BottleRock Napa
Napa, CA
May 25th, 2023
Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade
BottleRock Napa Valley’s second day on Saturday, May 25th was a high-energy affair featuring a diverse lineup of artists across genres. The iconic rock band Pearl Jam headlined the night, delivering a powerful performance of their classic hits and new material. Earlier in the day, American singer Kali Uchis brought her unique blend of reggaeton, R&B, and pop to the stage. Australian rapper The Kid LAROI showcased his melodic hip-hop sound, while veteran rapper T-Pain had the crowd singing along to his signature auto-tuned hits. British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone captivated audiences with her emotive indie pop songs. Other notable acts included alt-rock band My Morning Jacket, genre-bending artist Oliver Tree, and legendary funk ensemble Tower of Power.
Holly Humberstone
British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone delivered a standout set at BottleRock, showcasing her introspective songwriting and emotive vocals. She kicked things off with the catchy “Bottle Up That Feeling” from her latest album Paint My Bedroom Black.
Humberstone’s gentle yet raspy voice shined on tracks like the pensive “Overkill” and vulnerable “The Walls Are Way Too Thin” from her 2022 release Can You Afford To Lose Me?. She also treated the crowd to new songs from her forthcoming album, including the highlights “Lauren,” “Flatlining,” and “Scarlett.”
The 23-year-old commanded the stage with an understated confidence, her gauzy black skirt and green cutoff tee giving her a cool, casual vibe as she urged fans to live in the moment. Standout performances included the poignant “Vanilla,” the haunting “Antichrist,” and the wistful set closer “Please Don’t Leave Just Yet.”
With her relatable, diary-entry lyrics and indie pop/rock sound blending elements of folk and emo, Humberstone demonstrated why she is one of the most promising young artists in the singer-songwriter space. Her BottleRock set was a masterclass in connecting with an audience through raw, honest songcraft.
T-Pain
From the moment he stepped on stage, T-Pain was a whirlwind of activity, constantly running back and forth and dancing enthusiastically with every song, even under the blazing sun. His set was a celebration of his extensive catalog of hits, including throwback anthems like “Up Down,” “Cyclone,” and “Low.”
Midway through the performance, T-Pain took a well-deserved three-minute break to catch his breath from the intense heat and exertion. He then returned with renewed vigor, launching into his chart-topping single “I’m Sprung.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response prompted him to praise their energy, noting how good they sounded.
T-Pain shared a personal anecdote about his first hit, revealing that his wife was his girlfriend at the time he wrote it. This moment of intimacy was a highlight, showcasing his connection with his music and his audience.
One of the standout moments of the show was when T-Pain introduced a choir to the stage, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, don’t be awkward but this is the first time I’ve brought a choir on stage.” They performed “This Hill,” a powerful song about escaping a toxic relationship. As the song progressed, the choir dramatically removed their white coats to reveal casual wear, adding a dynamic visual element to the performance.
T-Pain continued to impress with his hit “Blame It,” accompanied by visuals of ice cubes falling, and “Can’t Believe It,” featuring graphics of Wiscansin. He kept the audience engaged by asking them to make funny noises if they were having a good time, which added a light-hearted and interactive element to the concert.
The set did a smooth transition into “Hey Baby” featuring Pitbull, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. T-Pain’s BottleRock performance was a testament to his enduring appeal and boundless energy, making it a memorable highlight of the festival.
Steph Curry & Bradley Cooper: Celebrity Culinary Stage
Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar, and Bradley Cooper, the acclaimed actor, made a highly anticipated appearance at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival on May 25th, 2024. They took the stage together at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, drawing an unprecedented crowd that shattered attendance records for that venue.
The duo’s set was in such high demand that organizers had to announce it was standing-room only, and the area had to be closed off due to the massive turnout. Fans were treated to an entertaining display as Curry and Cooper showcased their impressive form while tossing cheesesteaks and ham into the audience, much to the delight of the crowd.
Cooper, who recently launched a cheesesteak business in New York City, discussed his new venture, Danny & Coop’s Cheesesteaks, during the cooking demonstration.Meanwhile, Curry signed autographs for festivalgoers and promoted his bourbon brand, Gentleman’s Cut.
The highlight of the set came when Curry and Cooper broke into an impromptu performance of the hit song “Shallow” from the movie “A Star is Born,” which Cooper starred in alongside Lady Gaga. José Andrés, the renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, also joined them on stage.
Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis delivered an amazing and sensual performance to close out the Verizon stage for Day 2, marking her first major solo show since the birth of her child two months prior. The artist emerged on stage in an elaborate ostrich feather ballgown, exuding a goddess like presence as she opened with “Moonlight.” Her dancers unfurled the feathered skirt, revealing a shorter white dress that allowed her to move freely across the stage. Uchis seamlessly blended genres like R&B, reggaeton, boleros, and merengue, showcasing her distinct bilingual pop style.
Uchis transported the audience to a cosmic nightclub with uptempo tracks like “Muñekita” and “¿Cómo Así?”, as her dancers popped their booties to the house grooves. She performed her bisexual reggaeton duet “Labios Mordidos” with Karol G, despite her collaborator’s absence.
For the emotional “Worth the Wait,” Uchis brought a young girl on stage and had her dancers swirl around her, laying across her lap in a poignant visual. During “Te Mata,” she got confessional, reflecting on finding her wings and surrounding herself with positive people, stating, “Life is short, and that’s why you don’t need people in your life that are poisonous to you.”
Uchis’ set design, resembling a neon-lit James Turrell installation, signaled the intentionality and seduction she brought to the festival stage. Her strong feminine point of view luxuriated in softness and romance throughout the set.
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