Hopscotch Day 3: I Was Totally Destroying It, First Rate People & Kooley High

Local indie pop rockers I Was Totally Destroying kicked off Hopscotch's Saturday evening festivities at Deep South. They played an upbeat, energetic set that the whole crowd really enjoyed. Singer and keyboard player Rachel Hirsh often channeled fellow female rocker Hayley Williams of Paramore, giving her an intense, confident air. The fun continued between songs as all of the band's members joked with each other and the audience.

After what seemed like a quick fifty minute set, I Was Totally Destroying It packed up to make way for Lonnie Walker, another great Triangle band. Some skipping around trying to work out a few more schedule kinks meant my missing out on most of Lonnie Walker, but if the last ten minutes of their set is any indication as to the quality of the rest of their set, they too were excellent.

After Lonnie Walker came First Rate People, who hail from Toronto, to play their first ever show south of the border. They haven't quite nailed down a sound — their music blended a bit of country, some pop, and the occasional hip-hop beat — but they were undeniably good. So good, in fact, that the crowd demanded that they play one more song, even though the group had already begun packing up their equipment. First Rate People obliged, much to the crowd's delight.

Next up was Kooley High, who closed the night with a rousing set that was the perfect end to a weekend of great music. By the time they hit the stage, the club was completely packed with fans waiting to see the hip hop sextet. DJ Ill Digitz tried to get them going before the group began their set, but there was no need — they were already going wild for Kooley before the group even set foot on the stage.

Once Kooley got started, things broke loose. The crowd sang and rocked along with the group, merely adding to the euphoric atmosphere that ruled the room. Many were sad to see the festival come to an end, but Kooley helped it end on a high note that left the crowd wanting more. Here's to hoping that Hopscotch returns for many years to come.