Don't Miss

Innings Festival Day 2 Recap

By Larry Philpot on March 6, 2025

Without the benefit of a dedicated writer, only because I didn’t bring one, doing double duty as the photographer, I’ll do the best I can to tell the story. Here’s a rough review and synopsis of each musical act that graced Day 2 of the Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona, on February 22, 2025.

The second day dawned bright and clear over Tempe Beach Park, the desert sun climbing high as the crowd trickled in, buzzing with anticipation. Baseball gloves cracked in the distance, mingling with the hum of tuning guitars, while the scent of tacos and sunscreen filled the air. Day 2 promised a lineup as eclectic as the festival itself, blending indie rock, soulful R&B, and electrifying anthems. Below, I’ll spin the tale of each performance in order, with a few songs they played, a brief bio, and any standout moments that made the day unforgettable.

Good Boy Daisy

The day cracked open with Good Boy Daisy, a Phoenix-born trio whose alt-rock energy jolted the early crowd awake. As noon approached, sisters Daisy and Hallie Mayes, alongside drummer Dylan Mayes, took the stage with a snarl and a swagger. Their set kicked off with “Summer Horror Party” and rolled into “Grey”—each track a burst of gritty riffs and twin vocals that sliced through the dry desert air. Formed in 2019, this local act has been carving a name in the indie scene with their raw, unapologetic sound, a perfect opener to shake off the morning haze.

Notable Event: Mid-set, Hallie tossed a handful of custom Good Boy Daisy baseball cards into the crowd, a playful nod to the festival’s theme. Fans scrambled to snag them, turning the front row into a mini trading card frenzy.

READ MORE

Anna Graves

Next up, Anna Graves brought a softer touch to the afternoon, her soulful voice wrapping the crowd in a warm embrace. The California singer-songwriter, still fresh on the scene, stood alone with her guitar, delivering “Easy For You” and “When the Fire Started” with a haunting intimacy. Since dropping her debut EP in 2023, Anna’s been hailed as a rising star, her introspective lyrics and folk-pop melodies striking a chord with listeners craving authenticity. The sun seemed to pause overhead, spotlighting her quiet power.

Notable Event: A flock of birds swooped low over the stage during “When the Fire Started,” prompting Anna to laugh mid-verse and say, “Guess nature’s singing backup today!” The crowd chuckled, charmed by her easy grace.

READ MORE:

Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge

The tempo spiked as Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge roared in, their blues-rock swagger kicking the festival into high gear. Seventeen-year-old guitar prodigy Grace Bowers shredded through “Tell Me Why U Do That” and “Wine on Venus,” her band—a rotating cast of Nashville talent—laying down a funky, soulful groove.

File Photo: Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge perform at the Innings Festival in Tempe, AZ on February 22, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Hailing from the Bay Area but now Nashville-based, Grace has been turning heads since she picked up a guitar at 12, her old-soul sound defying her age. The crowd bobbed and swayed, caught in her electric spell. She’s also being promoted by Gary Clark, Jr.

Notable Event: During her blistering solo in “Wine on Venus,” Grace’s amp sparked—literally—shooting a quick burst of light. She didn’t flinch, finishing the song with a grin as crew rushed to fix it, earning a roaring ovation.

READ MORE

The Kills

As the afternoon deepened, The Kills slinked onto the stage, their raw garage-rock vibe oozing danger and cool. Alison Mosshart prowled like a panther, her voice clawing through “U.R.A. Fever” and “Black Balloon,” while Jamie Hince’s jagged guitar riffs cut the air. Formed in 2000 across London and Florida, this duo has spent two decades crafting a sound that’s equal parts punk and blues, a gritty antidote to the day’s earlier polish. The crowd pulsed, drawn into their shadowy world.

Notable Event: Alison paused mid-set to pluck a stray baseball cap from the stage—tossed by an eager fan—and wore it for “Tape Song,” smirking as she tipped it to the crowd before hurling it back.

