By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

 The Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival returned on March 29, bringing hundreds of people together at the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater for an evening filled with live music, art, and family-friendly entertainment. Headlined by Arizona native and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, the festival transformed the park into a lively outdoor concert venue, with lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and hammocks spread across the grassy amphitheater. The smell of sunscreen, kettle corn, and sizzling food truck offerings filled the air as families, friends, and music lovers gathered to enjoy the West Valley’s signature springtime event.

The festival has become a major cultural draw for the city of Goodyear, offering a space where local talent shares the stage with nationally recognized artists.

“This doesn't happen without a lot of people working together to put this on,” said Goodyear Mayor, Joe Pizillo who encouraged the crowd to thank the arts and culture commission, city volunteers and parks and recreation department for their efforts in putting together the event. “We're able as a result of these great partnerships and team and all your support out there put on these events for free, which is great.”

This year’s lineup reflected that blend, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. with a mariachi performance by students from the Tolleson Elementary School District. The school’s band director, Efrain Casillas, recognized as Arizona’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, led the young musicians in a performance that showcased the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Following them was Garrett James & The Wanderers, who delivered a classic rock set as representatives of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, a nonprofit that provides free music education and support for young musicians. West Valley favorites Jane N’ The Jungle took the stage next, bringing a high-energy modern rock performance that had the crowd on its feet.

Blues legend, Francine Reed, followed at 6 p.m., marking a special moment in the festival. Best known for her decades-long collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Lyle Lovett, Reed’s soulful voice has made her a fixture in the blues and jazz world. Over the years, she has performed alongside music greats such as Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Though she announced her retirement in 2021, she continues to make select appearances, making her Goodyear performance a rare experience for attendees.

Francine Reed performs at a Goodyear music festival.

Mary Goldmeer\ Independent Newsmedia

“It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to come home and perform and I wasn’t expecting this,” Sparks said in response to playing in front of an estimated crowd of 1,500 attendees. “It is so good to be home. I am so happy to be here. I have family out here tonight. I'm just on cloud nine.”

Jordin Sparks performs at a Goodyear music festival

Mary Goldmeer \ Independent Newsmedia

The Phoenix-born singer, who grew up in Glendale, has built an impressive career since winning American Idol in 2007 at just 17 years old. Her 2008 hit “No Air,” a duet with Chris Brown, remains one of the best-selling singles by an American Idol alum. In 2024, she released “No Restrictions,” her first full-length album in nearly a decade, which features collaborations with artists like T-Pain and Stonebwoy. She has also expanded into television, hosting Roller Jam, a roller-skating competition series that premiered on Max in 2024.

The night concluded with In Color Band at 8:30 p.m., bringing a country-infused performance that had festivalgoers dancing and singing along. Their set capped off a day of music that spanned multiple genres, giving attendees a little bit of everything, from mariachi to modern rock to blues, R&B, and country.

Beyond the music, the festival offered a range of activities that made it a destination for families and visitors of all ages. Giant lawn games and a dedicated kids’ zone kept younger attendees entertained, while an artisan vendor market provided a shopping experience filled with unique, locally made goods. The food truck lineup offered a variety of flavors, with attendees lining up for everything from barbecue to tacos to sweet treats. For those looking to relax, the beer garden, sponsored by Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, provided a spot to enjoy a cold drink while taking in the performances.

Now a staple of Goodyear’s cultural calendar, the Lakeside Music Festival continues to grow each year, drawing in crowds from across the West Valley and beyond. By blending local talent with nationally recognized artists, the festival not only provides an unforgettable night of entertainment but also strengthens the community’s connection to the arts.