BECAUSE BEER FESTIVAL (DAY TWO)
@ PIER 4 PARK, HAMILTON
JULY 13, 2024
Day two of the Because Beer festival was a scorcher, but the heat didn’t deter eager festivalgoers from turning out in droves to sample a variety of craft beers and enjoy a stellar lineup of live music.
The evening kicked off with a set from Cuff The Duke, whose mellow tunes provided the perfect soundtrack for the early hours of the festival. Their laid-back vibe created a relaxed atmosphere, allowing attendees to ease into the night’s festivities as they entered the venue.
A special feature of the night was Hamiltonβs very own Aerial Group, a circus arts collective, putting on a performance that was sure to wow the crowd. As the sun set and the sky darkened, anticipation built among the festivalgoers. When the performers finally took to the air, they did so with a grace and agility that held the audience spellbound. Suspended high above the ground, they executed a series of breathtaking acrobatic feats, weaving through the air with a combination of strength, precision, and elegance. Each segment of their act seemed to tell a story or convey an emotion, drawing the audience deeper into the experience. The crowd watched in hushed silence, captivated by the beauty and intensity of the aerial dance.
As the sun began to dip, Born In The Eighties took the stage and brought a surge of energy with their lively renditions of classic 80s hits. Their performance was an instant success, with the crowd enthusiastically singing and dancing along. Even those standing in line for food couldn’t resist joining in on the fun, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared joy throughout the festival grounds. The band’s charismatic presence and infectious enthusiasm were impossible to resist. From the very first notes, they had the crowd hooked and festivalgoers of all ages were transported back in time.
As the evening cooled and the sun set, fans emerged from the shade to gather around the main stage for a performance by local band Dizzy. Known for their heartfelt and emotionally resonant music, Dizzy captivated the audience with their soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. Their set was a highlight of the night, as their music touched the heartstrings of everyone in attendance, creating a beautiful, shared moment of musical connection. The band’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through their most beloved songs, each one telling a story and evoking a spectrum of emotions. From the tender ballads that spoke of love and loss to the more upbeat tracks that celebrated resilience and hope, Dizzy’s performance was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The lyrics, often poetic and introspective, resonated with the audience on a personal level, prompting moments of reflection and connection.
The night reached its peak with the much-anticipated headlining performance by Tokyo Police Club. The band’s energetic and dynamic set proved to be a fan favourite, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. Their performance was a perfect ending to a day filled with great music, delicious beer, and the vibrant spirit of the festival. Tokyo Police Clubβs set was a well-crafted mix of fan favourites and newer material, each song performed with an intensity that highlighted the band’s musical prowess. The fast-paced guitar riffs, thumping bass lines, and energetic drumming kept the momentum high throughout the performance. The band’s interactions with the crowd added to the communal feel of the night, as they encouraged sing-alongs, clapping, and dancing, making everyone feel like a part of the show.
(Photography by Mercedes Chircop)