READ MORE

Jack’s Mannequin

The nostalgia hit hard with Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon’s mid-2000s emo-pop project resurrected for a rare reunion. The crowd erupted as “The Mixed Tape” and “Dark Blue” spilled out, McMahon’s piano chords and earnest vocals tugging at heartstrings. Born from McMahon’s post-Something Corporate pivot in 2004, Jack’s Mannequin became a touchstone for a generation, blending catharsis with catchy hooks. Under the Tempe sun, it was a time machine to simpler days.

Notable Event: A fan held up a sign reading “Survived Leukemia Because of You,” referencing McMahon’s own battle. He stopped to choke out a “Thank you,” dedicating “Swim” to “everyone fighting their fight,” as tears streaked through the dust.

READ MORE

Boyz II Men

The mood shifted to smooth R&B as Boyz II Men swept in, their harmonies melting the desert heat. Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman crooned “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You,” turning the park into a sea of swaying couples and nostalgic singalongs. Since their 1990 Philly debut, this trio has defined soulful romance, their Grammy-laden legacy unshaken by time. The baseball crowd traded mitts for lighters—or phone flashlights—swaying in unison.

File Photo: Boyz 2 Men perform in Indianapolis, Indiana, 2013. Used with Permission. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot)

Notable Event: Mid-set, they invited MLB vet Evan Longoria onstage for a playful a cappella riff of “Sweet Caroline,” tying the festival’s dual passions into a spontaneous, crowd-pleasing mashup.

READ MORE

Gary Clark Jr.

Dusk settled as Gary Clark Jr. unleashed his blues-rock fury, his Stratocaster wailing under the purple sky. “Bright Lights” and “Come Together”—his gritty Beatles cover—shook the ground, each note dripping with soul and swagger. Hailing from Austin since his 2005 debut, Clark’s fusion of blues, rock, and hip-hop has earned him critical acclaim and a diehard following. The crowd surged, lost in his electric haze.

Notable Event: A sudden power flicker dimmed the lights during “Bright Lights,” but Gary kept playing, his unplugged guitar slicing through the silence until the juice kicked back—a raw, rockstar moment that left the audience howling.

READ MORE

Beck

Beck sauntered out as night fell, his genre-bending brilliance lighting up Tempe Beach Park. From the funky strut of “Loser” to the dreamy drift of “The New Pollution,” he wove a tapestry of sound that defied categorization. Since his 1993 breakout in L.A., Beck’s chameleon-like career has spanned folk, funk, and electronica, earning him a shelf of awards and a cult of fans. The crowd danced and sang, a kaleidoscope of reactions to his eclectic set.

Notable Event: A fan’s scream of “Play ‘Loser’ again!” after every song finally cracked Beck’s cool—he laughed, riffed a quick acoustic tease of it, then flipped into “Where It’s At,” keeping the vibe unpredictable.

Read More:

The Killers

The night peaked with The Killers, headliners who turned the desert into a neon-lit arena. Brandon Flowers strutted in a sequined jacket, belting “Mr. Brightside” and “Human” as fireworks burst overhead. Born in Las Vegas in 2001, this quartet has spent two decades crafting anthems that blend heartland rock with synth-pop sheen, their live shows a masterclass in spectacle. The crowd erupted, a sea of voices drowning out the stars.

Notable Event: During “All These Things That I’ve Done,” confetti cannons blasted, raining glitter over the front rows. A giddy Flowers leaped onto a speaker, shouting “Tempe, you’ve got soul!” as the festival hit its euphoric climax.

The Night’s Fade

As The Killers’ final chords echoed, the crowd lingered, buzzing from a day that swung from tender folk to blistering rock. Day 2 of the Innings Festival 2025 was a grand slam—nine acts, each a story, each a spark against the Tempe night. From Good Boy Daisy’s local grit to The Killers’ dazzling finale, the desert sang, and we sang back, baseball and music stitched into one wild, beautiful tapestry.

ping low enough to draw gasps. Jason grinned, tipping his hat to the bird, and drawled, “Looks like Oklahoma sent us a welcome party!” The crowd whooped, already hooked.