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BottleRock 2022 All photos and writing by kelsey riemer

This year, two of our staff members attended the BottleRock Napa Valley festival for three days of food, music, and fun. Here are the highlights.

Friday 5/27

Dorothy filled the stage with deep vocals, powerful lyrics, and edgy energy. “We just want you to have a really good time today- and enjoy your life; you only get one,” Dorothy said.
Fantastic Negrito’s off the chart vocals and amazing energy made for a captivating performance. “This song is called You Better Have a Gun. Don’t take it literally, babes,” Fantastic Negrito said during his set in the wake of tragic events due to gun violence.
Marcus King’s magnificent country rock voice and chaotic yet cohesive band made for a remarkable set. The bass heavy songs and foot stompin’ beats had the audience engaged from beginning to end.
Spoon’s performance began with a bone-rattling bass beat, and had the audience captivated from the beginning. Towards the start of Spoon’s performance, an audience member passed out - and the band promptly stopped until the audience member had been brought to safety and taken care of by medics. Shortly after, the lead vocalist chipped his tooth on the mic. However, the band wasn’t fazed and continued to deliver a rockin’ set.
Greta Van Fleet, a band composed of three brothers and their childhood friend, produces music and performance reminiscent of classic bands such as Led Zeppelin. The band’s set was not only full of enjoyable rock n’ roll music but also incredible performers in the four members.

Friday’s headliner was the unbeatable heavy metal band Metallica. The California born band brought with them enthusiastic fans, classic songs, and invincible energy.

Saturday 5/28

Ron Artis II and the Truth performed enthralling soul songs and a delightful set. The highlight of the set was Ron Artis II bringing out his two young daughters to sing a song with him. The two little girls were definitely happy to be onstage with their dad, and were loving the energy of the crowd before them.
Following Ron Artis II and the Truth, the R&B band The Suffers created a loving environment throughout their set. Their music, filled with horns, gorgeous vocals from singer Kam Franklin, and jazzy beats, The Suffers had the crowd living their best lives through the entire performance.
Greensky Bluegrass took bluegrass music to an entirely new level during their performance. The high energy (and high speed) nature of their music gave the audience an opportunity to marvel in the cacophony of various instruments - from the banjo to the mandolin.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise executed an enchanting set. The band’s chemistry made for amazing music and an incredible performance from all members, topped by Charlie Holt’s impressive ability to play the bass without faltering whilst spinning, jumping, and interacting with bandmates.
As the sun began to set on BottleRock day two, blues rock band The Black Crowes took the stage. The mixture of ecstatic audience members, outstanding music, and flamboyant lead singer Chris Robinson gave The Black Crowes’ performance an element of unmatchable excellence.

Saturday’s headliner was twenty one pilots, an Ohio born duo who’s set was filled with impressive light displays, pyrotechnics, and popular tunes that had the whole audience singing along. Alongside their own songs, Josh Dun (drums) and Tyler Joseph (vocals, guitar, piano) performed various covers, including “Benny And The Jets” by Sir Elton John. twenty one pilots gave an astounding and fun-filled performance that perfectly closed out the penultimate day of BottleRock.

Sunday 5/29

Jaleh opened BottleRock's final day with a profoundly interesting performance. From blindfolds to flowers, Jaleh’s celestial vibe, hypnotic voice, and creative props - alongside her soft-jazz band - set up the audience for a wonderful (and hot) final day.
Wild Rivers’ soft vocals, well written lyrics, and perfectly matched instrumentals makes their music and performance comforting - even if you’ve never heard of them before.
Blu DeTiger’s high energy and incredible bass playing was reflected in the audience, she had festival goers bobbing their heads and jumping around throughout the performance.
Michael Franti and Spearhead delivered a set full of hope, love, and fun. Michael spent the entirety of the performance interacting with the audience, singing his fan-favorite songs, and preaching messages that are important to him and many audience members - such as gun safety and the many facets of love.
The Australian alt-rock band Eliza and the Delusionals played 2000’s reminiscent tunes filled with rockin’ beats. “It’s been a little while… we were here in 2020 and then everything went f****d,” said Eliza Klatt, lead vocalist and guitarist in the band.
Alessia Cara’s joyful personality and meaningful songs made for an amazing set, with songs ranging from the very well known “Scars To Your Beautiful” and “How Far I’ll Go” (from Moana) to less known but equally enjoyed by the audience “Find My Boy” and “Wild Things.”
Vance Joy, most well known for his song “Riptide,” brought jaunty spirit and a bright smile to BottleRock that made his set thoroughly enjoyable. Equipped with his acoustic guitar and ukulele, Vance Joy’s music had the audience relishing every last moment of his set leading up to the headliner.

P!nk - from her elaborate set to her amazing outfit to her talented backup dancers - finished off the weekend with a bang. The singer’s vocal range, dance moves, and love for her fans made her performance a memorable one. Singing hits like “Just Like Fire” and flying through the air, P!nk’s set was truly outstanding.

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Kelsey Riemer
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Kelsey Riemer