The first BottleRock was 13 years ago. I’m an avid concertgoer and Bay Area native, but, for whatever reason, making my way to BottleRock just hasn’t worked out. This year, however, there was a near-perfect synthesis of life and lineup working out for me to make my way there for a day. Continue reading “BottleRock 2026: A First Timer’s Impression”
BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 3
(You’re reading Day Three – be sure to catch up on Days One and Two, too!)
Day Three of BottleRock Napa Valley for 2026 started just as most days like it do: I was tired, sore, and a little bit sad that the fun of shooting a phenomenal music festival was winding down. It’s the kind of day where you know you’re going to have to dig deep to make it to the end, but it’s always worth it. Continue reading “BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 3”
BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 2
(You’re reading Day Two. Be sure to catch up on Day One’s fun!)
Saturday dawned sunny and cool in Napa Valley. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to get back to the Expo for another fun day of music.
First up, I caught some of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ set at the Prudential stage. This isn’t the first time this act has played BottleRock, but I didn’t catch them last time, so I had to make sure not to make the same mistake this time. I enjoyed hits like “Cherry Bomb,” “I Love Rock & Roll,” and “Bad Reputation.” Continue reading “BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 2”
BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 1
Hello from Napa! The weather has been gorgeous in these parts lately – blue skies, few clouds, gorgeous breezes, birds singing… this must be what the powers-that-be behind BottleRock call the “first taste of summer!” Indeed, it’s time again for this year’s festival, and as usual, I was ready with bells on!
Continue reading “BottleRock Napa Valley 2026 Festival Journal, Day 1”
BottleRock AfterDark Review: Rilo Kiley with Whitmer Thomas at Uptown Theater – Napa, 5/22/26
Rilo Kiley has been a major part of my life for multiple decades and life changes. I’ve seen them play electric and acoustic. I’ve seen them in teen centers and massive outdoor sheds. We used “More Adventurous” to walk down the aisle at my wedding.
I love this band. Enough to travel an hour away for a late-night show. Continue reading “BottleRock AfterDark Review: Rilo Kiley with Whitmer Thomas at Uptown Theater — Napa, 5/22/26”
Single of the Week: “grin & bear it” by Panic Shack
What can I say? I love a good punk rock mosher. “grin & bear it” by Welsh Riot Grrl act Panic Shack ticks all the boxes- intelligent feminist lyrics, sung with their Welsh accent, and a BPM that gets the heart rate into danger territory. I love them, and love this song. And somehow Super Furry Animals AND Sex Pistols are taking them out on the road next year! Continue reading “Single of the Week: “grin & bear it” by Panic Shack”
Single Of The Week: “Heart Has To Work So Hard” by Blondshell
I didn’t post this on Friday. Because I knew what was coming. Gen Z’s greatest songwriter, Sabrina Teitelbaum aka Blondshell, had a new single coming down the pike. And it’s a banger. So heavy- both sonically and emotionally. I can’t wait for this record to drop. Enjoy “Heart Has To Work So Hard” NOW!
Fall tour dates HAVE dropped, including an appearance at the historic Castro Theater in SF. Full dates here, including sign up for the May 20th presale!
Film Review: “Obsession”
Want a clever, scary movie? Your wish is this pic’s command
Imagine the beloved Tom Hanks film Big crossed with an evil-possession movie like last year’s hit Weapons, and you’ll have a decent idea of what Obsession is about. Unhinged, but in a fun way, Obsession made a splash at both the Toronto Film Festival last year, where it was first runner-up in the People’s Choice Midnight Madness category, and at this year’s SXSW, where it was nominated for the Festival Favorite Audience Award. That the film garnered such crowd-pleasing accolades is understandable. This is a picture tailor made to watch with an audience ready for jump scares and “ewwww!” moments. Up until its somewhat predictable and weak ending, Obsession is clever and engaging, and actually features some surprisingly high-quality performances, considering its low-budget, horror movie status.
How Did Soft Palms (Julia Kugel & Scott Montoya) Get Here?
I wish I could say that no AI was used on this podcast. I hate AI, but I also don’t have a budget for a producer, so I use Riverside.com to help edit these.
I know. I told Julia Kugel and Scott Montoya of Soft Palms, whose book “How To Be Self-Reliant In The Music Industry” is out now, and they are not fans of AI, either. They are smart folks who have been through a lot with Soft Palms, as well as their own bands, The Coathangers and The Growlers, and Julia’s solo project, Julia, Julia.
Their upcoming record, In Echo, is out TODAY! They will also be touring the US and EU this late Summer and Fall. Tour dates here.
Single of the Week: “Switch It Up” by Mike D
First of all, it’s been 15 years since the last new music dropped from ANY Beastie Boy. It’s also been 14 years, nearly to the day, since Adam Yauch left this mortal plane. But Mike D gifted us his first solo single today, and it’s a chaotic, jungle-influenced bit of sonic joy. Think DJ Shadow meets AK 1200. Anyways, “Switch It Up” is great.
He’s also playing a few headlining shows, with a show at Sid The Cat Auditorium on Sunday, and Xanadu in Brooklyn May 22nd-23rd.