FRIDAY 

I caught Fat, Evil Children as the foremost band of this festival, playing the Right Field Stage at 12:15. I had done some research beforehand and really enjoyed their sound so this was a must see. Coming out of the LA, they have begun branching out of state with their latest release “Can’t Stop” on November 28^th, 2025. This six song EP holds a favorite of mine, “The Weight” which was released as a single a few weeks before the EP. Following up on the Right Field stage was Congress, The Band. Out of South Carolina, this was the farthest out west the 5 piece indie rock group had been. Named after Congress St in Charleston, and not the house of government, they will be hitting the road this March with fellow Innings Festival band Common People. You can find tickets here. 

While exploring the festival grounds I heard an all too familiar sound. Like a siren calling me to the sea, I heard the second track to Bruce Springsteen’s third album “Born to Run”. Springsteen is a magnet of sorts for me, and with nothing to break the attraction, I ended up at The Left Field Stage watching Jake Peavy jam out with his band to “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”. Peavy was playing for my Chicago White Sox during a very formative time in my life. Watching the All-Star game in 2012, I never imagined I would hear him play “Franklin’s Tower” or The Boss. This is part of what makes Innings Festival so special, this was the only place you could find a childhood hero rocking out.  

Staying at Right Field for the time being, Peach Pit was up next. I had the opportunity to talk with the band before their set and discuss all things from The Simpsons in Fortnite to Norm MacDonald. That interview will be up soon on 89.7 KRUI. After a great interview, they came on stage with an instrumental jam into their self-titled song. Released in 2018 on the Sweet FA EP, “Peach Pit” is a tune that has been a staple in my playlists for years. It is Peach Pit at their best, with sincere lyrics that don’t beat you over the head with their feelings but decide to open the door and let you in if you choose. A dozen songs later, Peach Pit closed with fan favorite “Tommy’s Party”, painting the picture of a friendship that’s lost its flame in light of time and others taking priority. A mourning of something lost disguised as a slow jam where guitarist Chris Vanderkooy skates across the G Major Scale. A sound ending to one of my favorite sets of the weekend. Afterwards lead singer Neil Smith joined the crowd for pictures and high fives. Peach Pit has a handful of festival slots coming up this year. 

A album release party to remember, Mumford and Sons took the stage at 9:00pm on the night of their sixth studio album drop “Prizefighter”. Playing five tracks off the record, Marcus Mumford sprinted through seventeen songs spanning the band’s illustrious career. With his army of musicians behind him, the emphasis on the new record was warmly welcomed as this blues and rock inspired LP was made to be played for these huge crowds like this. Their 2025 record “RUSHMERE” wasn’t forgotten either as the two tracks were heard amongst the shuffle of their set. Marcus paid a compliment to the previous band on The Home Plate Stage, The Goo Goo Dolls, preaching “You get The Goo Goo Dolls night one and you’re fucked the rest of the weekend”. I concur Marcus, it’s difficult to follow up “Iris”. Mumford and Sons have just announced their “Prizefighter World Tour” including a stop at Hinterland in Iowa on August 1^st.  

SATURDAY 

I was elated to have finally caught The Backfires. The combination of New York indie and Britpop is featured heavy in this groups work, including 2022’s single “Blindsided”. The Backfires were quick to make fans as the dancing began almost immediately as they stepped on stage. They only have one more gig on the books so far in New York as they record a new album. You can follow their process on their Instagram.  

Right Field continued to be a place I found myself as Deer Tick was setting up. Something familiar hit my ears as the guys began playing “Bad to the Bone” as their soundcheck. I asked Deer Tick about their long and storied history with covers, including a handful of songs by mutual favorites The Pogues. You can hear all about it in my interview with Deer Tick that will be on 89.7 KRUI soon. Their set included a new song, “Mary Singletary”, from their upcoming record that will be released in June. During their set I had a thought, maybe it was that baseball was already involved, but their songs hold a very classic summer sound that feels reminiscent of CCR, The Eagles, and Dylan. Deer Tick have a handful of gigs in March around their home in the Northeast and just announced they will be playing returning to the midwest to play Summerfest in Milwaukee on Friday, June 19^th. 

At the left field stage, former pitcher and current entertainer, Ryan Dempster, continued his wonderful “Off The Mound” talk show. With a live band and a great selection of guests, Dempster is a natural at playing host to current and former baseball personalities. He entered the stage and did a quick monologue, joking how the Dodgers were so injury prone last year, one of their pitchers had to hit. I caught a lot of strays as a White Sox fan while at The Left Field Stage, on stage and off. Dempster, a long-time north sider, did not shy away from his bias to Wrigley. An olive branch was extended as one of his guests played for both sides of town. Jeff Samardzija spent six and a half season with the Cubs, and just a lonely singular year with the White Sox, was eager to talk both sports and music. Growing up a Sox fan, it was a dream to dawn the black and white pinstripes in 2015 even though baseball was not his original path. Samardzija was a two time All-American tight end and caught over 2,500 yards in three seasons for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Sharing stories of being a two-sport athlete and how youth sports have changed was interesting coming from a former professional athlete and current parents. He then spoke about meeting his wife at a Pink Floyd concert, as she was an employee to Roger Waters. After some light stalking and a few emails, Samardzija secured a date and the rest is history. It felt like watching a conversation with two old friends as Dempster created a relaxed environment and Samardzija putting his feet up. This was all wrapped together with a bow on top as the house band sounded spectacular as well.

I often hear from my seniors that there are no rock stars anymore. The spark has left the industry, guitar music is dead, and everything is made with computers now. Although computers may be scary to some, the rest could not be farther from the truth. Whenever you are in doubt, go see Cage the Elephant play a gig. Frontman Matt Schultz is a larger-than-life performer, flipping the lid off any containment he might have had. Alongside his brother Brad Schultz, drummer Jarod Champion, bassist Daniel Tichenor, and a batch of the strongest live musicians out there, Cage the Elephant was emphatic in their 19 song set. Matt Schultz mentioned that he may forget a few of the words during their performance, as they are in the process of making a new record. Their latest venture came in the form of 2024’s Neon Pill which they have toured extensively. With a new record on the way, there is a scarcity of gigs lined up for the Bowling Green natives. You can find any updates from the band here. 

Los Angeles local Lord Huron played a dreamy set as the blue lighting put him in this twilight-Esque setting, delivering a story time that a listener dreams of. Under the stars of the West, Ben Schneider put out a mix of new and old, with three songs off 2025’s “The Cosmic Selector: Vol 1” and four songs from a decades prior album “Strange Trails”. Lord Huron will embark on a lengthy tour this summer, including a stop in Waukee on July 19th. 

Twenty-One Pilots delivered a set full of new surprises at Innings Festival. Three live debuts and two covers is what Tempe was treated too, a shocker to any long time Twenty-One Pilot’s fans. Covers have eluded many fans for years, so hearing Milky Chance’s hit “Stolen Dance” intwined with the live debut of “One Way” was a shock to many. Near the end of the set, the stage went black and a static appeared on screen. Through the tech mist, rock and roll hero Jack White appeared on screen, adorned in red, black and white, to say “I’m Jack White and I give Tyler and Josh permission to do this song”. The static dissipated, and the stage became cloaked in red as the iconic “Seven Nation Army” riff began. This arrangement of The White Stripes classic was first introduced in Cleveland at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The third live appearance of this song was well worth the wait. This was a landmark set for the band, introducing “Center Mass” and “Drag Path” to a live audience, and preparing for a busy summer in Europe.  

SUNDAY 

Bowling For Soup took main stage on the final day of Innings Festival at 2:30. People were tired and the sun was beating down on the weekend snow birds, but the Texas natives brought the energy with their collection of hits and theme songs. This set included a cover of Stacy’s Mom by Fountain’s of Wayne, often mistaken as a Bowling For Soup song, this was originally by the New York rockers. Jaret Reddick and company played everything I wanted to hear as they begin another busy year in Australia, UK, and supporting Simple Plan once again this summer. I spoke with Reddick about their tour and future of the band, which you can find here. 

