After some heavy pouring rain, the skies clear up just in time for Vulfpeck’s set. They start with the title track from their 2014 album, Fugue State. The party is instantly started with this funky jam.

Next up is “Animal Spirits” from their 2016 album, The Beautiful Game. This is such a fun song that is reminiscent of Jackson Five’s “ABC”, and just as catchy.

Later on, they play the fantastic “Cory Wong”, which is also on The Beautiful Game album. This song features the lead guitarist, Cory Wong, laying down some nasty grooves. Cory Wong also tours under his own name. See our review of him from February 2022 here.

Past midway in the set, they play “LAX” from 2020’s The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate. This song has such joyful lyrics. “You won’t regret it / I won’t forget this, baby, hey / I love my baby, she’s the best / She picks me up at LAX”. It’s a great love song.

For the penultimate song, they made it Christmas in July with “Christmas in L.A.” This one puts a huge smile on everyone’s face as they dance along. They localize the song by switching “in LA” to “in Midway”. The whole audience singing repeatedly “in Midway” is a fantastic moment that everyone will remember.

Overall, it was a set full of fantastic energy, excellent jams, and the joy of music. It was a perfect close to the Rose on the River festival.

See the full setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $118

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney