The line for Quantum Collective was insane when we first arrived. Presumably, everyone was lined up to catch a glimpse of Matisyahu, but even the woman at the door seemed unconvinced that the awaiting crowd would make it in. Thankfully, we did. Just in time for In the Valley Below.  At the start of their set, the crowd seemed pretty unenthused. My only guess was that they were all there for Matisyahu. But by the end of their set, In the Valley Below had won the crowd over.

Matisyahu was up next, but unfortunately announced early on in his set that the appearance would be cut short as he had a plane to catch in 45 minutes.  The crowd didn’t care. They ate up every minute. Even when he brought out friends like Kosha Dillz to freestyle for the Whole Foods rooftop audience. One person even noted, “I can totally forgive him for a short set. He really packed it in.”

Immediately following was A Great Big World who genuinely thought it was “a dream come true to play at Whole Foods.” As relative newcomers they seemed ecstatic to be performing for everyone. Saying,  “When Matisyahu was up here we were like ‘Oh shit. We’re not as cool.’ Oh well.  It is what it is.” Cool had nothing to do with it. The crowd was delighted to see A Great Big World and especially to hear their hit single “Say Something.”

Olympian Shaun White’s band Bad Things followed and were met with a crowd of eager young fans. Everyone vying to get a photo of the snowboarding star.  By the time Bad Things had finished their set, the line to get in was virtually non-existent which was good news for anyone hoping to catch the second half of the lineup, which featured talent liked Kris Allen, Barcelona, and Lisa Marie Presley.