Dancing in the Downpour: The Spirit of Pilgrimage Festival
DAY 1 PHOTOS BY ABBIE MURPHY
Despite the rain, music lovers flocked to the 10th anniversary of Pilgrimage in Franklin, Tennessee, for an unforgettable weekend filled with an incredible lineup. The muddy conditions didn't dampen spirits; instead, they brought everyone together to revel in the joy of live performances and great company.
Pleaser was thrilled to attend Pilgrimage, where we caught some of our favorite artists and discovered new talents. Over the two-day festival, we enjoyed performances from a lineup including Chance Pena, Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge, COIN, Hozier and Noah Kahan. With so many unforgettable moments, we can’t wait to share our highlights with you!
Day one of Pilgrimage was pure magic, setting an incredibly high standard for Day two. Despite being the rainiest day of the festival and a slight delay on gates opening, the downpour only fueled the energy, with festival-goers dancing and singing along to their favorite artists. As soon as the gates opened, fans raced to the stage, eager to secure their spots for unforgettable performances by Hozier and the Dave Matthews Band.
There was truly no better way to kick off the day than with Chance Peña, his captivating voice drawing in those arriving at the festival, who quickly gathered around to soak in his set. Peña showcased several tracks from his new album, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming, which had just been released on September 13. His folk-infused melodies and stunning vocals had the crowd clapping along, creating a magical atmosphere that was perfectly suited for the rain. His set left everyone feeling energized and ready to embrace whatever the rest of the day had in store.
Not long after Peña's set, Allison Russell took the stage and drew in an impressive crowd that was eager to be wowed. As she and her team huddled together for a brief moment before the performance, the excitement in the air was palpable. She launched into her set with a clarinet solo, seamlessly transitioning into her raw, powerful vocals that captivated everyone present.
During her performance, Russell shared the heartfelt news of her upcoming Broadway debut, which moved her to tears. She also took a moment to address National Suicide Prevention Month, offering a poignant reminder: “You will find your luck with your chosen family. Hang in there, hang on.” To add to the magic of the moment, Hozier joined her on stage for a song, teasing the incredible performance that would unfold later that night.
Following those two incredible performances, it was time for some dance lessons with The Brook and The Bluff, who taught the crowd to step in time during their lively set. They had a knack for getting everyone moving, creating an electric atmosphere where the band and audience fed off each other's energy. As they danced and embraced their authentic selves on stage, the crowd responded with infectious enthusiasm, turning the moment into a celebration.
Ending Day one with Hozier was an experience beyond my wildest dreams. As the rain poured down, he took the stage with an incredible sense of presence, declaring that the weather only fueled his strength. The atmosphere was electric, with festival-goers huddled together, united by their shared love for his music.
Hozier's emotional and raw performance resonated deeply, featuring a mix of his most popular hits alongside some deep-cuts. Each note seemed to carry the weight of his artistry, drawing the audience into a captivating world where every lyric told a story. The crowd swayed and sang along, lost in the moment, completely captured by his soulful voice.
It was hard to tell whether there were tears or raindrops on the crowd’s faces. Perhaps it was a beautiful blend of both—a testament to the power of music and the connection forged in that magical moment. It was an unforgettable end to a day filled with incredible performances, leaving us all eager for what was to come next.
DAY 2 PHOTOS BY ZAYNE ISOM
However, Pilgrimage was far from over as Day two arrived just as quickly as Day one had concluded, bringing with it a touch more mud and excitement. The overcast skies didn’t dampen spirits; instead, they added to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. With a sense of camaraderie among the crowd, everyone was determined to make the most of the day. Anticipation buzzed as fans discussed their favorite acts and shared stories from the previous night, all while navigating the puddles that had formed in the wake of the rain.The mud was just a reminder that sometimes the best memories are made in the messiest of moments.
Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge kicked off the day with soul-infused music that had everyone dancing and on their feet. Their entire set was a powerful display of talent, but it was the final song, “Wine On Venus,” that truly resonated with the crowd. Before launching into the heartfelt track, Grace shared a story about her grandmother, who had passed away. She recounted how her grandmother reassured her not to worry, saying she’d be drinking wine on Venus, the brightest star in the sky. This touching tribute added an emotional depth to the performance along with the rain that started right as the song began and ending as it wrapped up, leaving the audience both uplifted and reflective.
Next up was one of our favorite performances of the weekend: COIN. This marked their first show as they launched into a new era of music with their album I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore, just ahead of kicking off their tour. With an entirely new stage setup and a fresh setlist, the anticipation had been building, and COIN truly delivered.
They played a captivating mix of tracks from the new album, deep cuts, and fan favorites, creating an unforgettable experience. The rain seemed almost scripted at this point, pouring down as they performed “Leaving A Light On.” The crowd joined in, waving their arms and swaying back and forth, transforming the moment into an emotional connection between the band and audience. It was a performance that will linger in our memories long after the festival has ended.
Finally, Noah Kahan took the stage to close out the night, delivering an unforgettable performance. He captivated the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and infectious energy, sharing the insight, “Once you become the coolest person you know, the world opens up.” The highlight of his set was when he invited Ashe to join him on stage for a stunning rendition of “Stick Season,” elevating the emotional connection of the evening even further. It was the perfect ending to a remarkable weekend of music.
But the real question is: will they play “Hot To Go?” While it’s Pilgrimage Festival, they certainly understood the assignment. Chappell Roan played on the speakers while people were exiting, creating a vibrant atmosphere of joy and celebration. As festival-goers danced their way out, both friends and strangers came together in a beautiful moment of community. Thank you, Pilgrimage, for an unforgettable experience—one we will cherish for a long time to come.
