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Show Lineup: Justice, LCD Soundsystem, Alvvays, Sylvan Esso, and many more.
Genre(s): EDM, Indietronica, Indie, Shoegaze
Venue:Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix, AZ
Date: 03/07/25-03/08/25
Description: M3F is a non profit family music festival that gives back to local foundations in the Valley. Their mission is to make sure everyone has access to Arts, Community, Education, and the environment! Ticket purchases, go to foundations like Circle the City, Aunt Rita’s foundation, St.Mary's food bank and much more! This festival was the best of both worlds! You are able to have a great time with live music and art experiences while giving back to your community!
Reviewer Name: Lexie Shaw
Date of Review: 03/14/25
Day 1
When Miriam and I first entered the festival, we were immersed in a loving, fun community at M3F. Four different stages were set up with various artists playing all around. Despite the rain and mud, the venue accommodated the conditions by allowing umbrellas in the park, which was immensely helpful! Soon after, we chose the first band to see—Orion’s Belt. Their hypnotic performance and stunning visuals captivated the crowd, and we knew right away that we were in for an incredible experience.
Shortly after, we explored the Vendor’s Village. The grounds were dotted with shops for pashminas (I bought one, of course!), jewelry vendors, and food trucks offering a variety of treats.
Later in the evening, we caught glimpses of Ricky Montgomery’s set, but unfortunately, he was over 40 minutes late. To make the most of our time, Miriam and I went to see Slow Pulp instead. I had only known them for their song Falling Apart, but hearing it live was unforgettable! The band was gracious and kind, frequently thanking their families for their support. It was heartwarming to see their camaraderie, as they were all childhood friends—their sense of community on stage was contagious.
As the night progressed, we eagerly awaited the final two artists on our Must Watch list—Alvvays and LCD Soundsystem. The energy in the air grew as the light faded, signaling the headliners would take the stage soon. We were lucky enough to get 4th-row spots for Alvvays’ performance. Listening to Archie, Marry Me felt like a dream come true. The band’s vibrant energy, coupled with dazzling lights, created pure magic. At that point, I thought they had provided my favorite performance of the night—but I was wrong.
The moment LCD Soundsystem began with You Wanted a Hit, everything changed. Micha (KAMP’s Alternative MD), Miriam, and I went wild. I had listened to their music before, butseeing them live was on a completely different level. With every 10-minute song, the build-up and eventual release of energy were indescribable. Highlights of their set included All My Friends, where I witnessed peak bromance in the crowd, and Dance Yourself Clean, which shook the audience to its core. Everyone jumped, danced, and connected in the most joyous ways. It was, without a doubt, the most incredible live performance I had experienced, and I urge everyone to see LCD Soundsystem at least once in their life.
With Day 1 wrapped up, Miriam and I headed back to rest and prepare for another exciting day.
Day 2
We were greeted with sunny skies on Day 2—no rain this time! This made for flawless production and stunning visuals. The energy on the grounds remained high, even with slightly fewer people attending.
The first artist we saw was Beach Weather, whose funky cow visuals were a quirky highlight. We didn’t stay long, though, as Sylvan Esso was getting ready to perform. To get a good spot, we made our way to their stage early.
I hadn’t listened to much of Sylvan Esso prior to the festival, but as soon as lead singer Amelia Meath appeared in her shiny, silver aluminum-like outfit, I was hooked! The duo’s unique electro-pop sound combined with dazzling mirrors that reflected light everywhere was an absolute spectacle. The entire crowd, myself included, sang our hearts out and basked in the electric atmosphere.
Afterward, we made a detour to Girl Talk’s dance party. He invited select crowd members onto the stage to dance while spinning insane mashups—from Cardi B to The Cardigans. Somehow, the transitions were seamless, and the high-energy vibe reinvigorated the crowd, including us. It was the perfect lead-up to Justice, the closing headliner.
Justice’s set turned the festival into an underground rave. Their immersive visuals, synchronized beats, and incredible crowd interactions made for an unforgettable experience. The duo, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, entered the audience humbly to thank everyone for their support, which made the performance feel even more meaningful. I was completely swept up in the music and visuals, so much so that I didn’t film a single moment—I was too immersed to take my eyes (or ears) off the stage.
Initially, I was unsure about having Justice as Day 2’s closing act, but any doubts vanished by the end. Their performance justified why they earned the honor of wrapping up the festival. Even after their set ended, the energy lingered among the crowd, spilling out into the streets as we left with unforgettable memories.
Final Thoughts
M3F Festival truly delivered a weekend to remember, filled with phenomenal music, vibrant art, and an extraordinary sense of community. From unforgettable performances by LCD Soundsystem, Alvvays, Sylvan Esso, and Justice to the lively Vendor's Village and engaging dance parties, each moment felt special.
Even beyond the music, M3F’s dedication to giving back to the community added another layer of meaning to the event. Supporting local foundations like Circle the City and St. Mary’s Food Bank demonstrated how this festival was about more than great performances—it was about making a difference.
A huge thank you to M3F Festival for curating such a dynamic and diverse lineup while creating a space that beautifully blended art, music, and social impact. Until next year, thank you for the music, the community, and the memories!
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