Levitate Music Festival 2025
by ella edwards
On the South Shore of Massachusetts, locals know the best one-stop-shop for all things surf and skate. And apparel. Plus coffee, donuts… and margaritas. The lifestyle brand Levitate has it all, including a ripping music festival that boasted its 11th successful year this July. Similar to the business itself, the festival is an absolute hodgepodge (of awesomeness).
From young parents entertaining their headphoned babies to septuagenarian Deadheads reliving their glory days to bohemian women with dusty sundresses and flowers in their hair, Levitate draws in all sorts. The weekend wouldn’t be complete without getting to meet some of them, perhaps during a casual game of hackeysack or a search for the best foodtruck.
@Levitatemusicfestival on instagram
It’s no secret why the crowd at this festival is such a mixed bag; it seriously has something for everyone. The lineup throws you from surf rock to alt pop to reggae at breakneck speed. The only real consistency is the vibe; no matter the genre, every artist that plays Levitate is worthy of a spot on your beach playlist.
This accolade is particularly deserved by Stick Figure, whose set has become a non-stop subject of praise around my town in the week following the festival (frontman Scott Woodruff is our hometown hero!) (If you think that makes me biased, you should go see Stick Figure for yourself to find out.) With danceable reggae beats and psychedelic background displays, the crowd was literally entranced with Stick Figure during their headline slot on Saturday.
Levitate featured another local reggae group, The Elovaters, both Saturday and Sunday. With vocalist Jackson Wetherbee’s raspy coolness and a force of horns pushing the vibe onward, it is no wonder that this band was desired for a second show.
Other standout acts include Thundercat, the bass guitar virtuoso who promised festival-goers to “stay weird” during the show. His skill was captivating, with freestyle riffs worthy of a Jack-Black-in-School-of-Rock-like designation (“Face melting!”). Between the six-string bass, some jaunty keys, and Thundercat’s big brother on drums, this performance brought the rhythm!
@Levitatemusicfestival on instagram
Similarly electric was Sunday’s headliner, lyrically savvy roots band DISPATCH. Despite their overall chill vibe, the group are total rockers, demonstrating passion and instrumental proficiency. From congas to winds, DISPATCH didn’t shy away from an islandy feel, channeling a bright, bouncy sound. Frontman Brad Corrigan showed off his abilities with rhythmic flow-like verses and a sharp vocal quality, akin to that of Michael Stipe. Not only did Corrigan proclaim his pride to be a “Masshole”, earning favor with the crowd, but he spoke on reproductive, immigrant, and trans rights during the set, demonstrating DISPATCH’s solidarity with marginalized groups. Their performance was the perfect way to close out the weekend.
As a local, I am thrilled to see the Levitate Festival thriving, as it means so much to the culture and community that I’m from. And, as a music nerd, I’m even more thrilled; with imagination and open-mindedness, Levitate has built one hell of a festival. Other brands should take notes.
