Photos by Gabriela Barbieri

Last night, Baltimore jam-funk quartet, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong kicked off their highly anticipated annual Domefest weekend with an explosion of energy and excitement in the form of a pre-party at Skully’s in Columbus, Ohio. The show was exclusive to Domefest attendees, making it an intimate and rousing gathering.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong wasted no time and started the night with “French Cafe,” a song they haven’t played since Sept. 29, 2022, marking the eighth time they performed the track in the past five years. The band then delved into extended versions of beloved classics like “Whirled,” “Live Life,” and “Upfunk,” setting the stage for what would become the highlight of the first set: an unfinished “J-Town” which seamlessly flowed into “Zydeko,” then “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” and back into “Zydeko.”

The second set’s highlight was a bit harder to define as the segment was comprised of only one song: a blistering and hype-inspiring “Hell Yeah.” Right off the bat, the band embarked on a musical journey, exploring various sections and styles of jamming, ultimately delivering their third-ever one-song set – the marathon of improvisation and on-stage familiarity tracked in at around 70 minutes. The ensemble then encored with a jam of “Kiwi” > “Yo Soy Fiesta.”

Domefest music festival will kick off at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, tonight. The event promises five sets from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, including a special Under Cover performance, and features exciting collaborations with The Domefest All-Stars. Other featured artists set to perform include Twiddle, TAUK ft. Kanika Moore, Magic Beans, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, and many more.