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that one jack johnson pic is priceless Sue. good stuff kaycebase for getting this turned out quick. epic weekend.
Looks like a good time, too bad i missed it. Sounds like a drag about the sound going out during radio head. Pretty good diversity of music, but then again maybe that's why there were so big of crowds.
Thanks for the reviews and pics. The chaotic start of the weekend followed by a daily smoothing out of the bumps was captured nicely and quite accurate. I would like to address a couple of issues though. I, for one, didn't think there were enough trash receptacles as opposed to what was said towards the end of the article. I only witnessed large trash dumpsters that were available for patrons to use at one of the smaller fields, while the majority of smaller trash cans that I saw were limited to being laid out right by the vendors areas. I believe that more people would throw their stuff away as opposed to just leaving it on the lawn if more cans were there. The other trash problem that I saw was some massively overflowing cans. Inexcusable in my book. Besides the Polo Field area I thought the number of Port-O-Johns was too small. Another 50% at each of the other areas would have been a good idea. I thought the entrance lay-out was pretty shoddy as well as the lack of accessible information books and maps. Some large festival-grounds maps that could have been posted on the fences during the walk into the grounds could have alleviated much of this confusion as well.
As for the Radiohead sound outtages, unlike the author I didn't think that the band was "Unaware of exactly what was going on (because their stage monitors were clearly still working)" but that they kept on playing in spite of knowing that the massive sound system filling the Polo Fields had cut out. In spite of advances in stage monitors and sound reenforcement i find it hard to believe that a band wouldn't hear and feel that their PA had gone dead, especially one of that size. I think that they just trudged forward, remarkably without much of a flinch, with the hopes that the problem would be settled in a timely fashion. Considering the time restraints that they were under it was great that they didn't bring the songs to a screeching halt the two times that the sound cut out - plus I think that the crowd was kept more at-ease with a song still cranking when the problems were resolved rather than having the band standing up their idly with a "wtf is going on" stance and attitude. Well done on their part to keep playing in spite of the problems and I thought Thom did a nice job as well, at first joking about the issue, "who stepped on the plug", but then apologizing the second time around. Fortunately for everyone it didn't happen a third time around.
I wholeheartedly agree about Wilco and or Widespread Panic belonging on the main Polo Fields stage. I quite enjoy Rodrigo and Gabriella, but their presence on the main stage on Sunday while these other two acts were on smaller stages was I think a mistake. As was the stage placement itself on the stage that Widespread and Beck performed on. The stage itself was lower than the viewing area, which if you are at an amphitheater where the seating slopes upwards isn't a problem at all. The thing was that as you got about 100 feet away from the stage the ground leveled off, meaning anyone 100 feet or more away from the stage who wasn't on the small hill area to the left of the stage (much of which was cordoned off for VIP seating) couldn't see the people on the stage. This wouldn't have been SO bad if some video screens were hung, but none were. This was a pretty large and fundamental error that a festival that claimed to be three years in the making really can't have and I'd like to think that the people attending weren't the only ones who realized this blunder.
All-in-all though I had a great weekend and I hope with a year under their belt that they will tighten up their ship and put on an even better show next year.
Again thanks for the reviews and great pics.
Good Article, I would have loved to have seen Radiohead in that setting, but I have to agree that they probably should have put them on Saturday for logistical reasons (get a good trial run in before the big BIG show), but San Fran being San Fran they decided to do the Romantic, not the intelligent thing (gotta have Radiohead be the first to play there at night). . . . . and why God WHY??? Would you have Jack Johnson close out the festival after Wilco and WSP?????? That is ending with a subdued whimper, not a bang. . . . oh well, maybe they did it for the same reason that a film ends not with final scene, but with the credits, let the people file out at their own pace. . .. . .
Glad to see Bonnaroo 06 was a success. Again.
haha toeknee!!
