Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT. September 30, 2023 & October 1, 2023
Saturday September 30, 2023
Photo By: Nancy Dagata
September 30th & October 1st, 2023
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the ocean breeze swept through the air, the Sound On Sound Festival in Bridgeport, CT, delivered two unforgettable days of music, creating an atmosphere of unity, joy, and sonic bliss. With a lineup boasting an impressive array of artists, this festival proved itself as one of the highlights of the 2023 concert season.
Day 1: Saturday, September 30th, 2023
The festival kicked off on Saturday, and despite some rain setbacks that led to the unfortunate cancellation of four performances, the energy was palpable. As the clouds parted, the audience was treated to a diverse lineup that appealed to music lovers of all tastes.
Deep Banana Blackout:
The day began with the funky and infectious grooves of Deep Banana Blackout. Their high-energy performance set the tone for the day and had the crowd dancing despite the wet grounds.
Joy Oladokun:
Joy Oladokun's soulful melodies and poignant lyrics resonated with the audience. Her emotional connection with the crowd was palpable, creating an intimate and moving experience.
Lord Huron:
Lord Huron's ethereal indie folk sound brought an enchanting quality to the evening. The band's performance was a journey through time and space, and they left the audience spellbound.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats:
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats delivered a powerful and soulful set, causing a collective foot-stomp and sing-along. Their energetic presence was infectious.
Trey Anastasio Band:
The anticipation for Trey Anastasio Band was electric, and they didn't disappoint. With intricate guitar work and mesmerizing jams, Trey Anastasio and his band took the audience on a musical odyssey.
Red Hot Chili Peppers:
Closing out Saturday's festivities, the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers brought their signature blend of rock, funk, and raw energy to the Seaside Park stage. Hits like "Californication," "By The Way," and "Give It Away" had the crowd in a state of euphoria. Their performance was a testament to their enduring appeal and showmanship.
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Intro Jam
- Can't Stop
- Scar Tissue
- Dani California
- Here Ever After
- Soul To Squeeze
- Eddie
- Me & My Friends
- Carry Me Home
- Californication / Jam
- Black Summer
- By The Way
Encore:
13. I Could Have Lied
14. Give It Away
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Set Your Soul Free
- A Wave Of Hope
- The Moma Dance (Phish Song)
- Alive Again
- Everything's Right (Phish Song)
- Push On 'Til The Day
- Sand (Phish Song)
- A Life Beyond The Dream (Phish Song)
- First Tube (Phish Song)
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Suffer Me
- Intro
- I Need Never Get Old
- I'm On Your Side
- Survivor
- Look It Here
- A Little Honey
- Face Down In The Moment
- Hey Mama
- S.O.B.
- Trying So Hard Not To Know
- Time Make Fools
- Love Don't
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Meet Me In The Woods
- Dead Man's Hand
- Ends Of The Earth
- Ancient Names (Part I)
- Wait By The River
- Secret Of Life
- Love Me Like You Used To
- The World Ender
- Ancient Names (Part II)
- I Lied
- Fool For Love
- The Night We Met
- Not Dead Yet
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Keeping The Light On
- Changes
- Taking Things Foe Granted
- Sunday / One Of Us
- Sweet Symphony / My Girl / Sweet Symphony
- If You Got A Problem
- Rocket Man (Elton John Cover)
- Somebody Like Me / Band Introductions
- We're All Gonna Die
- The Night We Met
No Photos Available
Setlist:
- Get'chall In The Mood
- Bump & Sway
- Tug
- Take The Time
- Breakfast At Volo's
- Groove Is Here
Sunday October 1, 2023
Photo By: Nancy Dagata
Day 2: Sunday, October 1st, 2023
Sunday welcomed concertgoers with much-improved weather and a stellar lineup, including local hero John Mayer as the headliner.
Snacktime:
Local talent Snacktime opened Sunday with a burst of energy, warming up the crowd for a day of musical delights.
Calder Allen:
Calder Allen's captivating acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics provided a perfect backdrop for an afternoon spent under the sun.
Gin Blossoms:
The Gin Blossoms took us on a nostalgic journey with their '90s alternative rock hits. Their performance was a perfect blend of familiarity and new energy.
Cautious Clay:
Cautious Clay's experimental soundscapes and unique blend of R&B and indie rock drew an engaged and appreciative audience.
Margo Price:
Margo Price's country-infused rock was a true highlight. Her powerful voice and candid songwriting struck a chord with the festival-goers.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals:
Ben Harper's soulful, bluesy set was a masterclass in musicianship and emotion. His slide guitar work left the crowd in awe.
MT. Joy:
MT. Joy's indie folk stylings added a sense of intimacy to the festival. Their music resonated with fans looking for a more contemplative experience.
Dispatch:
Dispatch's acoustic, reggae-influenced sound had the crowd swaying in harmony. The band's socially conscious lyrics resonated deeply with the audience.
Hozier:
Hozier's ethereal voice and powerful anthems captivated everyone present. His renditions of "Take Me to Church" and "Nina Cried Power" were spine-tingling moments.
Alanis Morissette:
Alanis Morissette's emotional and unapologetic set was a journey through the '90s alternative rock scene. Her performance was raw, powerful, and deeply moving.
John Mayer:
Connecticut's own John Mayer headlined the festival with a career-spanning performance that showcased his incredible musicianship. His guitar solos and heartfelt lyrics left the crowd in awe, and he couldn't have been a more fitting conclusion to this unforgettable weekend.

The Sound On Sound Festival at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT, in 2023 was a testament to the power of music to bring people together, rain or shine. The diverse lineup, passionate performances, and the scenic setting made for a memorable experience that will be etched in the hearts of attendees for years to come.
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
- Who Says
- No Such Thing
- Shouldn't Matter But It Does / Forever Young (Alphaville Cover) (Outro)
- Neon / Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Michael Jackson Cover) (Snippet)
- In Your Atmosphere
- Why Georgia
- Stop This Train / Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel Cover) (Outro)
- Drone Shot Of My Yacht (Fan Request)
- In The Blood
- Your Body Is A Wonderland
- Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967
- If I Ever Get Around To Living
- Edge Of Desire
Encore:
15. 3X5 (Fan Request)
16. Free Fallin' (Tom Petty Cover)
No Photo Approval
Setlist:
- All I Really Want
- Hand In My Pocket
- Right Through You
- You Learn
- Reasons I Drink
- Head Over Feet
- Perfect
- Ironic
- Smiling
- You Oughta Know
- Uninvited
- Thank U
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- De Selby (Part 2)
- Jackie And Wilson
- To Be Alone
- Dinner & Diatribes
- Francessca
- Cherry Wine
- Work Song
- Eat Your Young
- Damage Gets Done
- Would That I
- Almost (Sweet Music)
- Take Me To Church
No Photo Approval
Setlist:
Not Available
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Skin The Rabbit
- Open Up
- Passerby
- Bang Bang
- Only The Wild Ones
- The General
- Letter To Lady J
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Lemon Tree
- Jenny Jenkins
- Let Loose / Old Town Road (Snippet)
- Astrovan
- Sheep
- Strangers
- Bathroom Light
- Julia / Crazy (Snippet)
- Silver Lining
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
Not Available
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
Not Available
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Follow You Down
- Until I Fall Away
- Allison Road
- Found Out About You
- Hey Jealousy
- Til I Hear It From You
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
Not Available
Photos By: Nancy Dagata
Setlist:
- Gotta Get Funky
- I Don't Give A Damn
- Sweet Treat
- Snackmftime
- Sapceluv
- Together