Hopscotch 2014 Night 2: Ghostt Bllonde, Open Mike Eagle

All photos by Chris Powers

Raleigh’s Ghostt Bllonde looked like they were having more fun than any other band at Hopscotch. The young pop band was clearly thankful for the opportunity to play the Contemporary Art Museum at their hometown’s showcase festival.

Lead singer Marc Kuzio was dressed to the nines with a dapper vintage jacket and busted out a ton of 50s-style dance moves on stage. Drummer Billy Barnes did not stop smiling during the entire set.

Hopscotch 2013 Night 1: Marnie Stern, Oblivians

Photos by Kevin Norris

It will be difficult to find a musician that had more fun than Marnie Stern. Right away, it was apparent from the look in her eyes and the grin on her face. This was full force joy boarding on reckless abandon. The energy in the room was incredible and it fed right back into Stern, who threw herself into her set like few musicians I’ve seen.

Stern’s incredible guitar skills did not disappoint live. Her powerful and intricate style works well on stage and it’s bolstered by the opportunity to improvise and extend solos. On the final song, she found a lick that her and her bassist pounded into the ground over and over until every inch of it was explored.

Hopscotch 2013 Night 1: Ironing Board Sam

Photos by Kevin Norris

Inside the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Ironing Board Sam was jamming in a sharp pink suit. Sam played a handful of classic songs like “Georgia on my Mind” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It wasn’t Sam’s best performance, but more felt off than just his keyboard playing.

CAM itself felt sterile with bright lights making it feel like anybody but a music venue. It was something that other bands would also battle during the night, but it became particularly present during a strange mid-set biography of Sam.

Hopscotch 2012 Day 2: The Love Language, Lonnie Walker, The Lollipops

All photos by Michael Graham

During the day on Friday, Hopscotch threw a big day party bash in front of the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) in Raleigh headlined by The Love Language.

The band played a bunch of new material, presumably from their forthcoming album, as well as some classics with a new lineup that featured Ryan Gustafson on guitar, original drummer Tomas Simpson, and Mark Simonsen of The Old Ceremony on vibes as well as string and horn players.

Lonnie Walker and The Lollipops played earlier in the day. Check out photos from the party below.