BottleRock Music Festival
Friday May 10, 2013 // Napa Valley, CA
Photos and Review by Daniel DeSlover
There’s no doubt that Andrew Bird has skills. Maneuvering between violin, guitar, vocals and an ability to whistle that can put morning birds to shame, Bird charmed the afternoon crowd that swarmed the Citi stage.
Blues Traveler broke out huge in 1994’s “four” on the back of John Popper’s virtuoso harmonica skills and smooth vocals. Their ability to improvise has made them a popular fixture on jam-band tours and they continue to draw a good crowd. One listen and their feel-good vibe will draw you in and not let go, they had one of the better sets on Friday at BottleRock.
The Flaming Lips have a new album, “The Terror,” so that suggests a new look on stage. Gone are the giant disco ball, dancing Dorothy’s and Wizard of Oz theme, confetti and streamers. Wayne Coyne’s giant hamster ball was missing as well. Instead, a series of domes were fastened together to create a makeshift sci-fi landscape with Coyne at the center. Oh, he was also holding a toy infant that fascinated him during the first two songs, “Look…The Sun Is Rising” and “The Terror.”
There’s something about this garage band from Akron that brings people together. They’re adored by the average Joe, hipsters, music aficionados and just about anybody who gets sucked into one of Dan Auerbach’s catchy guitar hooks. They headlined Friday night at BottleRock Napa Valley and drew a massive crowd.
Alabama Shakes have been making a name for themselves over the past year, finally getting some national attention at the 2013 Grammy awards. Brittany Howard has a powerful rock voice that’s infused with a soulful R&B component. Their music is an amalgamation of different genres that tie together into something wholly unique and their live energy is a marvel to behold.
