BottleRock 2026 returned to Napa Valley May 22–24, blending headliners, celebrity chefs, incredible food, and elite people-watching into one unforgettable weekend. It was about a lot more than just the music. The crowd skewed noticeably younger this year, so in the interest of journalistic accuracy, this BottleRock recap has been translated into the primary language...Continue Reading

Lightning in a Bottle 2026 returned to Buena Vista Lake near Bakersfield, California, May 20–24, with what organizers called their most ambitious lineup yet, blending music, art, and community into a uniquely immersive experience. For me, this year’s LIB was a strange one. Not bad by any means. It’s just that we’ve been going to...Continue Reading

From straight lines to circles, The Beths really know their shapes. We caught them at the very well-attended second of two nights at the always amazing Fillmore in SF. They worked their way through some 18 odd songs, half of which can be found on their extraordinary new album Straight Line was A Lie.Continue Reading

When I first started going to festivals, especially when I went alone, I leaned toward exploring new friends and new artists. This year at Portola, I felt the other side, deepening relationships with friends and music I’ve known for years. Here are 5 moments with the friends I love and the music I love almost...Continue Reading

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah brought their self-titled debut album to life at The Independent in San Francisco this week—and gave the kind of performance that felt handmade in all the best ways. by DAVID RABKINContinue Reading

For a few hours on a Saturday night, everything was alright. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats brought their signature energy to San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, delivering a show fit for a stadium. The band, known for their mix of soul, rock, and blues, oozed comfort, skill, and musicality. Rateliffe commanded the stage...Continue Reading

On an overcast evening late in summer, music enthusiasts in Berkeley were treated to a spectacular show at the iconic Greek Theatre. Young the Giant joined forces with the German sensation Milky Chance and opener Rosa Linn. The result was a captivating performance that exhilarated the audience and proved once again the power of live...Continue Reading

The Outside Lands lineup featured Kendrick Lamar headlining Friday, with Zedd on the competing stage and Janelle Monáe in support. It was hard to sneak up close for Kendrick so I enjoyed my view from slightly too far away. Foo Fighters played on Saturday at the same time as Fisher and Lana Del Rey. The crowds all...Continue Reading

As the sun illuminated downtown Napa, a warm glow came over the Oxbow River Stage — the first Golden States Music Festival was underway. Curated by Tycho and thrown by Another Planet Entertainment, the crowd trickled in with great anticipation. With the strong lineup, the stage was set for a day-long dance party.Continue Reading

Northern Nights Music Festival delivered another amazing event in Northern California’s iconic Redwood Forest this last July 14-16. The lineup included Big Gigantic, G Jones, TOKiMONSTA, Netsky, Steamy Windows, Elephant Heart, High Step Society, our host Klyce and more.Continue Reading

This year Beale Street Music Festival was held in a newly finished Tom Lee Park. On the bank of the Mississippi River, freshly planted with wildflowers and native trees, the park is set to open on Labor Day this year! But those attending the festival got to enjoy this natural haven among the lively streets...Continue Reading

Avey Tare (David Michael Portner of Animal Collective) has been releasing solo music for over a decade. His work mixes the digital and modern with the immediate and personal. Covid led to isolation for Dave just as it did for so many others. This meant collaboration was impossible or full of complex planning so it...Continue Reading