From Rain to Revelry: Iron Blossom Music festival Recap

PHOTOS BY LINDSEY DADOURIAN

The small but mighty Iron Blossom Music Festival was a breath of fresh air for Richmonders. Nestled among the trees in downtown Richmond, two stages welcomed tons of excited fans. The sun beat down on us from the start, but the looming threat of rain stood strong. Despite the weather, Saturday showcased an impressive lineup, from Julia Pratt to Mt. Joy, offering something for everyone.

This was my first festival ever; I missed Iron Blossom's debut last year and was over the moon to cover it this year. I couldn’t contain my excitement when the media badge was slapped on my wrist, and I set off with Lindsey to explore the grounds and the incredible acts to follow.

We began our day with Pleaser alumna Julia Pratt. Her set kicked off with a few technical difficulties, but they were handled quickly as she transitioned into her first song, stunning the crowd and drawing in more listeners. It was my first time seeing her live, and I was as enchanted as I am when listening to her alone in my room. With vocals as beautiful as ever, she dominated the main stage with a fierce presence. 

Julia even treated us to an unreleased track for the very first time. After her set, I had the chance to speak with her about the song and her creative process—definitely a pinch-me moment and my first interview of the festival.

Following Julia’s performance, we immersed ourselves in the sights and sounds, catching as many artists as we could. Standouts included Sumbuck, Susto, Indigo De Souza, and the Turnpike Troubadours, but the final act delivered an incredible performance.

The day concluded with Mt. Joy. Their set was moved up due to the threat of rain, but that didn’t stop them from putting on an amazing show. According to fans Amelia, Megan, and Lily, the lingering droplets enhanced the experience. 

“The band started early, so they did a great job planning ahead,” Lily said.  

“It was electric—everyone was vibing in the rain,” said Amelia.  

“The rain kind of made it better; it felt like we were all there together,” said Megan. 

Mt. Joy even brought Julia Pratt back out to perform their track "Dirty Love" live, creating an electric atmosphere that left us all wanting more.

Fast forward to day two, where the weather was more bearable, but a migraine tormented my senses. I pressed on, excited to see acts like Dogpark, Say She She, Royel Otis, and Caamp. The talent was just as impressive as on day one.

The day began slowly; Hippo Campus canceled, pushing back the set times for a few artists. The show had to go on, and the first act to take the stage was Richmond’s own Jack Wharff and the Tobacco Flats.

Following them was one of my favorite sets of the weekend: Dogpark. Their energy was infectious as they ripped through their entire discography, showcasing their close friendship on and off stage. They were my first interview of the day and set the tone for what day two would bring.

Following their set was another group of musicians, Joy Oladokun and Chance Pena each showed off their musical prowess on the main and second stages before the time traveling phenomenon that is Say She She took the second stage.   

Say She She took the stage in a blaze of disco glory, complete with synchronized dances and harmonies that would knock you out of any stiff position. They came to make you dance, and by God, they succeeded. 

With four-on-the-floor rhythms possessing my spirit, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer synchronicity of the three women on stage. They were so well-choreographed, and I couldn’t wait to discuss their performance with them.

My night ended early with Royel Otis. Like many artists on this lineup, I had never seen them live, but when the duo took the stage, the crowd lit up, and I was swept along. One of the largest crowds I had seen that weekend surrounded the tiny stage. They played their hearts out, and I was thoroughly impressed.

It’s safe to say that Iron Blossom’s second year in Richmond was a success. The way the city came together to enjoy their favorite artists in our own backyard is both new and incredibly exciting. From the moving pieces to the lineup and the stage setup, the entire weekend flowed smoothly, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating next year.