(You’re reading Day 2. Be sure to check out Day 1!)
Saturday started off warm and bright at BottleRock. I started my day at the Verizon stage for Kate Hudson‘s set.
I’ve followed much of Hudson’s acting career, so I was curious to see her sing live. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but even just watching her take the stage, beaming, was fun – she’s such a doll. Hudson said BottleRock was her very first festival, and she was so excited! She then began her set, and I was immediately impressed with her voice – she definitely has the goods to back up any ambition she may have for continuing a music career. She covered Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry,” as well as The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” and finally, Filter’s “Take a Picture.” Hudson does have original songs as well, and they sounded just as good, but I appreciate fun covers, especially during a festival set, so it was perfect.
Over at the Williams-Sonoma Culinary stage for a smorgasbord of appearances, starting with Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, who immediately went to work on a giant block of ice. They said they wanted to make a “cool tray,” setting up the next guest’s arrival: Tre Cool (of Green Day). As the Voltaggios were bringing out additional guests, they were also working on making some gorgeous-looking giant lobster rolls. As Adam Devine joined the mix, they added copious amounts of caviar to their already decadent sandwiches. Benson Boone was the last to arrive, and he collaborated with the Voltaggios on a “moonbeam ice cream,” which is a reference to lyrics in Boone’s “Mystical Magical.” When it was finished, Boone shared some with a fan, who agreed that it indeed fit the bill. Before leaving, Boone even treated the crowd to his signature back flip (even on a fairly small stage, he didn’t hesitate for a minute)!
Not long after, I was back at the Culinary stage again for Chef Andrew Zimmern and Gavin Rossdale. While I was there, I discovered that Rossdale is apparently a pretty great cook himself. Word that was passed on via Rossdale’s girlfriend is that “his pasta is sex.” Well then! They got to work breaking down a massive King crab, talking to each other and the crowd while they kept busy.
Over at the JaM Cellars stage, I was excited to see Linda Perry live. I loved 4 Non Blondes in the ’90s, and I’m aware of the impact Linda’s songwriting and producing have had on the industry as a whole. Perry has something of a reputation for having strong opinions and is considered a bit of a “difficult” personality, but she’s a legend all the same, and I wanted to see her once. They started with a fantastic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” and announced their reunion. It was also fun to hear “What’s Up?” live. Would I go out of my way to see the band again? No. But I’m glad I got to witness it at least once!
Back at the Culinary Stage, I was delighted to see the adorable (and badass) chef Kristen Kish. Kish was eliminated from Top Chef, won her way back onto the show by winning Last Chance Kitchen, and then won her season; she’s now both the host who replaced Padma Lakshmi as well as a new judge. She was by far the best presenter at the Culinary Stage that I’ve seen yet – she was so happy to be there and sweet to the crowd, but she stayed focused on what she was making and even explained what she was doing as she was doing it, including even the ingredients. She was joined by Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis, promoting his brand-new canned cold brew brand, Jolene. Kish instructed him as he poured liquid nitrogen into a Kitchen-Aid mixer to create a coffee ice cream. Later, they drowned it in a sauce Kish had made of a reduced Jolene coffee, dark chocolate, and coconut oil. They finished it off with lots and lots of fluff, and Kiedis gave the entire massive sundae his seal of approval.
Later, on the JaM Cellars stage, it was time for Benson Boone, and I couldn’t wait. He absolutely didn’t disappoint, seemingly paying homage to Freddie Mercury in his blue jeans, leather jacket, and “wife-beater” tank. (Not to mention the mustache!) He opened with the excellent “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and then “Cry,” starting his set off with a bang. I knew Boone was the next big thing, but that was before I saw it for myself. The fans were losing their minds over seeing him, and he has the presence, the talent, and the acrobatics to keep just about anyone entertained. Apparently, every celebrity at BottleRock knew not to miss Boone’s set: Kate Hudson happened to walk through the pit while we were there shooting, and not long after, I noticed Steph and Ayesha Curry enjoying his performance. Moments later, I spotted Dave Grohl as he walked by, and just seconds later, I did a triple-take as I spotted Jeff Probst. (I’m a huge Survivor fan, so I admit I was almost as excited to see him as I was to enjoy Boone’s set.)
Boone’s performance was a slam dunk. I’m glad I had the chance to see him fairly early on in his career, so I can keep an ear out for what’s next for this superstar.
When it was time for the headliners, I made my way to the Verizon stage for Ice Cube first. This man is a freaking legend, and I couldn’t wait to see him. He puts on a great show! He’s definitely still “got it,” and I really enjoyed getting the chance to catch his act.
Closing out the night at the JaM Cellars stage was Justin Timberlake. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect of his set, as I haven’t seen him live since 2007’s FutureSex/LoveShow. As it turned out, though, I had no reason to worry, as he mainly played songs I already knew. He opened with “Mirrors,” and I was happy to hear “Cry Me a River,” “Senorita,” and “My Love,” too. Timberlake knows how to put on a great show, and if I’d forgotten that, it’s all coming back to me now. He was a great ending to an absolute banger of a festival day, and then I was happy to head home and to my bed.
Stay tuned for Day 3!
