Journey caps first day of Music Midtown in Atlanta

Arnel Pineda with Journey. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ATLANTA — The rock band Journey capped the first day of the third annual Music Midtown Festival with a set that lasted nearly two hours, performing hits such as “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Any Way You Want It.”

“This is the best time we’ve had in years,” lead singer Arnel Pineda said to a screaming and packed crowd on Friday night at the Piedmont Park in downtown Atlanta. “Thank you for everything. Thank you.”

Rapper 2 Chainz was also a headline performer earlier at the two-day festival. He put on an energetic set that featured his hit songs such as “Birthday Song,” ”I’m Different” and “Feds Watching.”

“This is my hometown, so welcome to the Music Midtown,” the rapper said.

Shortly after 2 Chainz’s performance, the crowd shifted from the Great Southeastern Music Hall to the neighboring Electric Ballroom stage to catch alternative rock group Phoenix. The four-man band from France performed a number of hits from “1901” to “Entertainment.”

Pineda leaped off the stage during Journey’s performance and gave fans in the front row high 5s. Neal Schon, the guitarist of the five-man band, played the Star-Spangled Banner during his solo set as the American flag went on display behind him while the rest of his band mates looked on.

North Mississippi Allstars opened the festival Friday. The Mowgli’s, Cake, Drivin N Cryin and Jane’s Addiction also performed.

Thirteen more acts will perform Saturday, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Weezer, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Capital Cities.