Solange brought Outside Lands to a close at the Sutro stage on Sunday night, after inviting "black folks, people of color, LGBTQ, and other marginalized folks" to share space and heal following the events in Charlottesville over the weekend.
It’s bittersweet when Outside Lands hits it’s third and final day. By then, the amount of visual and aural stimulation ingested has been astounding — and outstanding — and it’s clear folks are going to need to get some rest soon. And yet, the experience of hearing thrilling bands and indulging in fantastic food and drink is so wondrous it’s a shame it ever has to end. But end it must and this year’s finale was a perfect send off to another memorable festival.
The roster included up-and-comers and superstars, as is the modus operandi of OSL. Former Fun. member Jack Antoff played a high-octane afternoon set with his band Bleachers on the Lands End stage. During the song “Rollercoaster,” Antoff stopped the band and yelled at the crowd to “get on someone’s shoulders,” an order to which many complied. Also on the pop/rockers set list was a great cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”
The next glen over saw Irish singer/songwriter James McMorrow win over the crowd at the Sutro stage with his R&B infused tunes, while Sofi Tukker kept things lively at the opposite end of the festival on the Twin Peaks stage.
As the sun began slow slide to the Western horizon, the infamous San Francisco fog rolled in like a soft, cold, blanket just in time for Lorde’s 6 p.m. show. Despite the chill, the audience remained rapt as the Kiwi trotted out old and new songs, including her mega hit “The Royals.”
One the main stage, The Who closed Day 3 with a brilliant set, proving why this band is legendary — and still relevant — five decades after its formation, while Solange enchanted festival goers with her performance at Sutro.
When the music ended, thousands of wet, tired, thrilled, and blissful folks spilled out of Golden Gate Park into the adjoining neighborhoods as Outside Lands 10th annual music, arts, and food festival came to an end.
James Vincent McMorrow hit the high notes just right during his soul-infused set at Sutro stage. The Irish singer/songwriter pulled songs from his four-album catalog, including “Killer Whales” from <em>We Move</em> and “All Points” from <em>Post Tropical</em>. Michelle DrownOutside Lands is known not only for its fantastic music slate, but also for its ample and diverse comestibles both savory and sweet. At Choco Lands, for example, attendees can indulge in some of the best confections the San Francisco area has to offer. Michelle DrownInnovative art is an intrinsic part of San Francisco culture, so it makes sense that Outside Lands dedicates an area in which to showcase cutting-edge artists’ creations. This year saw several graffiti artists produce paintings on the spot, as well as the return of beloved author Dave Eggers's side project: metal, pedal-fitted critters that festival-goers can hitch a ride in, such as this dragon-inspired velocipede. Michelle DrownYoung the Giant's frontman Sameer Gadhi belted out "Apartment," a tune from the band's from eponymous debut album.Marianne KugaNew Zealand doyenne, Lorde, was joined on stage by Bleachers frontman Jack Antoff for a delightful rendition of Paul Simon’s “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard.” Before the song, Antoff, who co-wrote and co-produced much of her recently released sophomore album <em>Melodrama</em>, teased Lorde for showing up to the studio in a rotating wardrobe of sweat pants and walking the streets of New York City barefoot. Marianne KugaPete Townshend gave a nimble, sizzling guitar solo during “Who Are You,” a chart-topping single from the band’s eponymous 1978 record.Marianne KugaRoger Daltry and his Who bandmates opened their set with "I Can't Explain," an A-side single released in 1964.Marianne KugaBlues, greens, reds, and purples illuminated the trees bordering the polo field where festival headliners play their sets after dark.Michelle Drown
