Thirteen sets and two Natalie Portman-sightings later, the first night of San Francisco’s Outside Lands festival wrapped up by 10 p.m.
While acts ranged from Cold War Kids to Manu Chao to Beck, the night had one consistent theme: confusion. You couldn’t find a sign leading you to an entrance, but we found a stash of unused signs, including the much needed “Restrooms this way,” stored in the crew area. And in lieu of “branded stages” companies sponsored interactive exhibits such as exclusive lounges that required a specific Visa card for admittance.
Yet efforts toward greening the event, the unique food selection (think shrimp ceviche), and a spectacular location helped us forget the organizational troubles. Not to mention talented visual artists decorated each stage. Plus, as the first group to ever play in Golden Gate Park at night, Radiohead’s show was as visually stunning as the music was enthralling.
Despite some organizational glitches, the Outside Lands festival is off to a solid start.
—Brittney Andres
