F L A U N T
Chill was redefined this past weekend. As festival goers trekked across the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, exuberance was at an all time high. Meandering from stage to stage, there quickly became the understanding that this festival is unlike any other. The alternate universe that is Outside Lands juxtaposes your favorite artists with that refreshing bay-area-chillness that’ll make you never, ever want to leave.
Headliners Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, and 21 Pilots illustrated the genre busting, multi-generational nature of this unique festival.
Gambino’s politically driven performance left the largest crowd in OSL's history permanently perplexed. Asking festival goers to put away their phones, his raw talent radiates forth effervescent stage energy and a lively presence he hopes will emulate onto his fans. Bantering with the crowd between songs, he encouraged them to light up, because hey, it’s legal now.
Grasslands, the festival’s curated cannabis experience broke history. Through becoming the first major music event to allow cannabis sales and consumption, from pre-rolled joints to THC infused gummies, GrassLands is the epitome of OSL’s, and a glimpse into what is hopefully the future of all music festivals.
Indie trio-boy band Wallows pulsating performance felt simultaneously intimate and electrifying just as The Neighboorhood allured those in attendance to their dreamy enchantment. Both Big Wild and Flume’s zealous stage energy elevated each day, and had the crowd visibly smiling from start to finish.
From soulful country star Kasey Musgraves to Turkish cover band Altin Gun to 20 year old, electropop singer Bea Miller, who has the vocals of an angel, there truly was someone for everyone to see.
Being in the heart of San Francisco, the geography of the festival allowed for those with tired legs to sit on grassy knolls and still have perfect views of their favorite artists. Yet the pure happiness that stemmed from dancing freely in the crowd, feeling that simultaneous carefreeness and comfort that only live music can bring you was definitely worth the sore feet down the road.
As the sunset one final time, Anderson Paak’s electrifying performance shined brighter than golden hour itself. His contagious smile and vivacious energy alongside the smoothest of beats left a lingering feeling of pure euphoria throughout the massive crowd. Not even the last act of the festival, yet after witnessing his soulful set, serotonin levels at an all time high, my weekend felt complete.
All Photos by: Paulette Ely
