KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS LIVE AT THE OBSERVATORY

Written by Sophia Fascenelli

Published: June 22, 2025

Kurt Vile & The Violators Photo: Sophia Fascenelli

Kurt Vile & The Violators took the stage at The Observatory’s main room for a special one-off show before continuing on the road with The Pixies. 

Kurt Vile, known for his laid-back presence and signature blend of indie-folk and lo-fi psychedelia, brought a sense of calm to the packed venue. Before he hit the stage, the evening opened with two lengthy sets from Lilliana Villines and Morgan Nagler, each delivering performances that built the perfect atmosphere. 

The crowd was exactly what you’d expect for a Kurt Vile show: a sea of vintage tees, oversized flannels, and well-worn Converse sneakers. Everyone seemed to share an unspoken understanding of the vibe for the night. Not too loud, not too showy, just present. You could spot a few heads bobbing gently along the beat, some eyes closed, others snapping film photos from the back. It was the kind of show where everyone seemed to melt into the music and relaxed.

Kurt Vile & The Violators Photo: Sophia Fascenelli

When Vile and The Violators finally emerged, they kicked things off with “Back to Moon Beach,” setting the tone for Vile’s set. Vile’s signature spacey guitar tones and colorful production made the venue feel homey and far more intimate than it already is. 

As the night went on, there wasn’t a single moment that felt rushed. Vile let each track unravel at its own speed letting the audience vibe to their own beat. With this show kicking off a long tour run, it was perfect with one laid-back groove at a time.