Blue skies greeted festivalgoers on Capitol Groove’s second day, a perfect canvas for Spectre Jones to open with their bright, indie rock energy. Shifting from Saturday’s jam-heavy vibe, Spectre Jones welcomed the crowd with fresh tracks and even surprised with a heartfelt cover of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” reimagined with their own indie flair.

The Greeting Committee followed, fronted by a powerhouse vocalist who wasted no time setting the day’s tone with her infectious enthusiasm. Their set felt like stumbling into a sold-out midweek gig at your favorite underground venue, absolutely. In addition to their originals, they delivered a killer cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps,” cementing themselves as a must-see live act.

Fantastic Negrito was up next, blending the raw ingredients of soul, gospel, and heavier blues rock into a cocktail of sound that packed a serious punch. The band conjured the vibe of a hazy, hot night at a back-alley jazz club. The lead singer’s humor kept transitions smooth and the crowd engaged, with songs off their new album and a standout performance of “Transgender Biscuits,” a track that draws attention to the absurdity of discrimination.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones kept the energy flowing with a solid, soulful set. Their polished performance showcased why they’re a festival favorite, seamlessly blending Southern soul and modern R&B. At one point, the frontman even ventured out into the crowd wearing what could only be described as a disco-ball choir robe, adding a playful element to their set.

Next, Sammy Rae & The Friends bounced onto the stage with upbeat energy, shrugging off some equipment delays to dive straight into their vibrant set. Sammy Rae’s home state connection – she grew up in Derby – added a poignant note, as she shared how much it meant to play at Capitol Groove in the heart of Connecticut. She joked that one of her bandmates had bet her not to mention growing up in Connecticut, a wager she happily lost.

By the time Cake took the stage, the crowd had swelled to its peak. Despite mistakenly calling Hartford “New Haven,” the band kept the mood light and playful, leaning into their trademark political satire at times. They entertained with a story about wanting to launch hot dogs into the crowd with a hot dog gun – rejected by management over food permit concerns – and led an interactive two-part chorus on “Sick of You,” splitting the crowd to chant back and forth.

As night fell, Bleachers closed the festival with a showstopping set. With darkness came the magic of Capitol Groove’s lighting design, finally able to shine against the night sky, transforming the stage with a signature aesthetic that made the outdoor venue feel like an indoor music hall. The younger crowd pushed to the barriers, dancing and singing every word, while the band’s elaborate stage transformation — from the backdrop to the stage floor —delivered a level of production rarely seen at outdoor festivals. Bleachers’ high-energy performance capped Capitol Groove’s second year on an electrifying high note.

The weekend wrapped with a sense of community and shared passion for live music. The crowd, spanning aging Gen Xers and elder millennials to younger fans, found common ground through a lineup that skillfully bridged generations. Thanks to excellent planning, a hardworking crew, and full support from the City of Hartford, Capitol Groove’s sophomore year proved this festival is destined to become a staple summer tradition for years to come.

See day two through our lens — the music, the people, and the memories. Photos below!