ACL Day 2: Childish Gambino

Playing an iconic comeback set after having to cancel due to an injury last year, Childish Gambino put on an incredible show to top off day 2 of ACL. With a packed crowd at the American Express stage, Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover made a dramatic entrance on a separate platform in front of the sound booth in the center of the audience. With an incredible live band, dancers, and choir, his set was powerful and soulful from start to finish.

He connected effortlessly and authentically with his audience and said how he appreciated the fact that everyone waited another year to see him perform at the festival. Playing a satisfying setlist of a variety of his both old and new music, he curated the perfect blend of his discography, from all our favorite Because the Internet hits, to his latest songs like “Feels Like Summer.”

Photo by Katrina Barber, courtesy of Austin City Limits Festival.

Glover’s background as an entertainer definitely shined through with his set as well, but at the same time, he felt genuine and free-spirited. Bringing all the jazz and blues-inspired pieces and “taking us to church,” he put his all into the set as he danced and went into the crowd several times.

With the ability to not only create an expansive discography and excel as an entertainer but also the ability to bring all of that to life with a live show, Donald Glover is truly a creative mind our generation is lucky to have. Fireworks exploding, the crowd vibing out to his energy, and the heat and sun setting on a great day of music, Childish Gambino was the perfect headliner to top off day 2.

Don’t get FOMO – get tickets to weekend 2 while you can to see him do it one more time!