Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The alternative musical marathon known as the Q101 Piqniq is an annual concert institution, always known for bringing the brightest burning of today and tomorrow to the masses, while being anchored by an A-list headliner.

In terms of the 2023 edition that filled up much of Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island, Incubus topped the bill, bridging multiple generations with innovative experiments spanning the 1990s through now.

Though the headliners are finally getting the chance to perform a bit of the pandemic-derailed “Trust Fall (Side B),” they made sure to address many more periods with an improvisational flavor, all of which felt fully alive, rather than merely a redo of the multi-platinum past.

Considering no two set lists are exactly the same, Incubus opened with “Magic Medicine” and quickly settled into a colossal, electronically-saturated groove that eventually yielded such durable smashes as “Nice To Know You,” “Pardon Me,” “Stellar” and “Wish You Were Here” as Brandon Boyd and the entire band sounded better than ever.

Right beforehand, Badflower revved up a grunge-focused attack, giving everyone a ferocious slice of “This Is How The World Ends” and getting heavier with every second towards the sunset.

“Tejano Punk Boys” Giovannie & The Hired Guns took a rowdy and rousing country-flavored approach to some good old fashioned rock and roll, instantly reeling in in the attention of afternoon arrivers.

There were a couple of other acts who didn’t permit press, but another major point of attraction was the early inclusion of Paris Jackson, a singer/songwriter/guitarist since 2020, but no stranger to the scene as the daughter of Michael Jackson.

Tracks from her indie rock solo endeavors, plus a cover of Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” were gritty, earthy and assertive as Q101 listeners found out firsthand she’s well on the way to carving out a unique niche within America’s most established family dynasty of iconic entertainers.

For additional information on Q101 and Incubus, visit Q101.com and IncubusHQ.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Ghost (Aug. 15); Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 22); 5 Seconds Of Summer (Aug. 23); Dominic Fike (Aug. 24); Beck and Phoenix (Aug. 31); Duran Duran (Sept. 1) and Hozier (Sept. 12). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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