Right after Bowling For Soup, another trio was on fire, this time at the Right Field Stage. With an hour to play with, Eve 6 jumped throughout their famed discography. Rising to prominence in 1998 with their self-titled debut record, there was heavy representation from that outing with five songs played including “Inside Out”. Time traveling 26 years later, Eve 6 also played the song “Dream Fist” which shares the same name as the record it is on. Throughout the lively story of their career, they have continued to hold their own and produce catchy tunes. Eve 6 has three dates on the books so far for 2026, you can find tickets here. 

An unknown walking into this weekend was Switchfoot. These surfer dudes won me over with their swoopy hair and sprightly tunes. This is what festivals are all about, finding a new band and becoming a fan. The song that hooked me “Dark Horses“, and that was partially due to a touch of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” being tossed in. The San Diego natives didn’t shy away from a cover as the very next tune was The Beastie Boys “Sabatoge” blaring from bassist Tim Foreman, brother of frontman Jon Foreman. Switchfoot will hit the road this summer, with Fuel and Lit joining for select dates.

The Right Field Stage was closing out with a bang. The combination of Big Boi and Public Enemy was tantalizing to the point of believing either could have been the headliner for that day. Big Boi, who is one half of Outkast, did not shy away from his past with 10 of his 17 songs being callbacks to his days with André 3000. Although omitting their biggest hit, “Hey Ya!”, the classics like “B.O.B.” and “Ms. Jackson” got the crowd moving. Big Boi will be supporting Kid Cudi this summer on his “Rebel Rangers Tour“.

One of the most iconic rap duos of all time, Chuck D. and Flavor Flav did not fail as my anticipation for this performance was far from small. I had missed Public Enemy in 2024 at Riot Fest, and it began to haunt me as in my Music and Social Change class, we watched a documentary starring Chuck D. Not only was the salt already in the wound as “Copyright Criminals” was assigned viewing, but to hear that the professor assigning it was the executive producer hurt even more. My professor, Kembrew McLeod, helped make this documentary out of nothing, embarking on a journey highlighting the often unfair world of sampling in hip-hop. Chuck D was prominent and even played a slot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in celebration of the documentary. All of this to say, Public Enemy’s bar was raised very high. The lights grew dim and then exploded as two men in matching tracksuits walked out, one with a boombox in hand. Not far behind them were tow para-military dressed men, dawned in a yellow and gray camo. The venerable Flavor Flav then appeared in a sparkly white tracksuit before introducing the crowd to “my partner in crime, my partner in rhyme, my partner in time, Chuck D”. This set did not stop, unless Public Enemy wanted to make their political standings clear, which they were not shy about. Chuck D attempted to play it a little more subtle with his distaste for the current administration while his other half spoke with more blunt remarks. The duo was not timorous or apprehensive, continuing to take shots at the Presidents involvement in the Epstein Files or his decision to remove a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. out of the Oval Office. This was “a major disrespect” said Flavor Flav to the Arizona audience as he reminded them that The Grand Canyon State was the first to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday as a federal holiday. These statements did not come as a surprise to someone who has listened to Public Enemy’s songs, read any interviews and lyrics, or read the name of their group. Overall, an absolutely electric performance from the hip-hop veterans as I look forward to seeing them again sooner rather than later. The duo will be opening up for Guns N’ Roses for select dates on their North American Tour this summer.

To end the festival at Home Plate was Sublime and blink-182. February 22nd is a special day for Sublime, as it is Bradley Nowell’s birthday. The founding member of Sublime, and father to current singer Jakob, was just 28 at the time of his passing, with Jakob only 11 months old. As time continued to move, Jakob joined Sublime in 2023 to take over where his father left off. At Innings Festival, surrounded by two humungous inflatable “Lou Dog’s”, Jakob made sure his fathers legacy was not forgotten. A bombastic set celebrating the all too brief discography of the Long Beach band was a joy to hear in the warmth of the southwest. The set included a cover of “Scarlet Begonais” by The Grateful Dead, a cover that was originated by Bradley back in 1992. Sublime’s set felt like a celebration, and I was happy to be there for it. Sublime will be touring across Australia, Europe, and North America this year continuing the party. You can find tickets here.

