Outside Lands was an enormous, well-programmed, well-managed event in Golden Gate Park. Although this was my first time attending, I am confident this is a festival with staying power.
MUSIC:
My highlights by day were:
> FRIDAY: Phish & the Meters
> SATURDAY: Black Keys & the Roots
> SUNDAY: Little Dragon & Chicago’s very own… Mavis Staples
Other memorable moments:
Charles Bradley – the most earnest and huggable man; I just love his soul (and his jumpsuit).
Tune-Yards – Merrill is a one-woman army, but sounds great with live horns & bass accompaniment.
Junip – Gotta love Jose Gonzalez and the other awesome musicians. Hard to make those intricate songs connect far & wide, but I think they made it happen.
Beirut – Loved what I heard, need to see them again. It’s like a world trip in a tune, with sounds of gypsy, Spanish, mariachi, middle eastern, balkan, klezmer.. all in their first song.
Artic Monkeys rock.
Warren Haynes is peaking right now!
Major Lazer are a fucking TRIP!
SUSTAINABILITY:
SFers expect a green festival, and I think they got one. Clean Vibes Founder Anna B. executes effectively down to the details, and City/County of San Francisco’s support/partnership with Clean Vibes’ recycling and composting effort is key. San Fran is working towards a goal of ZERO WASTE by 2020. I’d like to see the festival’s success in sustainability positively influence – and provide guidance – for the city’s initiative.
OUTSIDE LANDS IN PICTURES:
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