Kali Uchis’ Return, Pearl Jam’s Triumph, and T-Pain’s Magic: BottleRock Napa Day 2
After the sun rose over the picturesque Napa Valley and morning blurred into the afternoon, anticipation brewed for the second day of the iconic BottleRock Music Festival. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of California’s wine country, BottleRock had earned its reputation as one of the premier music festivals in the nation, drawing in both seasoned music aficionados and casual festival-goers alike.
With its roots tracing back to the inaugural event in 2013, BottleRock has become synonymous not only with top-tier musical acts but also with delectable culinary delights and the finest wines the region had to offer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Napa Valley Expo, the festival wasn’t just a celebration of music—It was a sensory journey through the heart and soul of California’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Alongside the world-class musical performances, festival-goers could indulge in the culinary delights showcased on the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, where celebrity chefs, Hollywood actors, and musicians alike performed cooking demos, adding an extra layer of excitement and flavor to the already electrifying atmosphere. With the main day of the festival on the horizon, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I prepared to dive into the multifaceted delights that BottleRock Napa had to offer me that day.
Cold War Kids – The Jam Cellars Stage
Being at a Cold War Kids show feels like you’re thrown into a gritty, underground speakeasy where the music hits you like a shot of whiskey. The energy in the air was palpable as the band launched into their setlist on the main, Jam Cellars Stage, marking the first act of the day for me.
From the first chord of “Love Is Mystical,” it was evident that we were all in for a ride. The sun casts its golden hue over the venue, adding an extra layer of warmth to the already electric atmosphere. As the band dove into “Miracle Mile,” “So Tied Up,” and “Can We Hang On?,” the energy only intensified, each song building upon the last like a crescendo of emotion.
But it’s not just about the music—It’s about the experience. As classic tracks like “Hang Me Up to Dry” and “Heaven In Your Hands” filled the air, the crowd—which seemed to be dense with devoted super fans who swayed and sung along, their voices blending seamlessly with the band’s.
The daytime setting added a unique dynamic to the performance, with the sun casting long shadows and creating a sense of intimacy despite the large crowd. Moreover, when the band stripped it all back for “Hospital Beds” and “Something Is Not Right With Me,” it was a moment of pure throwback magic.
As the Cold War Kids’ set wound down, I found myself wishing I could’ve stuck around till the end. But duty called, and I had to shuffle off to catch another act on a different stage. As I made my way through the festival grounds, their music kept playing in my head. Their performance at BottleRock Napa Valley was something else, not just a gig, but a rollercoaster of vibes and energy that’s gonna stick with me for a while.
T-Pain – The Verizon Stage
It was then that I set my sights on the midday sun casting its vibrant rays over the Verizon Stage, where T-Pain was about to start his set. As the bass thumped and the crowd roared, T-Pain emerged like a hip-hop maestro, ready to embark on a crash course in modern hip hop that left an indelible mark on all who bore witness.
From the very beginning, it was evident that this was no ordinary performance. Hits like “Take Your Shirt Off” and “Up Down (Do This All Day)” ignited the stage, their infectious beats and catchy hooks stirring the crowd’s collective energy. Yet, what truly distinguished T-Pain’s set was his ability to reinvent rap classics, infusing them with his signature style.
Throughout the set, unexpected covers and remixes, such as “Shawty” by Plies and “Good Life” by Kanye West, breathed new life into familiar tracks, hooking the audience with each fresh rendition.
But the highlights didn’t end there. T-Pain, ever the showman, reached deep into his repertoire to debut his latest ballad, “On This Hill,” accompanied by the surprise of an entire gospel choir who suddenly materialized onstage. The moment was nothing short of spiritual as the music resonated with the crowd’s collective spirit, forging a connection that transcended the stage.
And the surprises continued to unfold. With each twist and turn in the setlist, from doing his own renditions of “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa to “Cyclone” by Baby Bash, T-Pain kept the audience on their toes, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.
If you were fortunate enough to experience T-Pain’s performance that afternoon, you were left completely impressed and blown away. With the most audience engagement and mutual energy of the entire weekend, it was an experience that lingered long after the final notes faded into the ether.
LaRussell – The Truly Stage
It was then time to make my way back to the Truly Stage and into the unforgettable soundscape of a LaRussell show, where the beats were as bold as the lyrics and the energy was electrifying. From the moment he took the stage, flanked by a full band of classical musicians including violins and brass horns, you knew you were in for something special.