This Must Be The Place was at Innings Festival, handing out free doses of Naloxone at their stand and around the festival. An incredibly important collaboration to supply people with the tools to avoid overdoses. They have given away hundreds of thousands of doses throughout their time at festivals, and it was really cool to see Innings Festival embrace and uplift this organization.

blink-182 closed down the festival with their self proclaimed “only gig of the year” for which they “only practiced twice for”. The ladder comment was amended to “one and a half times because Tom (DeLonge) wanted to beat traffic” said bassist Mark Hoppus. The San Diego pop punk pillars breezed through their 19 song set that included two plays of Travis Barker’s only lead vocal appearance “FUCK FACE”. An abrasive name, yes. An abrasive song, also yes. Quick and to the point, like much of blink-182’s discography. This set was a greatest hits collection that featured four tunes a piece from “Enema of the State”, “Untitled”, “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket”, and their most recent outing “ONE MORE TIME”. The rest of the set was made of a scattering of tracks from other records like “California’s” “Bored to Death” and blink’s first hit “Damnit”. A personal highlight of a blink show is hearing what Mark will sing during the bridge of the “Dude Ranch” single, and we got a new one with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” sung. I have heard “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan and a variety of others but this bridge was on theme. blink will go into hibernation for the time being as we await what is next for The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show.

Bands don’t shy away from the baseball theming, really embracing the uniqueness of this festival. Congress, The Band sporting matching customized baseball jerseys, and even last year The Killers opened their headlining set with “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. The wide selection of artists, and the distinctive feeling the wraps around Tempe Beach Park make it a yearly pilgrimage for many. Innings Festival is not only a kick off to Spring Training, but festival season, as the gears begin to spin for 2026. I for one, am very excited for whats to come. Extra Innings Festival will be held in the same location this coming weekend as it focuses on country music. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned to KRUI for my interviews with Peach Pit, Deer Tick, and Eve 6 and tune into Downey’s Hour Monday Nights 9:00-11:00PM for your latest festival news!

All photos courtesy of Innings Festival.

The post Innings Festival Recap appeared first on KRUI Radio.

FRIDAY 

HOME PLATE 

Tyler Ballgame 12:50-1:35

Newcomer Tyler Ballgame is right at home at Innings Festival, marking the start of a very busy spring ahead. Opening for St. Paul and the Broken Bones, The Head and the Heart, and a run of headlining gigs in Europe, there is no slowing down after the release of his debut record “For the First Time, Again”. He recently performed the title track live on CBS News Live Sessions. His influences are worn on his sleeve, hearing drops of Elvis and John Lennon throughout the record. 

Marcy Playground 2:30-3:15

In 1994, the figurehead for the grunge movement died and alt radio doesn’t skip a bit diving into the Green Day and The Offspring infused punk scene. But in the few days where people didn’t know what to play, Marcy Playground developed an infusion of post-grunge, and a touch of psychedelic at times that became a staple in the rotating cd readers as people drove.  

Goo Goo Dolls 6:35-7:50

Everyone loves “Iris”. Who doesn’t? But there is so much more to not only the record “Dizzy Up The Girl”, but the rest of the bands discography. Prioritizing analog recording styles and what began their careers, the band released “Chaos In Bloom” in 2023 and the EP “Summer Anthem” in 2025. Continuing their partnership with last summers touring buddies, Dashboard Confessionals, they will both hit this festival. The Goo Goo Dolls will tour Canada briefly in March. 