I think I better become a JJ fan, so I can rub elbows with girlies like that!
this looks like a pretty cool fest, was there camping?
and why isn't there a short paragraph about Sharon Jones?
you should NEVER IGNORE THAT WOMAN!!!
Jack Johnson as a festival closer is a MAJOR buzzkill.
Scott Murawski is awesome.
I enjoyed reading Dennis Cook's thoughts on ALO. I wholeheartedly agree!
To ALL the writers and photographers, you've outdone yourselves, as always. Thank you for an excellent sumination of a great weekend. Thanks for shaing the love with us East Coasters who couldn't quite afford the road trip. Maybe another year. Bummer about the gate crashers, sound issues, lack of sunshine. Was there camping? Tent City? I would have liked to have heard from you all on the differences between this event and the High Sierra? If you had to choose one, which would you? Sure we've heard enough about JJ closing down the festivals (As he's done for so many years now - is he really that popular?) Certainly a surprise to have him close it down instead of Wilco. But could Panic really be considered a festival closer on the west coast? I LOVE LOVE LOVE panic, but have never seen em on your left side. Do they draw? Anyway, love the work from all of you. Again, thanks for sharing the love with the rest of us. I am leaving now, on my way off to MOEDOWN. Later.
GRACE POTTER is so! talented and pretty I feel like little girl going crazy for their favorite boy band guy.. hahaha. SERIOUSLY WHAT A WOMAN
INCREDIBLE amount of coverage -- I don't even have time to read it right now, but even if it blows, the sheer amount is still very, very impressive. Thanks much!
Solid reviews and INCREDIBLE pics! Wish I could have made at down there!
The pics of the Jack Johnson fans are hilarious!
haha!! this shit was awesome, perfect weather ,perfect location with some really good tunes, i really enjoyed myself at this festival, i do hope it happens again and the all mighty primus would return cause im still looking for face,
have you seen it???
tourfan, Panic sells out three nights in L.A. every year in about 20 minutes. We love us some Panic here in SoCal. Wish I could have been in S.F. for this. Especially Saturday and Sunday. I like Radiohead, but would not want to fight for space to stand. Not my thing. Great review. Great pics.
I thought the review was spot on, the pics were great, and even with the negatives, the festival was fantastic as well. For next year: maybe a little ticket price reduction? Not sure how they can justify without having to pay out for Radiohead...which by the way was the sickest show I have ever seen in my life.
I respect Jack Johnson and all, but enough already he is not a 'headliner' I want to see a spectical like radiohead or muse!
Lovin' all the Radiohead props! This was def. the sickest lineup of the summer (ever?).
Well after braving the crowd and some amount of clusterfuck on Friday getting into the show, I have to say it was 100% totally worth it. Radiohead was absolutley mind-blowing! Even with the two highly noticeable sound lapses their set was a masterful display of sound and atmosphere. The dense fog and thick air, as the reviewer noted, added to the spacy, intense vibe that is already in Radiohead's tunes. The light show and the way they had lights shining on GG Parks surrounding trees was an awesome sight. I didn't make it to Saturday or Sunday so big thanks Jambase for this review and great pics. I also agree that Wilco, one of my faves, should have closed it all over Jack. Can't wait til next year
who is that uber hot girl under beck's pic on the friday pics? is that his guitar player or somthing? wow...
Great review & pics, might be Jambase's best so far.
I will go to this next year if they put it on.
You SanFranciscans are lucky bastards.
Great Festival, Location, everything. Friday was a bit much to handle at one time on the first day of a festival because of the insane amount of people but Saturday was alot more calmed down. Next yea: Primus headlines Sunday, Oysterhead on Saturday, and Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains on Friday. That's when the shit gets out of control.
is abigail washburn wearing anything behind that banjo of hers? (nice photo trickery)
great shot of radiohead. sucks you missed Beck.
also, i like the format in which AK And DC alternated the reviews.
each band broken down for separate reviews intead of one cluster-jumble of a review.
thanks again jambase for making an east coast brother jealous as hell of San FRAn.
cheers.
