On August 3rd, 2024, XLNC Presents hosted the Excellency Music Festival in Bay City, MI, bringing together DIY bands from across the country for an incredible day of music. From Thanks! I Hate It from Holliway, CA, to Prince Daddy and The Hyena from Albany, NY; bands from coast to coast united to perform. The festival kicked off at noon with Michigan natives Car Crash Rhetoric and Motion Sick delivering spectacular sets that set the tone for the day.

At the Atypical Stage (main stage), Pesky Kid and Cheem kept the momentum going with their energetic performances, getting everyone on their feet. Meanwhile, on the Planted Stage, Car Crash Rhetoric was followed by Thanks! I Hate It, MooseCreek Park, Tiny Voices, and Palette Knife, all delivering powerful performances. Over at the PNWK Records Stage, Motion Sick was followed by Cascade Riot, Potionseller, FinalBossFight!, and The Casper Fight Scene, each band putting on an impressive show that made it hard to leave for the next set. 

Back at the main stage, TRSH, Forest Green, Rarity, and Heart To Gold were so incredible that I even found myself in the pit at times. Even though I made sure to visit the sets of Excuse Me, Who Are You?, Fremont Pike, Kerosene Heights, Low Phase, and Red Sun, I knew I couldn’t miss what was happening at the Atypical Stage for the rest of the evening. Ogbert the Nerd took the stage around 6:30 PM, playing both old and new songs, including tracks from their recently released (killer) album What You Want. Harrison Gordon and Carly Cosgrove rocked out with sets that had everyone in the crowd jumping in the pit, setting the stage for the night’s headliners.

At 9:20 PM, Prince Daddy & The Hyena took the stage, instantly drawing the entire festival crowd. Their hits "Really?", "I Forgot To Take My Meds Today," and "A Random Exercise in Impermanence (The Collector)" quite literally shook the ground with the energy from both the fans and the band. Although their set was shorter than many had hoped, Prince Daddy & The Hyena sure knew how to use it.

Free Throw closed the festival perfectly. At one point, Tades Sanville from Hot Mulligan made a guest appearance, joining in to sing their joint song "A Part Is Better Than Zero" from Free Throw’s new album "Lessons That We Swear To Keep." Crowd favorites like "Tongue Tied," "Randy, I Am The Liquor," and "Two Beers In" made for an unforgettable end to an amazing day.

Excellency Music Festival 2024 was phenomenal in every way. August 2025 can’t come soon enough!