March 25, 2016 5:20PM

Highlights from Bluesfest 2016, Day 1

Featuring Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo, Kamasi Washington, The Word, Cold War Kids, Emma Donovan, Hiatus Kaiyote and more.

By Rolling Stone Australia

Despite kicking off mid-afternoon, the opening day of Bluesfest 2016 is jam-packed, including an exhilaratingly fun set from Hiatus Kaiyote and a wild space-bound voyage via Kamasi Washington and his jam band. Other highlights across the afternoon and evening include Cold War Kids, The Word and Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, on the way to the first night’s crowning jewel — the back-to-back main stage performances from D’Angelo and Kendrick Lamar. The latter living up his reputation as an intense and passionate live performer, perfectly balancing fierce, politically-charged anthems with the hands-up euphoria expected from a headline festival slot.

All photos by Carl Neumann.

Fantastic Negrito