Day 1of BottleRock on Friday welcomed thousands into Napa Valley for a weekend jam-packed with world-class music, food, wine and plenty of excitement at every turn.
Headliners The Smashing Pumpkins and Post Malone capped off a magnificent day, with band members even commenting on stage about the great weather and sophistication of such a high-end production BottleRock is known for.
“When it comes to music festivals, I guess BottleRock is considered top shelf,” said James Iha, the Smashing Pumpkins guitarist, in his deadpan humor.
In particular, The Smashing Pumpkins brought some striking badass reality to a night of contrasts and diversity. The band is celebrating its 35 years of intense rock innovation with fans, and it was much appreciated, with epic versions of Tonight, Tonight, Ava Adore, Zero and 1979.
The ever-fast Billy Strings, the glorious and inspiring Phantogram, the fusion of War, and the British dark pop of Bastille were afternoon favorites.
The latter caused some thrills when lead singer Dan Smith jumped off stage and forged his way surprising deep into the crowd to share a song with googly-eyed followers.
However, what’s amazing about BottleRock is that the 3-day festival also showcases local, Bay Area performers. From the emerging The Band High Noon to favorites such as The Stone Foxes and Moonalice, concert-goers had to be quick on their feet to catch them all.
While the music was flowing so were the wine and spirits.
The Hendrick’s Gin 3-Story Bar returned to BottleRock this year next to the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage. They were serving a variety of curiously refreshing craft cocktails, including the Honeysuckle — with Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin, fresh lime, honey, cucumber and mint.
The Bulleit Bourbon station was serving up an incredible whisky sour with Bulleit Rye, Amaro, Aprerol, Yuzu, Lemon, and garnished with Makrut lime leaf.
They were also serving an incredibly refreshing “Peach Please” (Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Peach Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Green Tea, Club Soda and a Peach Ring Candy Garnish) at Monkey Shoulder’s don’t-miss staple at BottleRock — the “Porta-Party.” This not-so-secret party space is perhaps the festival’s best sideline attraction, along with the Silent Disco, The Garden (cannabis) and The Spa (Yes, you can get haircuts, highlights, wellness massages, and hydration injections, among other things.)
And, of course, all kinds of wine and food offerings, beyond your wildest imagination.
Hey, it’s Napa after all!
Day 2 performances coming up with Duran Duran, Lizzo, Meute, Carly Rae Jepsen, Dayglow, Cautious Clay, Particle Kid, Maude Latour among many others … down to the Napa Valley Youth Symphony.