Rolling Stone's Stateside Festival: A Resilient Celebration of Music and Community
Rolling Stone's inaugural Stateside Festival at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, New York, on July 4, 2026, proved to be a vibrant celebration of music and community, defying a mid-event rainstorm. The festival, which featured headliner Noah Kahan and a diverse lineup of emerging artists, successfully fostered a sense of camaraderie among attendees, emphasizing both musical talent and a commitment to mental wellness through Kahan’s BusyHead Project. From soulful performances to rock anthems, the event showcased a rich tapestry of sounds, complemented by local vendors and a unique Americana-themed space, ultimately creating an unforgettable experience for thousands.
The festival commenced with Boston-based singer-songwriter Bebe Stockwell, whose soulful and pop-infused tracks from her album 'Volume 1' captivated early attendees on the Main Stage. Her set culminated in a lively rendition of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes' “Home,” setting an optimistic tone for the day. Following her, Bo Staloch, a rising star from Austin, charmed the audience with his evocative folk-rock tunes, debuting his new single “From a Different Age.” Staloch's performance, backed by a full band, resonated deeply with the crowd, with many fans singing along to his heartfelt lyrics, showcasing the profound connection he has with his growing fanbase.
As the afternoon progressed, Arcy Drive, a four-piece rock band from Long Island, drew an increasingly large crowd to the Main Stage. Having honed their dynamic performance on the festival circuit, including appearances at Gov Ball and Highwater Music Festival, they delivered an energetic set. Dressed in patriotic attire, the band ignited the audience with fan favorites like “The Itch” and “Time Shrinks,” prompting enthusiastic singalongs and reinforcing their status as a compelling live act. Their seamless blend of familiar hits and robust stage presence exemplified the festival's vibrant atmosphere.
Later, the atmosphere shifted as Sydney Rose took to the Main Stage, offering a collection of poignant and uplifting songs. Despite jokingly warning the audience about "devastating songs," she quickly assured them with a "happy" whimsical number, “You’d Be Stars.” Her delicate vocal delivery and heartfelt compositions, accompanied by an all-female band, provided a soothing counterpoint to the day's heat. Rose also treated the audience to a captivating cover of Stevie Nicks' “Landslide” and premiered a new track, “Track Team,” before concluding her set with the widely recognized TikTok hit “We Hug Now.”
The festival's evening segment witnessed Gigi Perez bravely taking the stage after the intense rain, symbolizing resilience and reigniting the crowd's energy. She expressed gratitude to Rolling Stone and the Stateside crew for ensuring everyone's safety. Perez delivered powerful renditions of tracks from her debut album, 'At The Beach, In Every Life,' featuring her sharp vocals and an all-female band. Her set included a surprise cover of Lana del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” and a duet with her younger sister, Bella, on “Sugar Water.” She closed with an extended, emotionally charged version of “Sailor Song,” which fostered a communal singalong, perfectly capping off a captivating performance.
Headliner Noah Kahan took the stage as the rain subsided, delivering a powerful and triumphant performance. He humorously acknowledged the earlier weather, joking about a "miserable Fourth of July," but quickly launched into a set that was anything but. Kahan's performance featured hits from his chart-topping album 'The Great Divide,' including the fitting opener “American Cars.” The crowd of 4000, known as Busyheads, enthusiastically sang along to fan favorites like “She Calls Me Back” and “Dial Drunk,” appreciating the intimate setting at Hutton Brickyards. Kahan's closing performance of “Stick Season,” his breakout anthem, was met with fireworks, solidifying the festival's success as a resilient and vibrant musical event that brought people together despite the day's weather challenges.