>who is that uber hot girl under beck's pic on the friday pics? is that his guitar player or somthing? wow..
Yes that's his guitar player!
Jack Johnson does attract the screaming hotties. I overheard a few talking: "He's so dreamy!" :)
As one of the photographers for Jambase, it was an exciting experience to be able to photograph this event. Here's hoping it'll only get better next year.
I wish I was as smart as Dennis Cook.
Jackie Greene fuckin RIPS.
Dennis Cook rules.
Okay, i only went to the first day, like everyone else and it was awesome! i thought the first day lineup was too good to pass up, especially with Radiohead as the closer in Golden Gate for the first time ever. The festival had an interesting set up with the stages being hidden around and through the pathways and trees, it was intense to be with the frist crowd who took down the fence from Beck's stage to Radiohead, what a scene it was. Black Mountain rocked the shit out of their set. The only problem was of course was the sound cutting out during Radiohead twice "MEYER SOUND SUCKS!" and serving only Heineken beer for $7...i was hoping for Beck to bring it, but he pretty much just stood there like everyone has been saying...all in all it was great, i can't wait for Voodoo Fest!
One more commment that i made even at the festival as well, i went to Lollapalooza and there was a reviewer who made a comment about the trash and how after the festival it was over the festival grounds and he was so sad to see how nobody picked up after themselves...now i know we're living in this little eco-friendly world as of recently, but i would like to tell these people to shut their mouths, i'm all for the environment too, but when i go to a festival and pay over $200 and pay extra for the shitty beer and food, i'm their to have a good time, it's not my fault you volunteered to clean up after us, it is your job and secondly how bout you watch a little documentary called Woodstock and watch the end of it where they show scenes of that aftermathe and that was the true hippy festival...so from now on, just let us enjoy the show and if you want to clean up the parks, then do it yourself...i'll be too busy dancing!
I like the article on Panic. And Mike Gordon rocks!!!!
Keller Williams has a thing or two to say about the gatecrashers...
two things: 1- where's the coverage of DREDG? it was their only show this summer...
2- Grace Potter...i'd hit it
Panic on that small stage was absolutely incredible. The way that one was laid out the field in front of it formed a little bowl up to where the sound booth was, creating an natural little amphitheatre. The sun was just touching under the trees up there, the view of the stage was incredible from up there, and the set was fantastic.
grace potter is smokin....
Great reviews and great pics... One comment struck me froma line in the Grace Potter section. The author remarked "back a couple decades to a time when soul and rock and country happily commingled on AM radio."
Hey, those styles still comingle quite happily on KPIG-AM San Francisco, 1510-AM in the Bay Area. (Full disclosure, I work there on air Saturdays 1pm-3pm. But I do love love what KPIG does!)
Fun,fun weekend in GGP!!! Good to see an event like this in SF, finally. I realize that reviewing a fest like this is a challenge, but you guys missed A LOT. Good pics though, not enough reviews. You realize there were hip-hop, afro beat and reggae acts there? The Coup, Lyrics Born and Steel Pulse killed it! Where was the review on that? Jambase needs to consider getting some "people of color" to add some spice to the reviews around here, it seems you get the same perspective, over and over. I liked the layout of the fest, after Friday it was easy to get around, especially with 150K(not 120 as reported here) over the weekend.
The review on Primus, frankly "sucked". They were easily the best band I saw all weekend. Ler was on Fire!!! blasting the crowd with great solos, especially on 'John the Fisherman' and 'Harold'. Btw, most Primus fans are NOT jam fans and wouldn't be caught dead at a Panic or moe show. Ever heard of punk rock?
Some other highlights were Winwood solo and w/Petty, Los Amigos Invesibles(talk about a dance party), Rodrigo y Gabriella, Toots, Sharron Jones(so funky) and Jackie Greene. Panic is was kinda dull, like a retread of 15 years ago. Somebody get JB a bag of coughdrops, Meh. Should've stayed with the smooth Mexican guitars in the Polo Fields.
