I know there was a party at Studio B, but for me The Hold Steady kicked off what seems to be a great festival. Very well run, lots of free drinks, plenty of bands to see, people to watch, and scenes to enjoy. What’s not to like? Every day is jam packed from larger shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg to plenty of up and coming acts in bars and performance spaces.

The show last night was kicked off by Hype of the States. This power-pop rock ‘n’ roll band had some great tunes and definitely made for an easy transition into the night. There were plenty of fun moments, some good rocking moments, and plenty of energy. The lead singer, Jezrael, had great stage presence. She engaged the audience, had plenty of laughs and seemed to love sharing the stage with The Hold Steady. Some of the more memorable songs included “Ziggy” and “Not Me”.

If you don’t know how I feel about The Hold Steady, check out my previous review. Love the band, love the show, love the energy. They played the hits, a lot of the new album, and were glad to be wrapping up their fourth and final show in NYC.

Music Hall was jam packed with fans and it became a bit crazy. The kids were moshing, throwing beer, but for the most part it was light-hearted raucousness. Several fans were there for all four nights, some seeing The Hold Steady over twenty times and many more seeing them multiple of times. The Hold Steady opened up with “Stay Positive” the only fitting way to open really. Full of great vibes, the show clicked and the band was tight. The band, and the crowd, kicked it up a gear with “Chips Ahoy!” followed by “Sequestered in Memphis”.

Craig Finn is such a great front man, miming the words after he sings them, doing the double-time clapping, swinging his arms, he just commands the stage. He took some time to address the audience. Being in New York and watching baseball he realized something “No matter how many steroid using MVP’s they sign, the Yankees still can’t beat the Red Sox” which segued beautifully into “Hostile Mass”.

When “Massive Nights” swung into “Party Pit”, the place was simply electric. The atmosphere was charged with people and good vibes. A trio of songs off of Stay Positive, “Joke About Jamaica”, “Lord I’m Discouraged” and “Constructive Summer” was played right before the one-two closing of “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” and “Stuck Between Stations”.

For the encore, The Hold Steady played “Southtown Girls”, “Most People Are DJs” and “Slapped Actress”. The Hold Steady proved once again they are one of the best live acts going today.

Northside Festival continues all this weekend, including sets by John Vanderslice, Tuneyards, Dodos, Sunset Rubdown, Bishop Allen. Check out all the details at Northsidefestival.com