Rock the Ruins is an annual summer concert series that takes place at Indy’s historic Holliday Park. Concert-goers gather their lawn chairs and blankets to get cozy in the green grass. This year’s lineup features several musicians like Counting Cows, Lake Street Dive, and many more talented faces. Rock The Ruins has concerts throughout July and early August that people of all ages can attend. I had the opportunity to attend a show on July 2nd starring Masego with special guest Huckleberry Funk. I have been a fan of Masego for many years. I was beyond excited to see him perform live.
Masego is a musician and singer born in Kingston, Jamacia. His genres range from R&B/soul to jazz and funk. He is mainly known for his use of the saxophone in his music. Although he carries a light discography, his debut album and extended plays hold great weight. He released his first project in 2015 with Medasin titled, The Pink Polo. This was also my first introduction to Masego’s work. With the creative combination of trap beats, woodwinds, and vocal harmonies utilized in his music, you can’t help but get lost in the sound.
My experience at Rock the Ruins was surreal. The atmosphere was very family-orientated. I attended the concert by myself, and as many would assume, I was extremely anxious. However, I chose to use this experience to exercise my social skills. I ended up meeting so many amazing, kindhearted individuals. The crowd reminded me of being at a huge family BBQ; nothing but music and good vibes all around! The real beauty of music is its ability to bring people together and that’s exactly what Rock the Ruins proved.
The real beauty of music is its ability to bring people together and that’s exactly what Rock the Ruins proved.
After about an hour of conversing and finding a good area to sit for the show, we welcomed Huckleberry Funk, a local R&B/soul band, to the stage. This was my first time hearing of this group but after their lively performance, I couldn’t stop talking about them. Hunk Funk came out strong and ready to get the crowd up on their feet. I can confidently say this was one of the best opening acts I’ve seen in a while. The energy the band exuded on stage set the tone for Masego’s entrance, making the entire night one big, cohesive moment.
As the lights set and the fog covers the stage, everyone pulls out their phones to capture Masego as he jogs on stage and kicks the show off strong. By this time, I was in the midst of the crowd dancing and singing my heart out. It’s always a relief when the artist sounds the same live as they do on actual records and Masego went the extra mile by adding his own spin on the setlist for a more interactive experience. The crowd continues to match Masego’s energy with each song performed. One of my favorite moments was towards the end of the concert. After preforming what we thought was the “final song,” the stage lights change to this bright turquoise and we hear the airy guitars that start off one of Masego’s biggest hits, “Tadow.” The faces in the crowd go from disheartened to reassured as he plays his trusty saxophone, officially closing out the Rock The Ruins summer concert. What better way to end the night than with this fan favorite classic?
I had a fantastic time at Rock The Ruins and I am so grateful I got the chance to see one of my favorite artists perform in a state that most artists skip. From the amazing people I encountered to the beautiful performances I watched, this event lineup was a big success. Rock The Ruins is open for anyone and everyone. If you’re searching for a good outdoor event with live music, delicious food trucks, and friendly faces, I highly recommend checking out one of the upcoming concerts here!
