Bottlerock Napa 2016

This year Bottlerock Napa Valley fell on Memorial Day weekend, giving attendees a day to recover  after the 3 days of festivities!

The 4th annual music, food and wine festival in Wine Country was completely sold-out for the first time in it's short history, hitting capacity at the Napa Expo of 40,000 people! With heavy hitters Gordon Ramsy with Cheech and Chong, Cold War Kids, Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Wonder on opening day alone, it's not surprising that tickets sold-out in advance.

Diego's Umbrella @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Crowds grew thicker as concert goers hopped between the four stages of music and the Williams Sonoma Culinary stage with ease on Saturday. Finding cover from the afternoon sun under the festival's only shaded stage to enjoy Bay Area gypsy-rockers Diego Umbrella's captivating set was the first highlight that day. 

Later as temperatures nearly reached the hundreds, The Joy Formidable were all smiles as they delivered an engaging, up-beat performance to a sizable gathering in the blaring heat at the Midway Stage. 

The Joy Formidable @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

A little later, across the way on the Lagunita's stage, outspoken Standford University Alumni K-Flay was feeling the good vibes and she kept them flowing during her wit-charged, indie infused, hip-hop set. 

K-Flay @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Golden hues at sunset accentuated the easy breezy atmosphere during Atlas Genius's charismatic, keyboard soaked set which featured favorites from both of their albums. 

Atlas Genius @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Florence And The Machine @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Florence And The Machine reigned the day with vigor on the main stage Saturday night.  With an eye catching, glittery back drop, in a flowing fluorescent yellow frock, the red headed siren single handedly demanded attention as she charged the length of the stage barefoot, passionately belting her emotionally driven rock ballads. She was a force to be seen and heard and a powerful way to end day two. 

Florence And The Machine @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 





Quintessential indie rock band, WATERS and the colorful, effervescent Misterwives who toured together last year, played sets a couple hours apart on the main stage to get things going on Sunday.  In a lavender bikini top, see-threw leotard adorned with metallic stars and a pair of cut-offs covered in fun, neon-colored puff balls, Misterwives lead singer Mandy Lee, had the most festival appropriate outfit of the weekend!

WATERS @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Misterwives  @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Rodrigo Y Gabirela spellbound the crowd as fans continued to flock to the Midway Stage to catch their high octane, rejuvinating, duel acoustic guitar set. 

Rodrigo Y Gabirela @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

The Lumineers @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

The soothing, up-beat melodies of The Lumineers' indie-folk on the main stage was great sound for the Summer Music Fest setting. They played hits like, "Hey Ho" at the top of their set,  pleasing their audience from the get go. 

Deap Vally @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Nikki DeMartini

The bluesy, hard-rockin' girl power duo Deap Vally turned things up at The Lagunitas stage! It was great to see Lindsey and Julie back in full force performing together again following the birth of the bad-ass drummer's first born! She's one rockin' mom! 

Red Hot Chili Peppers drew huge cheers when they hit the main stage around 8:00 Sunday night to close out the third and final day of the 3-day fest.  People went wild at the first sound of "Can't Stop" and they even treated fans to a live performance of the title track off their up-coming 11th studio album, The Getaway. While most of the set consisted of hits off Californication the funk-rock group did play the golden oldie, "Under the Bridge". 

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong 

Keidis' voice is ageless and sounded impeccable over the massive outdoor sound system while Flea of course was quirky and entertaining. Easily one of the most anticipated acts of Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016, the Chili Peppers met expectations with a whole hearted, fun loving performance full of their signature positive energy. 

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong

Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016
photo by Marc Fong

There was over 75 bands on 4 different stages at Bottlerock Napa Valley 2016 making it an awesome way to head into summer over the un-official summer kick-off weekend! With it's diverse line-up, easy mobility around the grounds and minimal set over-laps, it proved to be a true contender as one of the next Summer Music Fest musts!