newly added Songwriter Stage, a yellow star-shaped wooden platform dropped in the middle of a sun-blasted field, played host to some of the weekend’s most intimate and emotionally resonant sets. It was a literal hot seat, but the artists powered through.

Boston singer-songwriter Samantha McKaige brought sharp storytelling and woodsy folk to her performance. I interviewed her and her band after her set about the importance of Levitate to a local artist like herself. She and her band were in full spirits, treating me to a private – if slightly off key- performance of “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” a Sting deep cut that the band has adopted as the theme for the whole tour.

She shared the stage with fellow local standouts Maya Manuela, Hans Williams, and Autumn Drive, each offering their own flavors and stripped-back performances. The sound carried through the open field, reminding us all that sometimes the best shows happen in the simplest of conditions.

As the sun kept beating down, so did the music. One unexpected highlight came from Fai Laci – stay tuned for that interview as well – whose high-energy set included a raw, rocked-out cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” that gave the classic a modern edge. The crowd loved it, and Fai Laci ate it up.

Ripe took the main stage later in the afternoon, bringing their signature brand of funk-pop bombast to a crowd that already seemed to know every word. It’s no surprise. They’re festival veterans at this point. Tight horns, big vocals, endless energy. At Levitate, they’re practically hometown royalty. Lead singer Robbie Wulfsohn shared that he recently suffered a concussion and could only head bang so much that afternoon. The crowd did their part to head bang in his honor.

And then came the closer: Stick Figure. The reggae-dub powerhouse led by Scott Woodruff gave a hypnotic headline set that felt tailor-made for a toasty summer night. But the real star was Cocoa, Woodruff’s golden retriever and beloved mascot, who celebrated her 14th birthday on stage in front of thousands. She soaked up every second.

Outside the music, Levitate continued to offer its usual blend of immersive art, local food, and handmade everything. Live painters worked beside the crowd, and artisans from all over New England set up shop along the walkways. There were tacos, grilled cheese pop-ups, and yes, Broccoli Bar, who continue to show up at every festival I attend and make me feel guilty for the festival fries I just bought.

Despite the changes, the shorter weekend, and the heat that turned every patch of grass into a baking tray, Levitate’s spirit stayed intact. It’s a community reunion, a stage for the under-the-radar, and a celebration of everything that makes coastal New England weird and wonderful.

And if you ask me? Saturday was just the warm-up. Stay tuned for our full day two coverage!

Levitate Music Festival covered for The Concert Chronicles. Original article here.