Mumford and Sons 9:00-10:30

Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwayne, and Ben Lovett have been a powerhouse the past year. In 2025, the trio that is known as Mumford and Sons has released their first record since 2018, “RUSHMERE” on March 28th, played 102 shows across the world, and recorded a new album “Prizefighter”, to release on the night they headline Innings Festival, February 20^th. The return of their classic vibrant folk rock on “RUSHMERE” has led way to a more grounded and calm track listing on the first three of “Prizefighter”. This new record has attracted the likes of Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Gracie Abrams, and more. Mumford and Sons will continue their domination in 2026, including a return to Iowa at Hinterland. With a mixture of never before heard songs and the hits that led them into stardom, it is a can’t miss set. 

RIGHT FIELD 

Congress The Band 1:40-2:25

Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, this group of five is the youngest band at Innings Fest. A jumble of fun, the indie rock belted by lead singer William Bennet is a joy to hear. While not many songs are available to listen right now, their brief collection holds hooks that latch on, including a great cover of Amy Whinehouse’s “Valerie“. Congress The Band is an exciting group that will be a great start to the festival.

Peach Pit 5:30-6:30

As good as it gets, Peach Pit is going to be a highlight of the weekend. Flying south to the warmer weather, this group of Canadian indie-rockers have been a staple in my ear for a while now. They’re four for four on records after 2024’s “Magpie” continued their hot streak. With melodic riffs today that becomes tomorrows hums at work, Peach Pit is a can’t miss. 

SATURDAY 

HOME PLATE 

Catie Turner 12:30-1:35

First rising to prominence in 2018 during season sixteen of American Idol, the Pennsylvania born singer has had the knack for performance her whole life. Making it to the top 7 that year, it was just the beginning as Catie Turner has gone on to release a barrage of tracks throughout the years since. Heading this together was the split EP, “Comedy and Tragedy” in 2023 reflecting on the passing of her father. These emotionally charged tracks are heartfelt and confident in what they are saying about loss and love. Turner released “Hurt You Now”, a three song selection, this past week.

Cage the Elephant 6:35-7:50

You are in for an unbeatable live show when Cage the Elephant takes the stage. Hailing from the home of bluegrass, these fine Kentucky gentlemen emphasize the “blues” aspect in their slick riffs and beautiful guitar tone. Lead singer Matt Schultz has grown into one of the greatest frontmen alive by turning the stage into a playground, swinging around with no regard to the woodchips in his shoes and scraps on his knees. A must see in every sense of the word.

Twenty-One Pilots 9:00-10:30

Nearing the end of extensively touring their 2024 record “Clancy” “”, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun put out “Breach” just sixteen months later as they prepare to step away from their hectic schedule. Before they play their singular North American show on Saturday night, the duo are set to release a new single “Drag Path” on February 17th. Twenty-One Pilots will hit the road in Europe to tour “Clancy” this summer playing a variety of festivals across the continent.

RIGHT FIELD 

The Backfires 12:10-12:45

New York indie rockers The Backfires have been on my list for quite a while. Energetic and lively, I was first introduced to them in 2022 from their single “Blindsided”. Word spread to me about their great live shows and the anticipation has only grown. Releasing their first record “This Is Not An Exit” in January 2025, The Backfires have been a force touring this record including a headlining gig at The Bowery Ballroom and opening up for The Happy Fits.  

Deer Tick 1:40-2:25

The Rhode Island native John McCauley created a very unique sound in 2004. Since then, he has been joined by Christopher Dale Ryan, Dennis Michael Ryan, and Ian Patrick O’Neil to create what is known as Deer Tick. Dancing the fine line of folk, blues, rock, country, Americana, and any other genre you enjoy listening to, this versatile quartet has embarked on a journey that has given them an impressive resume. Their most recent venture, the 2024 EP “Contractual Obligations” leans into a rocking maturity that is a must listen.

Silversun Pickups 3:20-4:20

Entering year 26 of their careers, Silversun Pickups are still putting out phenomenal tracks. This can be most recently seen in their 2026 record “Tentahooks“. Lead single, “The Wreckage” creates an atmosphere reminiscent of their hits that gave the bug to all of their fans years ago. The 10 track record is their first in four years. Based out of LA, this band begins a busy year touring this brand new record.

