Kilby Block Party 2023 Review: A Celebration of Music

The vibrant scene of Kilby came alive on a sunny Friday afternoon as music enthusiasts and art appreciators gathered for the eagerly awaited Kilby Block Party 2023. This annual celebration of creativity and community proved to be a resounding success, surpassing all expectations. Taking over the grounds of the Utah State Fair Park for three days the weather gods blessed us with amazing weather (except a few last minute showers on day three that delayed the headlining set by Pavement).


The air was electric with anticipation as attendees wandered through the lively fairgrounds, immersing themselves in a sensory feast of sights and sounds. The festival organizers had curated an impressive lineup that catered to diverse musical tastes, offering an eclectic mix of genres that kept the crowd energized from start to finish. From hometown boys The Backseat Lovers to legendary Garage rockers The Strokes. From the infectious beats of hip-hop sensations Run The Jewels to the ethereal melodies of indie bands such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, every performance shone with raw talent and passion. The stage transformed into a melting pot of sounds, captivating listeners and leaving them hungry for more.


Yet, Kilby Block Party was not just about the music. This incomparable event also showcased the city's thriving art scene, with a kaleidoscope of visual artists proudly displaying their creations throughout the festival grounds. Marvelous murals, imaginative installations, and thought-provoking sculptures provided a visual feast that stimulated the senses and ignited conversations among attendees.


Attendees reveled in the vibrant energy of the festival, connecting with old friends and forging new connections within the Kilby community. Delicious aromas wafted from food trucks, offering an array of mouthwatering culinary delights that satisfied the appetites of hungry attendees. Local artisans and entrepreneurs showcased their wares, adding to the festive ambiance and providing an opportunity to support the local economy.


The curation of the Kilby Block Party 2023 was flawless, with meticulous attention to detail ensuring a seamless experience for all. From the friendly staff to the well-organized layout, every aspect of the festival contributed to its overwhelming success. The organizers created an atmosphere of inclusivity, where everyone felt welcome, making Kilby Block Party a true celebration of the community's diversity and spirit.
As the sun set over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the festivities, the Kilby Block Party 2023 drew to a close. The party-goers dispersed, still buzzing with excitement, their hearts and minds filled with memories of an extraordinary day. Kilby Block Party had once again proven itself as a haven for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and community seekers, leaving a lasting impression that will linger until the next year's highly anticipated edition.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Bonanza Campout Makes Its Festival Return To Utah

Festival onlookers enjoying the scenery in Utah (Photo credit: Ryan Stephens)

The site: River’s Edge RV Park in beautiful Heber City, Utah

Despite being amidst an RV park and everyone who’s chosen to live there for the summer, the amenities that came with venue such as a general store and additional buildings that came in handy when camping sold out and were available as bungalows for the duration of the festival. Small and definitely walkable, it would have been nicer to have been in a more outdoorsy setting so to say, but the river alongside the festival was a perk.

Headliners: Nick Murphy, Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Odesza

Nick Murphy and Odesza played more upbeat sets than I’ve seen either of them play, which was nice to see in the festival setting. Murphy put on a much better, more lively show than he did at Red Rocks this year. Odesza and Nas definitely knew what the crowd wanted to hear, and they thrived in a setting like Bonanza where it’s so easy to thrive of the energy of the crowd. Interactive, lively, and beautiful, their sets were highlights of the weekend. It was nice to see big names like Ms. Lauryn Hill on the bill, but a real bummer to see a legend like her struggle through a set that wasn’t cohesive with the rest of the day’s music. Although I’m not denying this woman’s talent, it seemed as though her OCD kicked in, and instead of performing for the crowd that came to see her, she struggled through her performance on account of trying to perfect the intricate sounds she was trying to put forth, in an outdoor venue that wasn’t doing it for her.

The smaller names: Cut Copy, The Airborne Toxic Event, Wale, Duke Dumont, Kongos, Mutemath, Bob Moses, Jai Wolf, Method Man & Redman, Lany, Cherub, Slow Magic, Big Wild, Waka Flocka Flame, Eden, The Knocks, Tokimonsta, Robert Delong, Frienship, Honorss, Harrison Brome, R.Lum.R, Michl, Chet Porter, Kiev, Kyle Bent, Avalon Landing, Secrets, Cale & the Gravity Well, Ocelot

I don’t know about you, but the smaller names on a festival bill are usually the ones to tickle my fancy, and this was no different. Jai Wolf, Slow Magic,The Knocks, and Tokimonsta were some of my favorite sets this weekend. These artists across the board tried hard to put on a good performance for the crowd, and succeeded. Tokimonsta even played a really awesome after party on Saturday, the 24th. The Knocks, an NYC based duo stole my heart with their stage presence and their funky basslines.

/Mutemath, Wale, and Airborne Toxic Event were mildly nostalgic and equally entertaining. Some of the smaller names seemed a little out of place, but were enjoyable and also added to the variety that existed within the lineup.

The good: On account of being so small, it was easy to see and fully experience the festival to its fullest. There was just enough versatility in food vendors, product vendors, and brand ambassadors, in a setting that was very easy to navigate under the disorienting magic effect festivals have on some of us. The people were lively, friendly, and not too rowdy and everyone seemed willing to experience the desert in harmony. Utah native and Denver resident Casey Kawaguchi was one of the artists live painting the festival, and it was definitely nice to have a piece of Denver in Heber City. In addition to Casey, Jon Lang, and Anthony Ortega were also live painting the whole weekend to create some wonderful pieces for crowds to experience. There were even a few sculptures that were worth aweing over, but the imagery when everything came together was what shined over any negativities this weekend.

The bad: It’s apparent that this festival was over budget and under staffed by the way the camping, parking, and entry to the festival was handled, however the people behind it made it better and definitely tried to smooth things over for any unhappy festival goers. They didn’t even check bags upon entry into the festival until Sunday, y’all. Being at an RV park was also pretty terrible at times, and the after party “venue” was kind of a joke. Also, bands like Cherub should never be seen live, and what on Earth does Waka Flocka get paid for doing? Manic hair flips and popping bottles on crowds of rave kids? Some of the artists seemed unessential to the lineup, but essential to the overall feel of the festival.

Overall: For the price and the experience, I would say it’s a decent festival, that I look forward to watching grow and evolve. The kinks that exist shouldn’t be difficult to smooth over, and the Bonanza fam rolls squad deep. 7.5/10

Words: Lina Skrzypczak | Images: Ryan Stephens