‘So much love in Sac’ Artists, concertgoers reunite at Sacramento’s Sol Blume R&B festival

After two years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sacramento native Lauren Wright was one of 40,000 people delighted to be in Discovery Park to enjoy music and the camaraderie created by this weekend’s Sol Blume festival.

Organizers said attendees this year traveled from 46 U.S. states, Canada, England, Spain, Germany, Australia and Japan.

Wright, who now lives in Oakland, hadn’t heard about the festival until a friend encouraged her to check it out. When she saw the lineup of Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan and Jorja Smith, she knew she needed join the fun.

“I saw the list of people,” said Wright. “There have never been so many artists that I love”

Also excited for the lineup, Redding native Josh Lucas came to Sacramento to experience the in-person performances.

“We’re just excited for the lineup,” said Lucas. “(There are) a lot of great artists that we wanted to see here, (I’m) just excited to come to a festival where the kids can come and experience some music and enjoy.”

Dang Tran of Sacramento agreed that it was “family oriented”.

“It was very chill,” said Tran. “A lot of families can listen to it and dance and just get jiggy with it.”

Fairfield native Jordan Mafnas said he had nothing but positive energy at the two-day event.

“Immaculate vibes. Great music. Great artists. Amazing people. Dope times,” said Mafnas.

It wasn’t just an event for the fans, as performing artists had the opportunity to enjoy Sacramento and put on a show for fans who haven’t been able to attend concerts during the pandemic.

Berkeley native and Bay Area rapper, Faraji Wright, known as Rexx Life Raj, said that the pandemic hiatus has been long awaited, but he was excited to be out there.

“I’m excited, man, just to be back outside and it’s dope to see the energy because as much as I’m happy to be on stage, I know that people are happy to be outside with no mask and really take in the music, take the energy, and take in the vibes.” said Raj.

Raj said Sacramento is one of his favorite places to perform. He sold out his first headlining tour that featured a stop in Sacramento.

“It feels tight man, Sacramento is one of my favorite places to perform. (There is) so much love in Sac,” said Raj. “So this is pure love in Sac, I got a lot of homies out here. I love Sacramento.”

He just finished his new album “The Blue Hour,” featuring three singles: “Balance,” “Beauty and the Madness” featuring Wale and Fireboy DML and “Jheri Curl” featuring Larry June.

Jenevieve Johnson is a rising singer, songwriter and fashionista, who simply goes by her first name on stage. She was given a warm reception during her first-ever festival performance.

Her first song “Medallion” kicked off the set. She moved the crowd, ending with her hit single “Baby Powder” from her album “Division.”

“I just love being at festivals and seeing artists perform,” said Jenevieve. “It’s like this is so much fun. I love the vibe.”