Outside Lands 2025: 15 Instant Set Reviews

I’m no stranger to Outside Lands, having only missed two iterations of it since its debut in 2008 (2010 and 2021 for those keeping score). I’ve seen a lot of changes, and I admit that I miss a few things that have gone away, such as the Barbary tent and the craft vendors in the Polo Fields. But, in return, the addition of the Dolores’ stage, spotlighting SF’s rich legacy of LGBTQ culture and arts, as well as the gorgeous Duboce Triangle stage, has been a welcome addition. This year, in particular, felt like the “nicest” Outside Lands has ever been. People were kind and polite. Taller folks were letting shorter folks in. I lost my water bottle leaving a set, and a kind woman RAN AFTER ME TO GET IT BACK TO ME! I’ve never hugged more strangers, and it was all just so very lovely! Also, everywhere I went, I saw a young person with “Fuck Ice” written on their clothes, or a Palestinian flag, rainbows, “No Kings” attire, etc- For those believing the hype that Gen Z is all conservative and MAGA, that certainly wasn’t what was happening in the park this weekend. Truly, Outside Lands 2025 was a welcome respite from the real pain the world is feeling right now. 

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Stern Grove Festival 2021 Lineup! Free concerts every Sunday!

Stern Grove Festival just has announced the full music lineup for the 84th summer concert season kicking off on Sunday, June 20.

Stern Grove welcomes one of its biggest and most musically diverse lineups to date with headliners like Thundercat, Fitz and the Tantrums, Joan Jett, Perfume Genius, Thievery Corporation, X, and St Paul & The Broken Bones. The season concludes on August 29 with a special performance at The Big Picnic featuring Oakland legends Tower of Power and Too $hort.

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Show Review: Thundercat, Guapdad 4000 at The Fox Theater, 3/6/2020

Photo by Ayat Maqbool

Thundercat caught my attention with his 2015 release, Lone Wolf/Where the Giants Roam and continues to keep me intrigued today. Whether he was collabing with the late Mac Miller or releasing a chopped and screwed version of Drunk, he continues to showcase his broad musical tastes and deliver unmatched energy. The new single, Dragonball Durag, is a perfect example.

Before tonight, I’d only caught Thundercat for his set at Camp Flog Gnaw last year. Michael McDonald joined the stage to perform “Show me the Way” and treated the crowd to McDonald’s own “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” In my opinion, one of the top moments of the festival! Sadly, it was overshadowed by Millenials booing Drake off stage. Needless to say, I was psyched for this show and ready to see Thundercat deliver to the Fox Theatre in Oakland. Continue reading “Show Review: Thundercat, Guapdad 4000 at The Fox Theater, 3/6/2020”

Outside Lands Journal: Day 2, 8/12/17

METALLICA! And nothing else matters…

Photo by Ben Irwin

Day 2 of any festival is a little rough. Your energy is a little bit zapped from the day before. You can’t seem to drink enough water or coffee. Your legs are sore. So when you finally get there, you need something to kick yourself into gear. And I managed to stumble across that band at 12:00 on the dot. Continue reading “Outside Lands Journal: Day 2, 8/12/17”

Outside Lands 2017: Top 10 Acts from The Bottom Half of The Poster

The best thing about a festival is tripping over your new favorite band, not hearing The Who do “My Generation” for the 4,000th time. So, I present to you here are your ten new favorite acts… all pulled from the bottom half of the Outside Lands poster. Still haven’t bought tickets? Well, there’s still time. Just click here!
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