As he launched into his setlist of 28 full songs, the crowd became a sea of movement and sound, with the local rapper hailing from Oakland, CA often venturing into the midst of the audience, rapping while surrounded by hundreds of people who moved protectively around him from location to location.
The setlist itself was a testament to LaRussell’s versatility and creativity. Tracks like “10s, 20s, 50s, 100s” and “Baggage Claim” hit you like a punch to the gut, their gritty beats and incisive lyrics cutting through the air like a knife. Despite starting to lose his voice mid way through the set, he continued on, voice straining.
But it wasn’t all about the hype—LaRussell also took moments to address the crowd, passionately pleading for a ceasefire in Palestine, a theme that ran like a thread through his entire performance. While some audience members may have left in irritation, I was compelled to stay put, captivated by LaRussell’s poetic flows and the communal energy of his band of classical musicians, who added extra depth and layers to each track.
Whether he was performing crowd favorites like “Tell Me When to Go” and “Thizzelle Dance” or debuting new material like “FREE THE WORLD,” LaRussell’s set was a masterclass in hip-hop artistry. With each song, he invited you into his world, a world where passion and compassion collided, where the beats were as powerful as the messages they conveyed.
This LaRussell show wasn’t just a concert—It was a journey through the heart and soul of one of hip-hop‘s most compelling voices.
Pearl Jam – The Jam Cellars Stage
After a hiatus, I eagerly awaited Pearl Jam‘s performance at BottleRock Napa Valley. As the sun shifted on the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over The Jam Cellars stage, the anticipation among the crowd was palpable. Surprisingly enough, it was my inaugural live experience with the iconic band, and little did I know, I was on the brink of witnessing their unparalleled energy and talent.
The journey commenced with “Lukin,” a high-octane opener that ignited the audience—a perfect choice to set the tone. They swiftly delved into classics like “Corduroy” and “Why Go,” each riff sparking frenzied movement throughout the crowd.
However, the pinnacle arrived during “Daughter,” which seamlessly morphed into Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” a moment of pure sonic alchemy that blended their raw energy with rock ‘n’ roll’s timeless melodies.
Pearl Jam showed no signs of fatigue as the night progressed. From the haunting beauty of “Black” to the anthemic power of “Even Flow,” each song underscored the band’s enduring legacy and unwavering talent.
Concluding with “Porch,” the atmosphere crackled with electricity as the crowd shared a moment of pure rock ‘n’ roll euphoria. Pearl Jam, despite their decades-long tenure, proved that their fire burned brighter than ever before that night. It was a revelation, making me realize I had overlooked this band or world class rock ‘n’ roll musicians for far too long.
Kali Uchis – The Verizon Stage
The air was nothing less than electric as fans eagerly awaited Kali Uchis‘ highly anticipated return to the stage, her first show back after welcoming a baby with rapper Don Toliver earlier this year. It was the grand finale of the day, the crescendo of BottleRock Napa Valley’s musical extravaganza, and anticipation hung thick in the air like a heavy fog. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of fiery orange and deep purple, the stage flanked with floor to ceiling white curtains was set for a performance that promised to be nothing short of legendary.
But as Uchis took the stage, excitement turned to frustration for many in the crowd. Perched atop a towering, two-story custom-built stage set that resembled imposing columns, she remained out of sight for all but those in the very center of the very back of the audience. It was a disappointing sight for anyone positioned to the left or right of the stage, forced to rely solely on the monitors for a glimpse of the elusive star.
However, despite the visual shortcomings, Kali Uchis’ performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. With her sultry vocals and undeniable stage presence, she transported the audience to another realm, weaving a tapestry of sound that was equal parts hypnotic and intoxicating. Hits like “telepatía” and “Loner” reverberated through the night air, sending shivers down the spines of all who bore witness to her magnetic, Las Vegas showgirl-inspired performance.
The setlist itself was a journey through Uchis’ diverse musical landscape, showcasing her range and versatility as an artist. From the dreamy melodies of “Moonlight” to the infectious groove of “Muñekita,” each song was a testament to her artistry and skill. Special moments included the live debut of “¿Cómo Así?” and “Diosa,” which captivated the crowd with their raw emotion and energy.
As the final notes of “After the Storm” echoed into the night, there was a collective sense of awe and wonder among the crowd. Kali Uchis had proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, a true star in every sense of the word. And while her stage setup may have left something to be desired, her talent and charisma shone through, leaving an indelible mark on all who were lucky enough to witness her performance on the Verizon Stage that unforgettable Saturday night.
All photos in this article by Rose Eden
