Kilby Block Party 2024 Celebrates 25 Years of Kilby Court with All-star Lineup

LCD Soundsystem performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

5TH FEST BOASTED INDIE LINEUP FEATURING LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, VAMPIRE WEEKEND, AND MORE!

In its fifth year, Kilby Block Party brought a powerhouse of a lineup back to Utah State Fairpark in celebration of the state’s local venue, Kilby Court, turning 25. With a wall dedicated to all the amazing artists that have passed through the venue, the festival welcomed guests of all ages featuring a lineup of both new icons and legendary acts such as Vampire Weekend, Interpol, Peach Pit, Dinosaur Jr, and more.

Alvvays performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Joanna Newsom performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Courtney Barnett performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Day one kicked things off with Alvvays who graced the main stage with an overcast backdrop, delivering hits as well as new tracks off their latest LP Blue Rev. Courtney Barnett demonstrated her shredding abilities while Jai Paul crooned with a short set. In a rare appearance, Joanna Newsom performed an emotionally filled set, stating how it was the first time she had left her kids at home in seven years. Kilby Court veterans Vampire Weekend dominated the day, with many festival goers wearing Only God Was Above Us merch. During their set, the band praised Utah and how they performed at Kilby Court before their debut had been released. This was the highlight of night one.

Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Vampire Weekend performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Water From Your Eyes performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

The Garden performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

The skies cleared for day two, with Water From Your Eyes beginning the day. Telling jokes through technical delays, the band managed to win over the crowd with their hard hitting experimental tracks. Beach Fossils took over the main stage, performing fan favorites and even having singer Dustin Payseur’s daughter join onstage so she could play a few licks and say hi to the crowd. Indie crooner Yellow Days brought the theatrics, enveloping his audience in not just a concert but almost stage play. Meanwhile, vada vada musicians The Garden got the fans rowdy, with the main pits of the weekend coming from their stage. Veterans Dinosaur Jr. joked that they’re now Dinosaur Sr. and ran through their iconic tracks with ease, much to the fans’ joy. While Belle and Sebastian had their stage full with fans and the band dancing merrily, a short weather delay and technical difficulties halted Santigold’s set, already a replacement act for the canceled Wu-Tang Clan. This didn’t stop her, however, from delivering a power pop set, fighting through the sound levels and delays. She seemed very enthusiastic to be there and the fans made sure she was welcomed. Death Cab For Cutie decked in black performed mostly in the shadows for a short set before “giving up” and returning in all white with a brighter set of light theatrics. Singer Ben Gibbard and singer/guitarist Jenny Lewis played off each other as if little time was spent separated, showcasing their musical journey together.

Santigold performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

The Postal Service performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Pond performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

Interpol performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

The final day had icons CSS crowd surfing to “Bangle Bus” and Aussie psych-rockers Pond contorting and bringing the eclectic edge. A father with his small child sitting atop his shoulders got hyped to 100 gecs’ set, with many fans also dressed as wizards getting rowdy. Back to back, Interpol closed the second largest stage with an even set of new and old tracks, with Paul Banks smiling to the crowd in his shades. LCD Soundsystem are known for their prolific live shows, making fans out of those who may just stumble upon them at a fest, and this performance was no different. The band performed a short set that consisted of hits such as “I Can Change” and “Get Innocuous!” The highlight came during “Dance Yrself Clean” with the beat dropping, causing the entire grounds to break into dance, with the likes of Yves Tumor doing so a few feet away from myself. Singer James Murphy joked about the altitude, asking Utah to get some more air or lower the city. The band ended with the perfect track, “All My Friends,” providing the soundtrack that would sum up the festival: a unique place for music and some of the nicest, down to Earth staff and fans you’ll come across.

LCD Soundsystem performing at Kilby Block Party 5, UT by Jacob Alvarez

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!