Photos: Izzy Hedges & the Lemon Wedges, Sleet, and Virga at The Koi Pond

May 16, 2024

Maura Dayton,

Izzy Hedges & the Lemon Wedges. // Photo by Maura Dayton

Izzy Hedges & the Lemon Wedges
Sleet
Virga
The Koi Pond
Friday, May 10, 2024

In the words of the great Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer” and what better way for KU students to celebrate the end of another school year than a show at Lawrence’s hottest new DIY venue, The Koi Pond? The Koi Pond has already made a name for itself hosting some of the latest and greatest bands and artists in the Lawrence scene right now, despite only having hosted four shows thus far. Last Friday’s show was no exception, featuring Izzy Hedges & the Lemon Wedges, Sleet, and Virga.

Izzy Hedges & the Lemon Wedges kicked off the show featuring a new lineup, adding Isaac Castro from Discotek Mama on lead guitar. Although Discotek Mama and Izzy Hedges operate in two different genres and styles of music, Castro’s ripping solos and riffs were the perfect musical spice to add to their original songs, such as “Alice,” “Hey Kid,” and “Three Hours.” The Lemon Wedges’ indie rock sound brought the chill vibes that were needed for students after a long school year.

Sleet took the stage next, performing a half-and-half set of covers and originals, including a cover of “LONELY DEZIRES” by Turnstile, which is an inevitable way to get the mosh pit going. Sleet definitely brought the energy, but they also gave us some nice mellow moments to help the audience catch a few breaths during their song “Static.” I can say that Sleet did a fine job preparing the crowd for the last act of the show.

Last, but definitely not least, Virga blessed the audience with their eclectic mix of Midwest shoegaze and folk. They performed many songs off of their self-titled debut record, such as “Ghost” and “Portal,” which was released in August of 2023. They also treated us to an unreleased song titled “Dragonfly,” leaving us excited for what the future has in store for Virga.

Our photographer Maura Dayton was there to capture the action: