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Soggy weather doesn't stop fans from flocking to CT's Soundside Festival for Noah Kahan, Boyz II Men

Music fans filled Seaside Park in Bridgeport over the weekend to take in the sights and sounds of the Soundside Music Festival.

There was a last-minute change as Foo Fighters dropped out of the event for undisclosed reasons. Some festivalgoers grumbled about that, but there were plenty of other musicians to take in, like Goo Goo Dolls, Boyz II Men, Lisa Loeb and Grace Potter.

Noah Kahan was Saturday night’s headliner. And Jessica Holm from western Massachusetts was pumped about his appearance.

“I hope Noah Kahan doesn’t cancel because of the rain. I came all the way here for him and it’s my birthday,” she said.

What was only supposed to be an hour of precipitation turned into a full day of misty and hard rain that came down relentlessly. Some came prepared with their own plastic ponchos and blankets. Others were left to figure it out, so some looked for garbage bags and others squished into one of the few tented areas.

Kahan, a Vermont native, was one of the most anticipated performances. He’s generated a national fanbase after his critically acclaimed and award-winning album “Stick Season.” He has a strong New England fanbase, too, as his songs are about growing up as a New Englander.

But during his performance, Kahan issued ϳԹ an apology.

Previously, Kahan had said that ϳԹ is not a part of New England — comments that generated some controversy.

“My name is Noah Kahan and I owe your state an apology. I see the weather! This is New England,” he said on stage.

He later sported a Hartford Whalers Jersey.

Kahan’s performance electrified the crowd, with people dancing, jumping and singing throughout the sold-out festival fields.

Despite the rain, other performances also brought in high energy. Boyz II Men performed their greatest hits, getting the audience moving and invested into the moment — having security workers and fans alike in awe.

On day two, acts like Greta Van Fleet, Teddy Swings and The Bleachers all took to the stage. Their performances had fans singing their hearts out. Some sat on shoulders, as giant beach balls flew through the crowd.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from ϳԹ, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de ϳԹ, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Fund the Facts

You just read trusted, local journalism that’s free for everyone, thanks to donors like you.

If that matters to you, now is the time to give. Join the 50,000+ members powering honest reporting and a more connected — and civil! — ϳԹ.

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ϳԹ’s journalism is made possible, in part by funding from Jeffrey Hoffman and Robert Jaeger.