The second annual All Points West Music and Arts Festival returned to Liberty State Park in Jersey City on Friday with the first day capped off by superstar rapper Jay-Z (aka J-Hova and Jigga).
Jay-Z was a last minute replacement for the Beastie Boys, who had to cancel out from the festival after longtime member Adam Yauch announced he had cancer. Jay-Z in turn paid tribute to the Beastie Boys when he opened his concert with their classic, “No Sleep Til’ Brooklyn,” to a loud ovation by thousands of festivalgoers.
He then launched into his own classics including “Dirt Off My Shoulder” and “Jigga What, Jigga Who” accompanied by a live band. His set adorned with red lights at the back of the stage, blue lights streaming from the left and right sides of the stage, and a 10-minute countdown displayed on a large digital screen made one think of Christmas and New Year’s Eve in July.
The audience was crackling with energy as many close to the front threw up hand signs referring to his J-Hova nickname and were dancing in the muddy field below the stage. Some even credited him with bringing out the sun toward the evening after a long afternoon of heavy rain.
Other performers who entertained throughout the day included Australian songwriter Xavier Rudd, Queens hip-hop duo Organized Konfusion and the indie rock band Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. – Ricardo Kaulessar
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