Unforgettable Day at Hookahville: Music & Epic Performances
Hookahville 56 at Legend Valley Music Centre in Thornville, Ohio. | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
Intro
On May 13, 2023, music enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Legend Valley Music Centre in Thornville, Ohio, for the second day of Hookahville 56. Hookahville is a long running music festival that is headlined by Ohio’s own ekoostik hookah and also showcases a diverse lineup of talented bands.
The day was filled with exhilarating performances that left the crowd craving for more. Let's dive into the highlights of day 2 and explore the bands that graced the stage.
Creamery Station
Kicking off the day was Creamery Station, a dynamic band from Connecticut, known for their fusion of rock, blues, and Americana. Their soulful melodies and energetic stage presence captivated the audience from the start. With powerful vocals, skillful guitar riffs, and infectious rhythms, Creamery Station set the bar high for the day, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience for all in attendance.
Baccano
Next up was Baccano, hailing from Toledo, Ohio. They are a prog rock powerhouse that pushes the boundaries of musical exploration. With their mesmerizing melodies, intricate compositions, and virtuosic performances, Baccano captivates audiences with their sheer musical brilliance. The early afternoon crowd was taken on an epic journey through the realms of progressive rock, leaving them in awe of the band’s extraordinary talents.
*Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of Baccano’s set.
Dumpstaphunk
As the day progressed, Dumpstaphunk took the stage, bringing their signature brand of New Orleans funk to the festival. Known for their powerful, high-energy performances, Dumpstaphunk delivered a set that was nothing short of electrifying. The band's tight rhythm section, soulful vocals, and impressive keyboard solos had the crowd grooving and feeling the funk vibes. Their infectious energy was contagious, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss.
Ekoostik Hookah
ekoostik hookah at Legend Valley Music Centre in Thornville Ohio on May 13th, 2023 | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
The much-anticipated headliner of the night was ekoostik hookah, the band after whom the festival was named. Their seamless transitions between genres, heartfelt lyrics, and soaring guitar solos created a euphoric atmosphere.
The band opened their first set with "Loner," immediately captivating the crowd with its infectious energy. The familiar sounds of "Hookahville" resonated through the venue, inviting fans to sing along and immerse themselves in the collective experience. ekoostik hookah then returned to "Loner," injecting new life into the song and showcasing their ability to breathe fresh energy into their music.
Throughout the set, the band treated the audience to gems like "Smile and Sing," which spread joy through its uplifting melodies, and "Hidden Away," a heartfelt ballad that struck an emotional chord with the crowd. The driving rhythms of "Ridgway Sky" seamlessly flowed into a mesmerizing rendition of "Deep River Blues," showcasing the band's versatility.
ekoostik hookah's connection with their fans was evident during the performance of "Home." As the crowd joined in on the chorus, a sense of unity and belonging filled the air. "Faces In the Crowd" and "Roll the Dice" kept the energy high, with the band's tight musicianship driving the songs forward. They closed the first set with the pulsating beats of "Thumper," leaving the audience in a state of musical euphoria.
ekoostik hookah at Legend Valley Music Centre in Thornville Ohio on May 13th, 2023 | photo- ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
The second set began with the ethereal sounds of "As I Fade Into My Dreams," immersing the crowd in a dreamscape of swirling melodies. The band transitioned seamlessly into "Black Mamba," showcasing their improvisational skills and their ability to keep the audience on their toes. They then returned to "As I Fade Into My Dreams," allowing the song to evolve and unfold in captivating ways.
The infectious rhythm and catchy hooks of "Music" had the crowd dancing and singing along, while "Top of the World" elevated the atmosphere with its uplifting vibes. ekoostik hookah continued to spread positivity and love through their music with the vibrant and feel-good track, "Life Is Good." They closed the set with the timeless classic, "Chicago," leaving the audience craving for more.
For the encore, ekoostik hookah returned to the stage with an array of crowd-pleasing songs. "Our House" evoked a sense of nostalgia, bringing people together in harmonious sing-along. The band then paid homage to their musical influences with lively renditions of "Honky Cat" and "I'm Your Boogie Man," infusing their unique style into these beloved classics. The night reached its crescendo with a powerful performance of "Mama Kin," leaving the crowd exhilarated and in awe of ekoostik hookah's musical prowess.
ekoostik hookah set list - 05.13.2023
Set 1
Loner > Hookahville > Loner
Smile and Sing
Hidden Away
Ridgway Sky > Deep River Blues
Home
Faces In the Crowd
Roll the Dice
Thumper
Set 2
As I Fade Into My Dreams > Black Mamba > As I Fade Into My Dreams
Music
Top of the World
Life Is Good
Chicago
Encore
Our House
Honky Cat
I'm Your Boogie Man
Mama Kin
Glostik Glograss
As the night grew darker, the festival-goers were treated to a special late-night performance by Glostik Glograss. This band pushes the boundaries of genre classification, seamlessly blending elements of rock, jam, and bluegrass into their unique sound. With intricate banjo melodies, captivating guitar solos, and powerful vocals, Glostik Glograss brought an energetic and engaging performance to the stage. Their infectious enthusiasm and dynamic stage presence had the audience dancing and losing themselves in the music, providing a perfect late-night musical experience.
*I did not get any photos. At the end of the night, I was just enjoying the music without the camera.
Conclusion
Day 2 of Hookahville at Legend Valley Music Centre was a resounding success, with Creamery Station, Baccano, Dumpstaphunk, Glostik Glograss, and ekoostik hookah delivering unforgettable performances that left a lasting impact on the audience.
From the soulful melodies of Creamery Station to high energy prog rock of Baccano to the electrifying funk of Dumpstaphunk, each band brought their own flair and energy to the stage.
ekoostik hookah's headlining sets showcased their musical diversity and ability to create an immersive experience for the audience. Finally, the late-night performance by Glostik Glograss added a special touch, captivating the crowd with their genre-bending sound.
Hookahville on May 13, 2023, will be remembered as a day filled with incredible music, camaraderie, and pure enjoyment. The festival brought together fans of different genres, united by their love for live music and the shared experience of being part of something magical.
As the lights dimmed and the cheers echoed through Legend Valley Music Centre, the memories of this exceptional day would remain etched in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to be part of the Hookahville experience.
