Ethel Cain @ Castro Theater - San Francisco
October 23rd, 2023: Ethel Cain @ Castro Theater - San Francisco, CA
Ethel Cain - Photos Courtesy of: Sabrina Poei
The iconic Castro Theater in San Francisco was set with raw energy as Ethel Cain took the stage for a captivating performance that will surely be etched in the memories of all those lucky enough to attend. The atmosphere in the theater was charged with anticipation, and Ethel Cain did not disappoint, delivering a show that was nothing short of mesmerizing.
As the lights dimmed, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air. The stage was bathed in soft, ethereal lighting, setting the mood for what was to come. Ethel Cain made an understated but grand entrance, clad in a white lace and pearl dress that contrasted the blend of avant-garde and vulnerability that defines her music. The visuals were a perfect compliment to Cain's ethereal and moody sound. A mesmerizing interplay of colors and shadows enhanced the emotional impact of each song, making for a truly immersive experience.
The performance began with the haunting opening notes of "Strangers," an emotional track that instantly connected with the audience. The intimacy of the venue allowed for those in the front row to get up close & personal during “A House in Nebraska” and “American Teenager.” Ethel Cain's voice, at times soft and fragile, and at other times, soaring and powerful, resonated throughout the theater, captivating the crowd. Her ability to weave a narrative through her music was nothing short of extraordinary. Each song told a story, often drawing from her personal experiences. During "Gibson Girl," a deeply emotional and introspective song, she crouched down and sat on the edge of the stage grabbed the hand of an audience member, and sang, making it one of the standout moments of the evening. Her vulnerability on stage was genuine, and it was clear that she was sharing a piece of herself with everyone in attendance.
The evening came to an end with a performance of "Crush," a poignant and powerful song that left the audience in awe and fans erupted in applause as she took her final bow, visibly touched by the warmth and energy of San Francisco. It was a night filled with haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and a powerful sense of shared emotion. After a long year of touring filled with firsts, like playing Coachella, Ethel’s final performance of the tour at Castro Theater was an extraordinary and emotionally charged experience.
flipturn @ The UC Theatre - Berkeley
October 4th, 2023: flipturn @ The UC Theatre - Berkeley, CA
flipturn - Photos Courtesy of: Sabrina Poei
Indie-rock sensation flipturn took the stage at The UC Theatre, leaving the audience in awe with their electric performance. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans gathered to witness this Florida-based band's live act. The venue itself, the UC Theater, with its historic charm and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for what would be an unforgettable evening.
The evening kicked off with the vibrant opening act Finish Ticket, setting the stage for flipturn's performance. As the lights dimmed, the unmistakable energy of flipturn surged through the theater, and the audience erupted in cheers. The band wasted no time launching into their setlist, starting with some of their fan-favorite tracks like “The Fall,” “Sad Disco,” and “Burn.” Lead singer Dillon Basse's voice was nothing short of powerful and emotive, effortlessly transitioning from soulful melodies to high-energy anthems. The band's chemistry was evident as they moved effortlessly through each song, feeding off the energy of the crowd and clearly enjoying every moment on stage. Guitarist Tristan Duncan and bassist Madeline Jarman's intricate riffs and grooves had the audience dancing non-stop, while drummer Devon VonBalson and keyboardist Mitch Fountain provided the pulsating rhythms that elevated flipturn's sound to a whole new level. Their music transcended genres, their energy was contagious, and their connection with the audience was undeniable.
Outside Lands 2023 // San Francisco, CA
Outside Lands -- San Francisco, CA -- August 11-13, 2023
All Photos Courtesy of: Sabrina Poel
Izzy Bizu
The highly anticipated Outside Lands Music Festival kicked off its fifteenth anniversary in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park from August 11-13, with over 100 acts performed across eight stages. Over 220,000 festival attendees enjoyed live music, the best of the Bay Area’s food & wine, and art installations and visual displays.
With Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, ODESZA, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, and Janelle Monae at the top of the bill, Outside Lands never fails to bring a formidable and diverse roster of talent to this annual festival. Whether you’re the type of festival goer to sit back along cypress trees or let it all out against the barricade, Outside Lands has something for everyone – where else can you see Shaq (aka DJ Diesel), Noah Kahan, and Lil Yachty on the same lineup?
Day 1 —
Day one was a testament to the festival's eclectic lineup, featuring a diverse array of genres that catered to every taste. From indie rock to electronic beats, hip-hop, and beyond, the stages were lit with talent. For electronic and house music enthusiasts, the SOMA tent was a haven of pulsating beats and euphoric melodies. Internationally acclaimed DJs took festival-goers on a sonic journey through electronic landscapes, making it nearly impossible to stand still. LED light displays and immersive visuals synchronized seamlessly with the music, creating an atmosphere of pure ecstasy. The new Dolores open-air dance floor allowed for the energy of the SOMA tent and the atmosphere of the festival grounds to co-exist harmoniously.
One of the standout performances of the day came from alternative-indie artist, Ethel Cain. Her infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics had the crowd singing along to every word, turning the vast field into a unified sea of fans. As the sun went down, the park was illuminated by dazzling lights & visuals beaming through San Francisco’s own, Karl the Fog, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the experience. Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated headlining set on the main stage rang in quite the crowd. Playing crowd favorites across his entire discography, it’s impossible not to be in awe of his artistry and performance. As the curtain fell on day one, the air was palpable with anticipation for the days ahead.
Day 2 —
Indie folk artists like Father John Misty and Maggie Roger serenaded the day two-afternoon crowd with their melodic harmonies, creating an atmosphere of relaxed camaraderie. Across the way, French pop and nu-disco band L’Imperatrice, had the crowd moving from start to finish with their infectious beats. The night closed out with Foo Fighters, Lana Del Rey, and FISHER across the 3 main stages.
Day 3 —
The third and final day brought the exhilarating weekend to an awe-inspiring conclusion, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment. The major surprise of the day was a guest appearance by Izzy Bizu during ODESZA’s closing set. Fans were wonderfully caught off guard when Izzy Bizu graced the stage to join ODESZA for track “Forgive Me”, off their 2022 album, The Last Goodbye. In true ODESZA fashion, a firework show shot off during the final song, marking the end of a truly iconic weekend.
The eclectic mix of music, the mesmerizing art, the delectable food, and the undeniable sense of community all pointed to an extraordinary weekend in the heart of San Francisco. Outside Lands will return to Golden Gate Park August 9-11, 2024. For more information about the festival, visit sfoutsidelands.com
