This is not the end of day 1. This is not the end of day 2. This is not only the end of day 3- this is the end of the ENTIRE XPoNential Music Festival 2010. And after more than 40 stunning performances over the three day span, there was no group more fit to close out the festival than Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

For the last time, concert goers watched the sun set on the Philadelphia skyline and flooded to the river stage for this grand finale. Randolph kicked off the performance with an insane solo on his signature pedal steel guitar, and clearly commanded respect from the crowd. The group then started off their set, complete with prolific instrumentation- from the pedal steel guitar soloing, to the funky bass slapping, to the blazing drum chops, and the powerful vocal harmonies.

Randolph and his band authentically mixed styles of rock, hip hop, gospel, funk, country, and folk into a combination that has become signature to the group’s sound. When the band went into “If I Had my Way”, the party was rocking full-tilt. Between the songs dueling vocals, marching snare drum, soulful breakdowns, and yes, pedal steel soloing, the crowd was given a treat that can never be replicated.

Randolph is clearly one of the best personalities in today’s music. Sitting down at the front of the stage, he led his performance like a church proceeding, and even gave a “CAN I GET A YEAH?!” or two. If Randolph isn’t already a preacher , I’m sure it’s always an option for the future (Reverend Robert Randolph, catchy huh?).

Robert Randolph and the Family Band put on arguably the most entertaining performance of the whole festival, and had a great time doing so. Seeing Randolph smile on stage reminded the crowd of how much fun everyone was having, from the musicians to each and every audience member.

Hey Robert, do you still want that “YEAH?”

James Brownstein- Intern
University of Southern California
Class of 2014