Saturday was the day everyone was anticipating. Lizzo headlining the night got the best of Seattle, as thousands of people came out to listen. But, before she graced the stage, the day unravelled other gems. 

Beginning my festival day at the Main Stage with Valley Maker, I was entranced by Austin Crane’s soft melodic tones, making the biggest of stages feel warm and at home. 

Making my way into Neumos, the sounds of Perry Porter painted my mind in polychromatic moods. There was high vibrance and a beautiful set made from all original work, including Porter himself as he morphed into a work of art, inviting the audience to come on stage and paint while he was performing. Porter performed a show that made everyone mosh and shake it like a tail feather.  

Moving in and out of stages, I spent some time in the lounges, where various local DJs performed. Ca$h Bandicott and M0mlyn killed their sets as the lounge became more than just a chill zone. 

At the Main Stage for Saba, I was pushed to the gates from excitement. The crowd went crazy as Saba performed his newest album, Care For Me. Track after track, he gave his all and left every part of his story on the stage for us to care for.

Michete held Barboza down as the stage packed out. All I could hear was the audience chiming and reciting the words of songs, cuddling tighter and tighter. Searching for fresh air, I stumbled upon the artist Yung Wolf outside of Throwbacks Northwest. Performing a hype set, he made his statement and let us know what he was repping. 

The day grew darker, and it was almost time for Lizzo. Thinking I was going to rest back in the lounge, I appeared in the midst of JusMoni. Her saccharine falsetto croon seduced and enticed me. I followed every wave as DaQween and JusMoni meshed angelic croons to warm harmony beautifully. This set was love, sex, and music as we all let the sound carry our spirits to lust and bliss. 

The bliss continued into the Biddadat set. The three piece designed a bluesy funk tone that set my spirits on high. As drummer Remy Morritt and bassist Kyle Miller worked in sync concocting a new magic, I was charmed by their energy and sound. 

These gems were the way to the diamond as Lizzo conquered the stage. She exuded knowledge and empowerment. Packing elbow to elbow, the crowd was singing to each other and eyes were peeled on Lizzo. Surprising us every moment with the tricks she pulled out her sleeve, we were all so captured, “worshipping” her deeply with our eyes and bodies. The diamond had spoken as Lizzo exited the Main Stage of CHBP.

Perry Porter performs on the Neumos Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Porter is an expert showman, using visual and audio elements to take his audiences on a complete and thoroughly defined experience.

Porter is joined on stage by members of the audience to help create living art during the show.

Porter connects with the audience to create a shared experience.

Alfa Lashay joins Porter on stage.

Lashay, celebrating her birthday, treats the audience to a a show with LED fiber whips and entrancing choreography.

Porter steps off the stage to be on equal ground with the audience.

The name for his most recent EP, Bobby Ro$$, comes from one of Porter's idols, the late Bob Ross.

Porter closes his CHBP set with a smile on his face.

Romaro Franceswa performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Franceswa is a local favorite, getting his start in Federal Way, Washington.

Self-described as "a musician who uses hip hop to deliver street Gospels," Franceswa delivers a church-like performance to an audience full of passionate fans.

Franceswa takes center stage.

Franceswa performed hits off his latest album, Ro, released in May of this year, as well as older tracks like "Window" (from Dave B.'s 2019 album Bleu) and "Priceless" (from 2016's Mirror).

Phillip Maxie, Franceswa's cousin, plays drums for the set.

Franceswa winds down his set.

Wild Powwers, a grunge trio from Seattle, plays the Vera Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Jordan Gomes of Wild Powwers.

Lupe Flores rocks out on drums for Wild Powwers.

Lara Hilgeman heads Wild Powwers with vocals and guitar.

OK Sweetheart plays the Neumos Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Frontwoman Erin Austin on vocals and keys for OK Sweetheart.

Reader performs on the Barboza Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Reader is an indie quartet out of Seattle.

Shallou performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Frontman Joe Boston (center) woos the audience with his signature house melodies and soulful vocals.

Edison Lo joins Boston on stage on guitar.

Billy DeLelles joins Boston on the drums.

The band was full of synergy performing hits off their latest EP, Souls, including "Lie."

Lo jams during a solo.

Boston closes the set on the keys.

Kassa Overall performs on the Vera Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Samurai Del performs on the Neumos Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Cold Comfort performs on the Barboza Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Barboza was the perfect setting for Cold Comfort's sound — social yet intimate.

Cold Comfort frontman Andrew Jauhola.

The Seattle-based rock band had the crowd swaying to their melodies.

Saba performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Saba gets the crowd jumping.

Tres Leches performs on the Neumos Stage at Captiol Hill Block Party 2019.

Zander Yates's vocals and bass grounds the contagiously spastic sound of Tres Leches.

Alaia D'Alessandro fights the heat with her fur-lined coat, expressive vocals, and energetic guitar playing.

Vagabon performs on the Vera Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Vagabon brought a full band to their set, all working to deliver an emotionally-charged performance.

Chelsea Cutler performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Cutler is full of passion during her set, delivering introspective EDM to the audience during the afternoon show.

Cutler is joined on stage by drummer Gavin Chops.

The show was full of energy, with Cutler and co just having fun with the audience throughout the set.

Chops keeps it cool in the hot afternoon.

Cutler jams on the guitar.

Cutler wraps up a passionate performance.

Scarlet Parke performs on the Neumos Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Fellow Seattleite Jake Crocker brings his bass-heavy beats to Parke's set.

Parke dressed for the occasion, head adorned with gold leaf, reminiscent of her new album's cover.

Snakehips performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Oliver Lee (left) and James Carter (right) are a British electronic music duo known as Snakehips, best known for their 2015 single, "All My Friends."

Lizzo performs on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2019.

Lizzo is joined on stage by "The Big Girls."

Lizzo and her all-female crew lead the audience through a self-affirming and explosive performance.

Lizzo dons a veil and sunglasses to perform one of her most popular hits, "Truth Hurts."

This performance included several hits off Lizzo's latest album, 2019's Cuz I Love You.

Better known by her stage name Lizzo, Melissa Viviane Jefferson pours herself into her performance.

Lizzo lets the audience sing while she stays hydrated with a sip of tequila.

Lizzo delivers a soulful performance of "Jerome," a song about letting an immature lover go on his way.

Leading the audience through breathing exercises and affirmations, Lizzo preaches self love and acceptance.

Lizzo is full of positive energy that resonated throughout the whole show.

Lizzo wraps up the night with a melodic flute performance.

Photo credits:

Perry Porter: Will Abzu
Romaro Franceswa: Will Abzu
Wild Powwers: Lydia Ely
OK Sweetheart: Lydia Ely
Reader: Lydia Ely
Shallou: Will Abzu
Kassa Overall: Lydia Ely
Samurai Del: Lydia Ely
Cold Comfort: Lydia Ely
Saba: Lydia Ely
Tres Leches: Lydia Ely
Vagabon: Lydia Ely
Chelsea Cutler: Will Abzu
Scarlet Parke: Lydia Ely
Snakehips: Will Abzu
Lizzo: Will Abzu