Yeah, Jack Johnson was a bit a snoozer, with too many "tender moments" but in retropect, a wise choice for a closer, sending the crowd out on a mellow vibe into the quiet Sunday night Richmond neighborhood. They want this fest to continue, so that made some good common sense. Hats off to Another Planet, SF Parks & Rec and all the other folks who's hard work made this fun fest in a beautiful park actually happen. See ya next year!
unbelievable setting, if i ever make it to a festival there you'll find me up in the trees. really though, i mostly wanted to say something about brooklynite84's comment - you have got to be fist f'n me man! you can't walk your empty cup or wrapper or whatever over to the garbage can and throw it away, or simply hang on to it until you happen to walk by one? i'd like to mail you a giant bag of exploding douche and litter. do your good deed for the day, i'm sure you'll still have a good time.
This festie would not have been the same without WIDESPREAD PANIC.
tHEY BROUGHT ALOT OF THE HEAT THAT THE OTHER BANDS LACKED
Wow, amazing coverage. Nice pics. I opted to see full shows rather than cutting out and walking between 'em. Figured I would've missed more if I had done that. Plus, it was fun to try to get up as close as possible, especially when you could stay at the main field (Land's End) on Saturday and see Galactic, Steve Winwood, Ben Harper, Donovan Frankenreiter, and Tom Petty while not really moving much at all. Sunday I opted for Mother Hips, Drive-by Truckers, Grace Potter, WSP, and Mike Gordon over in Lindley Meadow. It was a hellava weekend. Despite the sound problems on the main stage (and a bit on the Panhandle stage during Benevento/Russo), it wasn't enough to rain on my parade. Lots of sets stuck out in my mind, but for some reason I'll mention that I was really impressed with Mike Gordon's band. They hit the zone, it was a lot of fun. I also really impressed with Ann Marie Calhoun, the fidle player that jumped on with Panic at the end of their set - she rips.
I would like to add to the critique of brooklynite84's comment - I take it you are not from the SF Bay Area and do not give a rat's ass about GG Park, now do you? I can't believe you'd be so callous and selfish as to suggest that we cannot allow pick up after ourselves. Look at the pictures from the Watkins Glen summer jam in 1973. The aftermath is pathetic. People left crap, glass, boxes, blankets, everything - terrible. Have we not learned anything? Have we not evolved? I think we have. Pick up your shit.
Most people above hit the nail on the head...need better organization next year, need a better act closing out the show (all due respect to the JJ fans, he's not in the same league with Radiohead)...though it did allow us to rationalize leaving early, which was nice. Mother Hips rocked, but they...like everyone else...needed more than 40 minutes to get things going...My guess is that Nels wouldn't have blown the intro to Germany so many times if he wasn't in such a hurry to beat the curfew...
The best part of the festival was when Panic covered the Disco Biscuits song called "Helicopters." That was super spiritual and very heady. Can't wait for NYE with Panic @ the Bisco!
ahhhh expensive as fuck....! expensive ticket and then no camping? this festival catered to the teeny bopping jack johnson crowd and the Mercedes driving Tom Petty crowd of the bay area. And what is a festival in San Fransisco without bobby, mickey, or phil?
"Bummer about the gate crashers, sound issues, lack of sunshine. Was there camping? Tent City? I would have liked to have heard from you all on the differences between this event and the High Sierra? If you had to choose one, which would you?"
Uh, they are pretty much completely different events. If youre looking for a more communal tent city magical romp in the mountains, by all means High SIerra. If youre looking for big names and the city magic, this was it. Me personally I prefer the communal mystical small time hub of the Sierras. No, youre not going to get Beck at HSMF unfortunately, but with that new album of his, maybe thats not a bad thing.
