ATLANTA — Music Midtown 2015 had a little something for everyone, and helped everyone hear something new and different.
On day one, hip-hop artist and newcomer August Alsina pumped up the crowd with songs off his album “Testimony,” saving his hit song “I Love This” for last. He thanked Atlanta for its continued support during the crucial start of his career, and wasn’t the only one to do so.
Drake loves Atlanta.
He made this clear from start to finish through his Friday set at Music Midtown. The Toronto, Canada rapper took the Electric Ballroom Stage at 9:30 p.m. to a packed lawn at Piedmont Park and said he was “ready to show love back” to Atlanta, where he recorded songs and even spent some time living at the start of his career. Drake performed almost all his hit songs, new and old, by sticking to performing about one verse from each. He did everything from “Blessings,” “Motto,” “Energy,” “0 to 100,” “All Me,” “Enemies,” and new diss track “Back 2 Back” made in response to Meek Mill saying Drake had a ghost writer.
Drake ended the epic set with fireworks, thanked Atlanta for the endless support, and promised to stay true to the city until the day he dies. His sign-off was enough to give any Drake fan chills, and make any Atlantan a Drake fan.
At the same time, Elton John wowed a huge crowd, which included Alice in Chains. The group said at the end of their set that they would be going to listen to Elton John, calling him “legendary.” Elton John played fan favorite, “Tiny Dancer,” as his third song.
Day two of Music Midtown was a continous dance party that included Icona Pop, crowd pleasers Panic! At the Disco and continued to Vance Joy and Lenny Kravitz. Lenny Kravitz’ 8 p.m. Saturday set was as captivating as it was fun, with him highlighting his band members during “Let Love Rule.” During the more than five-minute jam of that song, Kravitz, dawning a sequined see-through tank top and beaded bib necklace and rippled jeans and sunglasses, also wandered through the crowd, which included people of all ages. He closed with “Fly Away” and had an encore also.
English singer/songwriter Sam Smith closed out the weekend with his 9 p.m. performance. His set was full of dedicated fans, glow sticks and dancing. His vocals and interaction with the crowd were impressive, and his performance did not disappoint. He was a great way to end the festival.
With so many artists, the only drawback is making a decision as to which to see. Music Midtown is always a fun time, good music, and worth the time and money to see so many great shows in one place.
WSBTV
