Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

     The last weekend we were in San Francisco we went to Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park. We went with Nick's friend, Jeff, and his girlfriend. Also, we were joined by two other of Jeff's friends, who flew in from Las Vegas. Each day the festival attracted an estimated 60,000 people. Needless to say it was crowded.
      The first day, we arrived in the late afternoon. We took the bus from the Marina. The bus passed us twice before we could get on because it was so crowded. This was easily the most uncomfortable bus ride of my life. Finally, after what seemed like forever, we arrived at Golden Gate Park. It was an overcast day and a little chilly. Our first stop in the festival was Wine Lands. It was a tent with tons of local wine vendors. You could sample or even get a full glass of many different wines. The workers would gladly explain to you why their wines and vineyard are unique. This day we only saw a few bands, but it was easily the best day of the festival. We saw Toro Y Moi, MGMT, and of course Phish. Phish played two sets (from 6:30 to 10), so we spent most of our time here. Their concerts are so upbeat, fun, and the crowd is like no other when it comes to being friendly. It was a good time.

Right before Phish. I didn't mean to get these two guys hugging, but you can see the love.

      Along with wine, there were tons of food vendors from local restaurants. I doubt I could remember everything I ate, but I know over the course of three days I had an amazing organic cheeseburger, fried chicken with mac and cheese, grilled cheese with bacon, pizza, and so on. Also, there was an area called Choco Lands, where only desserts were served. Nick and I had chocolate covered graham crackers with marshmallow in between.  

Hanging above Choco Lands.

      The second day, we arrived pretty late. The sun was out, and it was rather warm. We started with The Black Keys, but it was overcrowded and this crowd was much unlike the Phish crowd. So, we left and wandered over to the other side of the festival grounds where we saw the Warren Haynes Band. Later, we met back up with everyone for Girl Talk, which is a DJ named Gregg Gillis. He used to practice regenerative medicine, but quit to focus full time on music. He mashes up popular music from recent decades in a very intelligent way. It makes for a great dance party.

During The Black Keys

Watching Warren Haynes Band

Warren Haynes Band

       On the third day, I was pretty exhausted. We arrived early to soak up as much festival as we could before it was over. The first performer we saw was Mavis Staples. Then, we saw hip-hop and live band infused Latryx feat. Lyrics Born and Lateef. Following this, we a saw highly energetic indie-punk band called !!! (Chk Chk Chk). After, I was pretty sleepy, so I laid down under a tree for a nap. I was rudely awakened by Major Lazer, who was loud, but actually pretty good. Then, we went back to the main stage for John Fogerty, who played mostly Creedence covers. After wandering around a bit, we sat down and listened to Wye Oak, an indie folk rock duo, while waiting for friends. Following Wye Oak, we went to see Sound Tribe Sector 9, which is a pretty popular electronic/jam band. They make the majority of their music with live instruments versus a computer or sound machine. After STS9, we went to see Beirut, where we sat on the grass and relaxed amongst the mellow crowd and music. The last band we saw that day was Arcade Fire, an indie rock band who won a Grammy for Album of the Year in 2011. We sat in the back and listened, as we were very tired, but they sounded really great.

STS9 - very popular with people in Colorado

     Overall, I had a really good time and discovered some bands I had never heard of. I do not think I would go back, due to far away location, unless there was another really good headliner. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I'm glad I had the opportunity.