The Iron Blossom Festival in Richmond, VA, on September 21-22 was an absolute blast! With over 20 incredible artists performing across the two days, the lineup was a music lover's dream. From the moment I arrived, the chill vibe set the perfect tone for an unforgettable weekend. Even with a little rain on the first night, crowdgoers stuck it out and partied through the night.
On the first day, Sumbuck delivered a standout performance with their soulful sound and engaging stage presence. Their lyrics and catchy melodies had the audience swaying along, creating pure magic. I loved capturing those moments when the crowd truly connected with the music. The Turnpike Troubadours also brought their A-game on day one, blending country and rock in a way that had everyone singing along. Their energy was electric, and it was a thrill to photograph such a talented group live. Due to the rain, their performance was cut short but it was still a great way to lead up to the main headliner of the night, Mt. Joy.
Capturing the magic of Mt. Joy headlining the first night was a highlight. The crowd's energy was infectious as they sang along to favorites like "Silver Lining" and “Dirty Love." The light rain and overcast night made for a perfect night to a somewhat hot day.
By the second day, the sun came out and it was perfect weather. The crowd went crazy for Nathaniel Rateliff’s much-anticipated performance. His soulful voice and captivating stage presence drew everyone in, making for a great experience. It was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement, especially during their popular songs such as “S.O.B”, “A Little Honey,” and one of my favorites, “You Worry Me.”
Royel Otis took the stage right before the headliner. This was the first time I had seen them live. Their unique blend of indie pop and dreamy melodies added to the festival’s charm. Their performance was full of energy, and songs like "You’re a Mystery" had the crowd buzzing. A highlight of their performance was when they did an excellent cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor.” Capturing their dynamic performance was a joy, contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Caamp got to finish off the second day and giving an epic ending to the entire festival. They performed popular songs such as “By and By”, “Vagabond,” and “Peach Fuzz.” I think Caamp was a perfect band to close out the festival. Their type of music really captured the whole vibe of the festival. The festival did a fantastic job with this years line up.
The festival had plenty of space for attendees to lay out blankets, making it easy to relax and enjoy the performances. There were even lawn games set up, adding to the laid-back atmosphere and giving everyone a chance to mingle and have fun between sets.
And let’s not forget the food! The variety of food trucks was a highlight, offering delicious bites that perfectly complemented the music. I loved capturing the vibrant dishes as people savored every moment, creating dynamic scenes that reflected the communal spirit of the event. I also really liked that most of the food trucks and vendors had all their food labeled for dietary restrictions!
The laid-back vibe throughout the festival made it easy to engage with fellow attendees. Whether they were dancing in the drizzle or lounging on blankets, I had countless opportunities to document spontaneous laughter and genuine connections. The crowd and their genuine happiness of the festival really made my job easy for photos.
Overall, the Iron Blossom Festival was a wonderful blend of great tunes, tasty food, and a super chill atmosphere. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy live music while being surrounded by a welcoming community, you definitely don’t want to miss this next year! Mark your calendars—this is one festival you’ll want to be part of!