SUNDAY

HOME PLATE 

Common People 12:50-1:35

From all over the country, these gentleman gathered to make music. Some from the west, east, and everywhere in the middle, Common People is a band of destiny. Starting out as all good bands do, just jamming with some friends. Nicky Winegardner, Cormac Cadden, Knorad Ulich, Asher Thompson, and Sam Belzer hit the record button one day, and the rest is history (with most still unwritten). Supporting fellow Innings Fest players on their upcoming tour, Congress The Band, Common People will hit the stage with their latest single “Rain” and a collection of their back catalogue.

Bowling For Soup 2:30-3:15

“If you went to a Bowling for Soup show and the PA caught on fire and all of the microphones failed and somebody stole all the guitars, Jared Reddick could stand there without a microphone and entertain 2,000 people by himself for three hours. He could do it”. This is a quote from Brendan Brown of Wheatus about Bowling for Soup frontman Jaret Reddick. This is spot on too might I add,. A lively and happy show is a staple product of Bowling For Soup, leaving you with a smile on your face after some great pop punk tunes.  

blink-182 9:00-10:30

Innings Festival is lucky, they will play host to the singular show on the books for blink-182 as of now. The California pop punk trio has been out on the road quite a bit since reuniting in 2022, but look to be taking a step back this coming year. An opportunity to see this band and its original members is one that is too good to pass up. This retreat is in hopes of new music, as their 2023 record “One More Time…“, and its deluxe edition have entered the ancient age of three years old now. Hoping for a continuation of their “Missionary Impossible Tour” setlist, this is a great way to send the fest home.

RIGHT FIELD 

Artikal Sound System 1:40-2:25

A reggae vibe at the park is an ideal way to start the day as Artikal Sound System brings their southern Florida charm to Right Field. Entering year 14 of making music, Chris Montague and Fabian Acuña have dazzled across the country. This sound will be a nice compliment to Sublime playing later in the day, both sharing that reggae heart. A.S.S. most recent LP was 2025’s “Are You Smiling” in January quickly followed by their single “Orange Crush” in May. 

Big Boi 5:30-6:30

Sunday holds the hip hop artists as Big Boi will take the stage for the first time in what will be a busy 2026. One half to Outkast, Big Boi has been a staple in the world of rap, anchoring down as an influence to many of todays contemporaries. His music always seems to find a way to young peoples ears, including opening for Kid Cudi on his Rebel Rangers Tour this summer.  

Public Enemy 7:55-8:55

Chuck D and Flavor Flav’s hip hop duo burst onto the scene in 1985, blossoming out of New York with their strong political themes. Public Enemy is a force to be reckoned with.They rose to prominence in the 90’s, receiving four consecutive Bes Rap Performance by a Duo or Group from 90-93 for “Fight The Power” and records like “Fear of a Black Planet”. The pair have continued to make music throughout their 41 years, including 2025’s release “Black Sky Over The Projects: Apartment 2025”.  

LEFT FIELD STAGE

On top of the incredible musicians playing this festival, there is a baseball side to it. Leading the charge is former pitcher Ryan Dempster, who brings his “Off the Mound” talk show to the Left Field Stage each day of the festival. Pairing that with Jake Peavy’s All Star Jam on Friday, this is an absolute joy to have and something you can only find at Innings Festival. Celebrating the start of Spring Training is a glorious thing, and theres no better way to do it than listening to baseball players jam. There will also be meet and greet opportunities at Speed Pitch and Batting Cage with the likes of Brandon Crawford, Mark Grace, and more!

This combination of baseball and music is a match made in heaven. Enjoying the Arizona sun during the coldest months of the year, surrounded by the worlds finest bands and gold glove winners is a singular experience. Tickets for Innings Festival are almost all gone, with limited Friday and Sunday passes left that you can find here. Stay tuned for interviews and a recap and listen to Downey’s Hour Monday nights 9:00-11:00 PM!

The post Innings Festival Preview appeared first on KRUI Radio.